I guess it's a personal choice.
Yes... that is totally correct and well within your means to do what you want.
More can be made of this debate... and everyone, please feel free to jump in here.
For me personally, I would rather get a cheap hotel, and spend my money elsewhere... I.E. Good Food, Entertainment, Sight Seeing, and shopping. It has been my experience that most HMONG people are very frugal and rarely spend on luxury. You and your hubby are the exception and that is a good thing.
For the general population of Hmong out there... Please NOTE that hotels in Vientinane... 2-3 Stars are only 12 - 22 dollars a night. That's cheaper than most MOTELS in the US.
WWW.AGODA.COM is the best site and have very good reviews. Good luck all!