Van Gilder Hotel

Historic hotel perfect for exploring Seward

Choose dates to view prices

A bar area with a wooden counter, hanging lamps, and two stools.

A hotel room with a bed, a mirror, a sink, and a trash bin.

A grand lobby with ornate chandeliers and a large screen.

A building with the name "Van Gilder Hotel" above the entrance.

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Popular amenities

Free WiFi
Housekeeping

Explore the area

308 Adams Street, Seward, AK, 99664

Place, Alaska SeaLife Center
‪4 min walk‬
Place, Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center
‪4 min walk‬
Place, Seward Waterfront Park
‪4 min walk‬

Room options

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, a window with curtains, a chandelier, and a framed picture on the wall.

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

1 bedroom
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a radiator, a window with curtains, a bedside lamp, and a mirror on the wall.

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

1 bedroom
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

A bathroom with a white sink, gold faucets, and a large mirror with an ornate frame. There are wall-mounted lights above the mirror and a towel rack to the right.

1 Queen - Shared Bath

1 bedroom
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, and a dresser.

One Queen & 1 Twin

1 bedroom
Sleeps 3
1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

A vintage black rotary dial telephone on a marble surface.

2 Full Beds

1 bedroom
Sleeps 4
2 Double Beds

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, and curtains.

Annex 1 Queen Bed

1 bedroom
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Apartment Annex

1 bedroom
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

1 bedroom
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

About the area

Seward

Heart of Seward.With a stay at this Seward hotel, you'll be steps from Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum. Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center and Alaska SeaLife Center are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

Seward Community Library & Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
Seward Waterfront Park - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
Seward Boat Harbor - 1 min drive - 1.6 km

Getting around

Kenai, AK (ENA-Kenai Municipal) - 139 min drive

Restaurants

‪Tidewater Taphouse - ‬3 min drive
‪Woody's Thai Kitchen - ‬11 min walk
‪Ray's Waterfront - ‬2 min drive
‪The Breeze Inn Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
‪Firebrand BBQ - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Van Gilder Hotel

Historic hotel perfect for exploring Seward

Van Gilder Hotel offers its guests a library, tour/ticket assistance, and concierge services. Public spaces have free WiFi. An area shuttle within 25 yards and a bus station shuttle are free. The historic Van Gilder Hotel also features express check-out, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Victorian Seward hotel.

20 guestrooms or units

3 levels

Built in 1916

Front desk (limited hours)

Express check-out

Storage area for luggage

Tour and ticket information

Concierge

Library

Smoking in designated areas

Microwave in a common area

Refrigerator in a common area

Van Gilder Hotel offers 20 accommodations with complimentary toiletries. This Seward hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Hair dryers, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

A modern office space with a kitchen area, a world map on the wall, and a large rug with anchor patterns.

Pet friendly
Parking included
Free WiFi
Microwave

Property amenities

Family friendly

Free area shuttle

Internet

Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

Free area shuttle up to 25 yds
Free bus station shuttle
Free self parking on site

Things to do

Art gallery
Library
Shopping mall

Accessibility

No elevator

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Hair dryer (on request)
Shower
Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
Towels provided

Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM

Late check-in subject to availability

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours

To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between September 10 and May 14.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome.

Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector

Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Van Gilder

Van Gilder Hotel

Van Gilder Hotel Seward

Van Gilder Seward

Van Gilder Hotel Hotel

Van Gilder Hotel Seward

Van Gilder Hotel Hotel Seward

Frequently asked questions

How close is Van Gilder Hotel to the airport?

Van Gilder Hotel is 103.8 mi (139-min drive) away from the Kenai, AK (ENA-Kenai Municipal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Van Gilder Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Van Gilder Hotel.

How close is Van Gilder Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is a short 5-minute walk from Seward Waterfront Park and 2.7 mi (8-min drive) from Lowell Point State Recreation Site. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Van Gilder Hotel offer free breakfast?

Van Gilder Hotel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Van Gilder Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Van Gilder Hotel?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Van Gilder Hotel have a pool?

Van Gilder Hotel does not have a pool.

Does Van Gilder Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Van Gilder Hotel to downtown Seward?

Van Gilder Hotel is 0.3 mi away from Seward.

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

6.2

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Verified review

6/10 Okay

ELIZABETH

Jul 5, 2026

Liked: Staff & service, amenities

The hotel is quite authentically old. But also quite beat up.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026

Verified review

8/10 Good

Jessica

Jun 22, 2026

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities

Although this property could use a little love, we had a wonderful stay! It was in the heart of downtown, the coffee was excellent, and we felt very safe and comfortable. If you don't mind staying in a historical (and haunted!) hotel, I highly recommend staying here - it was much nicer than when we stayed at the Breeze Inn last summer.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026

Verified review

8/10 Good

Lesley

Jun 13, 2026

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Convenient to downtown. Could use some sprucing up. Nice staff!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Jun 11, 2026

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Served its purpose of a place to sleep. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. I liked the antique vibe although it may not be for everyone. Everything was clean and the beds were comfortable.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gerd

Jul 1, 2026

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Neat historic hotel, we had a great stay. The building is old and looks rough from the outside but rooms were fine. Our shower had a plumbing problem. The staff immediately had a repair person working on it and moved us to a new room. The staff was prompt and handled it great. It is right in downtown Seward so really nice to walk to the shops and aquarium etc. Lots of shops and restaurants very close by!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026

Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Pankaj

Jun 17, 2026

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

I would not recommend to stay in this hotel. This is a century old hotel with all old furniture and tiny bathroom. Old style heater sitting just next to your bed. Look for something else. We stayed 2 nights

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Jun 29, 2026

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities

Is the property old, yes, did it feel haunted, yep, is the paint chipping and wallpaper peeling, yes, does it have a smell, yes, is it overwhelming, no, does the hotel have charm, Yes, would I stay again Definitely! Shared bathroom situation was not horrible as I thought it would be. Never had issues, stayed 2 nights and will 100% stay here again. Clean, comfortable, and loved the overall “Shinning” feel. I recommend if you want a fun place to sleep or chill in the front room with coffee and a book. Has shared fridges and lots of old charm. Also amazing location and the food truck one street back was the best food I had in town. Try the tomatoes soup!!!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Claude

Aug 13, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Love the old style hotel, staff was very nice

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Susan

Jun 28, 2025

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Location was great

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Jul 6, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Wonderful and professional staff made our stay easy and enjoyable. Great location.

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Aug 24, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

We loved the historical memorabilia and stories as well as the friendly atmosphere.

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

William

Sep 1, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Clean, friendly staff.

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

Verified review

8/10 Good

Scott

Jul 6, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Great location in downtown - cool historic hotel :)

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

Verified review

8/10 Good

Karen

Jun 17, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Coffee area was lovely

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Aug 25, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Wonderful property

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Jun 29, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Fantastic location and very friendly/helpful staff. Perfect place to stay while exploring Seward.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

Verified review

4/10 Poor

Alejandro

Jun 7, 2026

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

This was one of the worst hotel experiences I have ever had. From the moment we arrived, the building looked neglected, with peeling paint and broken windows. The entire property is in very poor condition. The smell of mold is overwhelming throughout the hotel and inside the room. The bathroom is extremely old, the paint is peeling off the walls, and everything feels poorly maintained. The unpleasant odor made it very difficult to stay comfortably. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone. Please do yourself a favor and choose a different place to stay.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026

Verified review