Originally Posted by
mikew99
It's been very tempting for me to stay at this hotel (especially using my soon-to-expire BOGO cert) for my visit to HCMC later this month. The hotel looks gorgeous and gets good reviews, but I just can't get past the location. (Neither the CP nor the IC is attractive from that standpoint.) I think the IC would be a great choice for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle, but as a first-time visitor, I'd much rather stay in the city center.
That's a good analysis. Downtown has a lot of locally owned and managed hotels. Small, boutique-style places right in the heart of the old city, offering tremendous value. It's a very competitive environment. Tripadvisor can give you a good idea of the best places.
The IC is a fine option for the first or last night: closer to the airport and an opportunity to unwind after a long flight or after hectic days in Hanoi.