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Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 star property
Historic hotel perfect for exploring Seward

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

Reception
Lobby
Restaurant
Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Front of property

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK, 99664
  • Seward Waterfront Park
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Alaska SeaLife Center
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Seward Boat Harbor
    ‪2 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for 1 Queen - Shared Bath

1 Queen - Shared Bath | Bathroom sink

1 Queen - Shared Bath

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apartment Annex

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Apartment Annex

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Annex 1 Queen Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Annex 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen 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 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

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 - 0.2 miles
  • Seward Waterfront Park - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Seward Boat Harbor - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Lowell Point State Recreation Site - 9 min drive - 2.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Harbor Street Creamery - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Ray's Waterfront - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Woody's Thai Kitchen - ‬11 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Interior detail

Breeze Inn

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.0 out of 5, Very Good, 1,001 reviews
$319 nightly
The price is $354
Jun 6 - Jun 7
Total includes taxes and fees
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

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.

How much does it cost to stay at Van Gilder Hotel?

As of May 31, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Van Gilder Hotel on Jun 9, 2025 start from $222.59, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 84 out of 435 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 101 out of 435 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 90 out of 435 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 73 out of 435 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 87 out of 435 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.4/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

Traveled 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

4/10 Poor

Retean, Sarasota

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
😬
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

tom

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is a fire trap. There is no ceiling in the shower and u can see the hallway through the opening. There is exposed lathe and plaster above that shower. The stairway carpet leading up to door has tears and holes in it and is tread bare. Plaster is falling off the exterior and looks run down. The interior smells OLD. When u look at this place, skid row comes to my mind.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Judi

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Just what we expected. Older building, beds where comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was so happy when I got to the Hotel and saw my room. It was very clean. Freshly painted. The floors were immaculate. The bed had clean sheets and it was very comfortable. I slept very well. I like to sleep in a cool room. It was nice because I could open the window if I needed air during the night. I was glad I had my own bathroom. The bathroom was large and very clean. I had all the hot water I needed. My check in was smooth and check out was super easy. I can report I did not see any ghosts or have any hauntings. All in all I had a wonderful experience at the Van Gilder Hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric

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

Great

Great
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Maggie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
It is a very old, historic hotel so don't expect much. I was disappointed in the temperature of the shower. It was only luke warm and the shower head was an old style that barely sprayed the water.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Dianne

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
There was mold around the caulking at the sink. The bedding was old and didn’t feel clean. There was a sock left under the covers and the room had not been vacuumed for awhile, especially under the bed. The staff at the desk is there from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and then the reception door is locked. The building is left unsecure after 9:00 pm and the location is in the old town of Seward near the waterfront. Anyone can enter the building and no staff are present. We would not stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Norman, Renton

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Van Gilder is a very old property. My room was on the 3rd floor. There is no elevator. I paid extra to have a private bathroom, otherwise you are sharing a small toilet room and a small shower room. There was no hot water at my sink. The first time I tried to take a shower there was no hot water at the shower. I went down to the office to ask about the absence of hot water and another guest said that she also had no hot water last night, but she did this morning..So rethinking my showering schedule away from heavy usage times I was able to get my next 2 showers in. My 3rd shower was luke warm. There is a small eating room with microwave, small fridge, ice maker and 2 Kuerigs. The microwave would not run for more than 10 seconds unless I unplugged other appliances. The bed was fairly good. The room, linens and towels were clean. There were 2 available usable outlets. My door was rubbing REALLY hard at the head and was very difficult to open and close. The location is great. There is plenty of parking around the hotel and it is just off of 4th Ave where there is lots of food and drink available within a short walking distance. 5 minute drive to the marina.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cool haunted property 👻
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Richard

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Rich

Shakey stay

Old hotel, n0 elevator, no heat
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Douglas

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We loved our stay at the property. It reminded me of hotels in Europe. The staff is truly amazing. Loved the common areas with tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Our room was clean. You couldn't ask for a better location for the old town shopping and dinning, touring the aquarium and the free shuttle stop is just across the street. So why only four stars? The hotel needs TLC: on the outside it needs stucco repair and paint, and the inside needs new carpet, replacing wallpaper, etc. I can look past these items, but the owner could really make this a perfect inn and help the staff shine with some capitol investment. Thank you to the entire staff for making our stay over four days feel like a home away from home.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Frank

Traveled with family
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Margaret

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Had charm. Staff very friendly, excellent location - a few steps away from the main shopping and dining street.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Kelly

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Agustin

Liked: Staff & service
The property is well located, with plenty of stores, bars, and diners in the vicinity. The rooms are small but adequate. There are free shuttles available in front of the hotel, with numbered stops, and the one in front of the hotel is Stop 9. The walls can be a little thin, allowing you to hear noises from other rooms. I had read before going that the shower did not have hot water, and unfortunately, it was not fixed. However, the staff is amazing and very helpful, they are the heart of the place. The space was clean, and I would go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Loretta

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was damp, musty and in disrepair. Wallpaper was about 50 years old and peeling off the walls. Corners of room had dirt and paint chips.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024