I wouldn't call the Geneva properties very exciting either.... the IC is located in the Nations area where it's mostly just office buildings, international organizations.... it's boring too. I mean cities in Switzterland are not big and you can easily reach the center by tram but yeah, I wouldn't waste money or points on that IC.
The HIX is convenient for early flights from GVA and it's fairly cheap. It's close to bus lines to the airport and tram to the center.

The HIX in Zurich is "worse". That area is so empty and dead. I don't consider it a convenient location, even though it's geographically close to the airport. You would either need to take their free shuttle bus or take the local public bus that does a bit of a detour before reaching the airport. Otherwise you're left with the train with a few minutes of walking to reach the hotel.

I'd rather stay at the CP, the tram stops almost in front of it and that area is not that bad. Langstrasse, Lochergut and Stauffacher are not far and full or bars and restaurants and shops.