I've driven past that HI a few times, but note that it doesn't figure in the IHG/HI website. I asked someone at the other HI, by the airport, about it - he said it's an older hotel switching to IHG, but they are facing problems getting the place up to HI's "standards", whatever that means. What was your verdict?
The HI in south Jeddah was lost to the demolitions so a Hamra alternative to the (expensive) Crowne Plaza and Intercontinental will be welcome.
There's quite a gulf between international brands and local hotels, mainly in price. With luck you can find a perfectly nice 3/4-star hotel in the $50 to $100 range, while the estabished international brands, even the HI, can go for double that.
Al Hamra is a delight in a city difficult to love. The corniche is the old, traditional one and the one I prefer. But it might be worth trying out the new northern corniche if you get the chance - it's a bit more "jazzy", with more refreshment options: Jeddawis flock there.
It's also worth giving up an evening to walk around the streets and souqs of the old town, al Balad. It's not so large, but aim for Bab Mecca. I believe it's got UNESCO world heritage status, but the preservation works are certainly taking their time…..
Sorry this is drifting off topic, but I'm something of a Jeddah fan, and the notes might be useful for anyone on a stop-over
