It’s all about the location at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, and the hotel makes the most of its views directly over the water. Inside, the decor is chic and contemporary; the attractive lobby has dark-wood-panel flooring, and the same on the reception desk frontage, along with high white ceilings and plenty of natural light. Chic seating areas have attractive, brightly colored sofas and tub-style armchairs, while other more ornately decorated parts have striking pillars, chandeliers, tray ceilings, and indoor plants. Hallways also have a certain grandeur with patterned brown wallpaper and carpet, and large framed prints on the walls, but the dated white ceiling tiles drop the look down a notch. 

A slightly sparse terrace provides views of River Walk and seating on elegant gray wicker armchairs with plush red cushions. Inside, the chic Windows On The River restaurant blends elegant patterned carpets in orange and brown with black-framed wooden tables, and black-wood-framed seats padded with bright yellow upholstery. Square windows in thick dark frames let in plenty of natural light and afford direct River Walk views. Most guests are couples or families in town to explore the River Walk attractions and the Alamo, although some business travelers also come for the proximity to the convention center. 

With the hotel’s front entrance facing directly onto North St. Mary’s Street, a main but quiet-feeling road in the heart of the River Walk area, the Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk is well placed to reach the area’s major attractions on foot. Better yet, the hotel’s rear entrance leads right onto the River Walk itself. The Alamo is around a 10-minute walk away, and there are plenty of good restaurants nearby. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is around a 20-minute walk, five-minute drive, or 12-minute ride via bus that stops a few minutes' walk from the hotel. San Antonio International Airport is around a 15-minute drive away.

All rooms at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk share a warm, cozy, contemporary design. Modern dark-wood-grain paneled flooring, wood-grain-effect accent walls, and framed prints with warm orange hues give a chic backdrop. Small wooden tables and dark leather chairs give a spot for seating. And attractive blond-wood cabinets hold 37-inch flat-screen TVs. Other amenities include mini-fridges, coffee/tea facilities, iPod docks, and ironing facilities in the open wardrobe spaces. Bathrooms are bright and attractive, with large dark-wood vanities topped with white slab sinks. The small built-in shower/tub combos come with fixed showerheads (not rainfall ones). 

Slightly more spacious Queen Rooms add two queen-size beds, armchairs, and separate desks. King Riverview Rooms also offer more space, armchairs, separate desks, and some have sofabeds and balconies with River Walk views. Executive King Suites add in separate living spaces, along with low modern coffee tables and a second TV. Each also has a small kitchenette with a sink, microwave, mini-fridge, and plenty of storage cupboards; crockery and cutlery are provided on request. They also include glass walk-in showers and small but pleasant balconies with modern metal-framed wooden seating. This is the only category of room at the Holiday Inn to come with a safe. 

Note that there have been some reports of thin walls allowing noise to spread easily between rooms, as well as of noise from outside the hotel causing disturbances.

This Holiday Inn checks off the list of features expected for this brand, but some are limited in scope. The outdoor heated step-in pool is small but good for a quick dip; it's surrounded by a small number of modern loungers, and there's a separate hot tub. The bright gym has a handful of cardio and weight-lifting equipment, plus large mirrors and windows that magnify the natural light. A small but chic business center has modern booth desks with Apple computers, in a bright and pleasant space. The property also offers 10,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. 

The buffet breakfast served at the Windows On The River restaurant is included in most, but not all, room rates. This chic restaurant serves all meals and a happy hour as well. The 24-hour Mugg's Cafe offers snacks and drinks minimart-style, with self-service coffee machines and a selection of pastries and other take-away goods. Self-service guest laundry facilities are available, and there are self-parking and valet services, both for a fee. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.