Quick dissenting opinion: I would stay here over Old Quarter hotels. My recent trip I stayed at both an Old Quarter Hotel hotel and the IC. The former was lovely, but I really appreciated coming back to the peaceful IC after spending the day in the wonderful chaos this is Hanoi. The area immediately surrounding the IC is lively (shops, restaurants, a lovely bakery named "Saint Honore"), so no need to worry about being isolated. The $4, 7 minute taxi ride each way to the Old Quarter is worth the serenity of the IC.