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Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 star property
Historic hotel perfect for exploring Seward

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Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

Lobby
Reception
Restaurant
Reception
Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK, 99664
  • Place, Seward Waterfront Park
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Alaska SeaLife Center
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Seward Boat Harbor
    ‪2 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 1 Queen - Shared Bath

Room | Bathroom sink

1 Queen - Shared Bath

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for One Queen & 1 Twin

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

One Queen & 1 Twin

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for 2 Full Beds

2 Full Beds | Room amenity

2 Full Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Annex 1 Queen Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Annex 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment Annex

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Apartment Annex

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

  • 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

  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Seward Waterfront Park - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Seward Boat Harbor - 2 min drive - 1.6 km
  • Lowell Point State Recreation Site - 9 min drive - 4.5 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Breeze Inn Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Firebrand BBQ - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Cookery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Ray's Waterfront - ‬2 min drive

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

Interior detail

Breeze Inn

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.1 out of 5, Very good, 1,000 reviews
The price is CA $249
CA $276 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 10 - Oct 11
Breeze Inn

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

More

  • 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

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 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 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

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 99 out of 521 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 121 out of 521 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 109 out of 521 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 521 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 104 out of 521 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.4/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Nghia

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Chester

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Old hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Hayden

Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Carol

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The history was interesting.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Carol

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very dilapidated old hotel with peeling paint inside and out. Creepy old windows without screens. Ran out of hot water during a short shower. The staff were very nice

2/10 Terrible

Ian

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Didn't like - property condition extremely poor, no hot water at all during stay, no TV for first night but was fixed. Did like - bed, sheets, towels Recommend avoiding this property in its current state.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Susan

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was great
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Susan

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is obviously very old, which we were hoping would bring charming character. Instead, it was just not well maintained. We had no hot water for the duration of our stay, not even warm. Front desk would only offer a 10% (!!?!??!) discount off of our stay in return. All we wanted after a long day of traveling was a shower, we couldn’t even get that.

6/10 Okay

Mark

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The rate was fair for the value received. This place could be so much more but I suppose then the rates would be so much more. In all fairness the bedroom and bathroom were clean and it wasn't that bad. The biggest negative is the radiator would not turn off so we had to keep both the bathroom and bedroom windows open at all times. If you are looking for an inexpensive place in Seward this will work. Just don't panic when you first pull up to the place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Rob

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Overall very enjoyable

Really cool and historic building right in the middle of Seward. We walked every where. We stayed downstairs. The bathroom was fristrating. Recommend staying upstairs with a shared shower
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Cleo

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness
The shower head barely had any water coming out. The hotel parking was a way to carry luggage from your vechile. No parking out front to unload luggage. Rooms were quiet and lots of antique furniture in the hotel. Carpet had a few sticky spots on it
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Coffee area was lovely
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

cameron

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The hotel is old and the floor is squeaky. We had to check in and out after and before the office hours. Feel bad for
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

russell

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was not in as good shape as the pictures indicated. It was VERY hot and stuffy in our room. The water was cold, NO hot water at all. Electrical outlets would not hold a plug(an easy fix). Curtains do not completely cover windows. It was like outdoor camping with a toilet and sink.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

paul

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Check-in was rather vague about the room rate, and seemed defensive about my even asking. The discussion was confusing and misleading as to the difference between what I was quoted over the phone and what Hotels.com stated. The room seemed clean, but there was absolutely NO HOT WATER; no matter how long I ran it. When I tried to check out a day early, there was no one at the front desk (about 7:15), and when I called about an hour later, still no one. Avoid this hotel; not worth it at any price.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Danette

Travelled with family
This property is hard to review because they are undergoing a massive renovation. The hotel is charming in the history and antiques of it, the price certainly fit our budget, and the staff was as accommodating as could be. However, there were obvious areas for improvement. They recently put in a new water system and for some reason, the hot water did not reach out unit. With a few changes and tries, we still couldn't make it work. But they did allow us to use the shower in a smaller room that was unoccupied at the time to accommodate our family. We also made good use of the front lobby room with the coffee maker and microwave to have breakfast each morning. The staff showed us the plans for the renovations which are beautiful and I love how they will preserve the historical element of the building. If we are fortunate enough to find ourselves in Seward again, we will most likely return to the Van Gilder.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Shane

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Hotel is an interesting place, if a little dated. Beds were comfortable, but the rooms could have been cleaner. We found a pubic hair on one of the beds and had an unexpected roommate (centipede). Aside from that, the location was great and the staff was excellent - very attentive. The coffee bar was a nice touch as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Jared

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Jared

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It’s an older themed building. With coffee, tea, microwave, ref shared. Very close to dining and the bus stop
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Todd, Farmington

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

cathy

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Terribly run down. In room, one of 2 electric outlet not working, shower didnt only drip but almost ran entire time. The bed sheets had not been changed, wrinkles in sheets frm previous occupants. Had to find other accomadations. I would NOT reccommend to anyone!!!! Cathy C. Night of 9/8/24
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

robin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
they are so friendly treat for us, we reach there early but check in is smoothly. the room is clearly. we feel very good.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Tisha

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stay Elsewhere

This is definitely an old hotel that needs some care. The exterior has peeling paint and plaster. The interior carpet is worn and dirty and the wallpaper is missing or peeling in places. We stayed on the 3rd floor (no elevator) so it was a chore to get luggage from the off-site parking lot to our room. The room had its own bathroom but not much else other than a bed and a TV stuck in an awkward corner that you had to view by locating next to the bathroom wall. Our room had hair and used dental floss on the bathroom floor when we checked in and there were no towels. We alerted the front desk and she took care of it quickly. There is no place to hang clothes and there is no drawer space. The shower and toilet area were very tight. There are no blackout curtains in the sleeping area and there are large billowy curtains next to the toilet area which are difficult to manage while using the toilet. I would not recommend this hotel. We had either blood or ketchup on our hallway door jam. Whatever it was, it should be cleaned off. I felt like I had done enough complaining so I did not bring it up. We stayed two nights. There is no daily maid service. I was shown where to get additional towels when I inquired about more linens. The water was lukewarm at best. They do not lock the main door at night so anyone can wander into the hotel. Our room door was pretty flimsy and someone could have easily come in. I should not have read about the 1950 murder in this hotel! haha
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024