Holiday Inn Express San Antonio N-Riverwalk Area by IHG — Hotel in San Antonio

We stayed at this hotel for 4 days (June 2015) and would NOT recommend it. We checked in, went to our room and 15 minutes later another guest unlocked my door and came in while I was undressing and unpacking. The other guest was given the same room reservation as I and had easy access to my belongings. What if I was in the shower and didn't hear anyone come in? This did not sit well with me. When I called the front desk to ask for an explanation, none was offered not even an apology. They didn't even ask me to come to the front desk for another programmed keycard. I found out I needed a new card later in the day when I was locked out of my room after I returned from dinner. For the entire length of our stay, I wondered if my belongings were truly secure and I was also concerned for my safety and well-being. The location is excellent as far as being a very short walk to the Riverwalk. However, parking is scarce. Despite being charged $10/day extra, there were a few instances that we arrived at the hotel later in the evening to find absolutely no parking spaces available in the front or side of the hotel, or in the immediate lot across the street. Overflow parking is provided at a parking garage a few blocks away, however I DON'T recommend walking at night in this hotel's neighborhood. Every time we left the hotel, we were approached by panhandlers and homeless people looking for money or cigarettes and I did NOT feel safe. The history of the hotel is very interesting (it's a former jail) and it's on the route for the local haunted ghost tours. The king-size bed room was very small, the furniture a bit outdated, and there were frequent problems securing a good wi-fi connection during the length of my stay. Housekeeping leaves at 1:00 pm, so if they pass your room when they're cleaning that floor and your do-not-disturb sign is in place, they do not return to provide service later in the day. The bathroom had no exhaust vent and mold was growing on the ceiling and upper parts of the walls. Our room was just a couple of doors from the elevator on the second floor and we kept hearing inconsiderate people speaking in loud voices as late as midnight up and down the corridors. I even had to get out of bed to ask them to be courteous of the late hour and note that some guests are already asleep. These guests could care less. Overall, I was incredibly disappointed with my hotel selection and found other hotels closer to the Riverwalk that were as affordable and likely safer. I am a Holiday Inn Express frequent flyer and this is the first negative review I have...

🌟 Holiday Inn Express San Antonio N-Riverwalk Area – Historical Overview

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Holiday Inn Express San Antonio N-Riverwalk Area is a historic hotel built on the site of the former Bexar County Jail. Located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, the building has witnessed over a century of history, evolving from a correctional facility into a modern hotel while retaining its rich architectural heritage.

⸻

🏛️ History of the Old Bexar County Jail • Original Construction: The building was constructed in 1878 by architect Alfred Giles in the Mission Revival style. Originally two stories tall and built from limestone, it was designed to house 70 inmates. As San Antonio’s population grew, the building underwent expansions in 1911 and 1926, adding floors and modifying the façade to meet the needs of the time (Wikipedia). • Use as a Jail: It served as the Bexar County Jail until 1962, known for its harsh conditions and as the site of Texas’ last public hanging execution (Ghost City Tours). • Subsequent Transformation: After closing as a jail, the building was used for various purposes, including as a records warehouse and election center. In 2002, Baywood Hotels acquired the building and converted it into the Holiday Inn Express San Antonio N-Riverwalk Area, which officially opened as a hotel in 2004 (Facebook).

⸻

🏨 Hotel Features • Architecture: The hotel preserves original architectural elements, including the brick façade and limestone detailing, reflecting its historic past. • Location: Situated in the Main and Military Plazas Historic District, it provides easy access to major attractions like The Alamo, the San Antonio Riverwalk, and the Spanish Governor’s Palace (Wikipedia). • Recent Renovations: In 2022, the hotel completed an $11 million renovation, modernizing its facilities while preserving its historic character (Express News).

⸻

👻 Paranormal Reputation

Due to its dark past as a jail, the hotel is considered one of San Antonio’s most haunted locations. Guests have reported unexplained noises, apparitions, and sensations of invisible presences (Ghost City Tours).

The Holiday Inn Express San Antonio N-Riverwalk Area offers a unique opportunity to experience San Antonio’s history firsthand, blending modern comfort with a rich cultural and architectural legacy. If you’re looking for a stay that combines history, mystery, and convenience, this hotel is an...

I stayed here in June 2015 for 4 nights and hated it. I checked in and went to my room to unpack and change. About 15 minutes later, another guest was assigned the same room number and accessed my room using a valid keycard. I was embarrassed because I was in the process of changing clothes and felt violated. What if I had been in the shower and not heard them come in? I never felt my belongings were secure in the room and felt uneasy about my safety and well-being for the remainder of the nights I booked. When I called the front desk, I was not offered an apology nor an explanation. They also didn't tell me that I would need to get another room key. I found that out when I returned from dinner and was locked out of my room. The hall and room carpeting have a strong odor and they try to disguise it by spraying a fragrance in the room when you first arrive. The bathroom did not have proper ventilation and mold was growing on the ceiling directly above the shower. I was awakened frequently by inconsiderate guests who felt the need to speak loudly in the hallway at midnight. I had to get out of bed to ask them to take note of the time and be respectful. These guests did not care. Housekeeping finishes cleaning rooms at 1pm, so if they pass your door and see the do-not-disturb sign, they will leave and not return to your floor/room later in the day. You pay an extra $10/day to park your vehicle but there's rarely an available space on the side or front of the hotel in the evenings, or in the immediate lot across the street. Overflow parking is available a few blocks away, but I wouldn't walk in this neighborhood at night and felt very unsafe. Every time we left the hotel we were approached by the homeless or panhandlers looking for money or cigarettes. There is a pool, however every time we tried to access it, there was a large family that took up the entire area and used it for their personal recreation. The king-sized bedroom was very small, the furniture was outdated and the wallpaper in the bathroom was peeling. Overall, a very unpleasant stay and I...