We really enjoyed our stay at the Holiday Inn Express San Antonio North Riverwalk Area. The location is about as perfect as you could ask for, sitting right in the middle of everything—close to the River Walk, Market Square, Hemisfair, and plenty of great restaurants, trendy bars, and nightlife. You’re close enough to enjoy all the action without having to deal with the noise, traffic, and congestion that can come with staying directly in the busiest parts of the River Walk.
The staff was wonderful and very attentive to our every need. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and made us feel welcome. The hotel has a very laid-back vibe, which made it a great place to relax after spending the day exploring San Antonio.
The complimentary breakfast was another big plus. There was a good selection, and it was a great way to get the day started without having to search for breakfast first thing in the morning.
Check-in and check-out were quick and hassle-free, and the on-site parking with in-and-out privileges made it incredibly convenient when we wanted to venture farther away from the hotel.
One of the most interesting things about this property is its history. The building was once a jail, and there are still several small reminders of its past throughout the hotel. Those little touches give the property a unique character and add to the overall ambiance. It’s definitely not your typical cookie-cutter hotel experience.
If I had one complaint, it would be the size of the room. It was a little cramped, but it was still comfortable, clean, and nicely appointed.
Overall, this was a great place to stay for a San Antonio visit. The combination of location, service, convenience, history, and relaxed atmosphere makes this hotel an excellent choice. We would definitely stay here again!
HB
heather brown
Oct 5, 2026
First off, hotel info should include not accessible if you have any mobility issues. One handicap parking spot otherwise you park behind the hotel (that lot doesn't have an entrance to the hotel) and walk 2 blocks back. Tall steps in front of the hotel to lug your suitcases up or walk halfway down the side of the building (that you can't get a car anywhere near) to the ramp. 2 to 3 car spaces available to unload luggage and get checked in, otherwise you haul your luggage 2 blocks. Elevators are all the way down at the back end of the hallway which means if you have a low number room you walk to the back of the hotel to get to the elevator and then walk the length of the hotel again to get to your room. Heaven help you if something doesn't work in your room (like the bathroom light) cause maintenance goes home at 5pm and you are stuck with no light. Bed was comfortable and room was clean. Was disappointed that none of the historic charm of the building was evident inside. Outside is a beautiful old building, inside looks like every other Holidsy Inn Express.
Didn't realize the building was a former jail that is on the historical registry so that was fun! It's also a part of the downtown ghost tours (noticed a tour group outside one night when we returned). We parked in the off-site (literally around the corner) hotel parking ($20 a night) and didn't move our vehicle during the entirety of our stay as everything we wanted to see and do was in walking distance. Friendly staff, good options for breakfast, comfortable beds however low water pressure in shower. Otherwise worth the stay.
NH
Neil Huband
Sep 28, 2026
The commercials are absolutely spot on about staying at a Holiday Inn Express, at least this location. Close to the Riverwalk and so much else, famously haunted as it was a former prison, great spread for breakfast, fresh roasted coffee free all day every day, pool, great staff, great rooms, a pool. All around fantastic!!
JS
John Shupeck
Sep 21, 2026
We booked a king-size bed for our first little getaway as a couple a week before we arrived. Upon arrival, they had no king-sized beds, and then proceeded to move our room multiple times due to the inspection not being done on the first one even though they said it was upon checking in. We ended up in a room with two double-sized beds. The pool was "out of water," the air conditioning seemed not to be working properly, and the booking website assured us the room would be ready between 12:00-1:00 PM. If this is a problem with the third party website we used to book, then Holiday Inn Express needs to fix that issue with the websites who book for them.
Also, we were told we would receive a minor refund for all the inconveniences. Upon checking out, we received an additional $4.38 charge with no refund. I do not recommend staying here.