Holiday Inn Express Riverwalk Area

The Holiday Inn Express occupies a five-story brick building near the San Antonio River Walk in the downtown area. The structure retains its original red brick exterior and houses hotel accommodations within the historic central district.

The building was originally constructed in 1878 as the Bexar County Jail and operated as a detention facility until 1962. Following its closure, it underwent gradual transformation and renovations before becoming the hotel it is today.

The building sits within the Main and Military Plazas Historic District, where old structures have been repurposed to serve the community in different ways over time. Walking through the area, you can see how the neighborhood has evolved while keeping its architectural character intact.

The hotel sits in a central location with direct access to downtown attractions and various transportation options. Visitors should note that the area around the River Walk can become crowded during peak times.

The building is locally known as the 'Shrimp Hotel' because it sits on Camaron Street, which means shrimp in Spanish. This local nickname reflects how the neighborhood's street names once carried everyday references that people used in casual conversation.

Location: San Antonio

Inception: 1878

Part of: Main and Military Plazas Historic District

GPS coordinates: 29.42610,-98.49560

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:05