Finding accommodation for nights 1, 2 and 3.

I have been determined to do this myself.  I have decided that since I am arriving in the wee hours of the morning, it's probably nicer to stay somewhere decent for my first stop.  It wouldn't be too nice having to spray the kids mattresses for bed bugs at 2am before making up 6 beds in budget accomodation.  I made the big mistake of reading the paragraph that mentioned "it's not if, but when you encounter bed bugs in Vietnam... " to my daughter.  Haven't heard the end of it since.  Don't even know if it's true.  My other fear is that if I stay somewhere cheaper, I may just turn up to find that the booking hasn't been scratched.  I'm not entirely sure about this, but not taking any chances.  Budget dorm-stays can wait until night # 4.

So tonight I have sent off a few emails to various hotels.  Only one has responded.  The most expensive of my choices (of course).  Continental Hotel.  I've gone for the fancier side of District 1, near the Saigon River (which look to be a very small river on the map).  The Dong Khoi area - for those seeking upscale digs.  Home to the city's best hotels, restaurants and bars.  According to my Lonely Planet Guide, Continental Hotel provided the backdrop for much of the action in Graham Greene's novel The Quiet American. My Lonely Planet was published in 2009 and lists the price as $129/night.  I have managed to secure 2 Superior Rooms side by side for $95 each.  I think there is an extra charge for each 3rd person in each of the 2 rooms, so I may end up paying more than the 2009 price after all.  Actually, I've not had the final comfirmation of booking, but I've sent my email requesting that.  They must have shut down the office for the night I imagine.  I must remember to ask "any chance of doing a better price than that for me?" before I push the final submit button.  I hate haggling, but I hope to become good at it.