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Van Gilder Hotel

Property class: 2.5
Historic hotel perfect for exploring Seward

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

Restaurant
A bar area with a wooden counter, hanging lamps, and two stools.
A building with the name "Van Gilder Hotel" above the entrance.
A grand lobby with ornate chandeliers and a large screen.
A hotel room with a bed, a mirror, a sink, and a trash bin.

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
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

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

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

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

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

View all photos for 1 Queen - Shared Bath

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

View all photos for One Queen & 1 Twin

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

View all photos for 2 Full Beds

A vintage black rotary dial telephone on a marble surface.

2 Full Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Annex 1 Queen Bed

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

Annex 1 Queen Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment Annex

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

Apartment Annex

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

  • Seward Community Library & Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Seward Waterfront Park - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Seward Boat Harbor - 1 min drive - 1.0 mile

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.

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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
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

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 599 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 139 out of 599 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 126 out of 599 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 97 out of 599 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 115 out of 599 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very convenient location for Mt. Marathon race. Historic hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic stay at this beautiful, historic gem! Sash at the front desk provided amazing service, making us feel welcome instantly and helping with our bags. The beds and pillows are exceptionally comfortable. Plus, having hot chocolate and coffee available around the clock is a great perk. Quaint and full of character!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Older building, not renovated. Great historical landmark and great location. We only stayed for a night, would not have been great for longer stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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

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

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small historical building. We were traveling with two young children. Not ideal for our situation. Staff was friendly and allowed early check in.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Seriously for that price you would be better off to sleep in your car!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The outside could use a paint job, but don't let that fool you. This is a pretty cool historic place to stay. Interior is nice, beautiful lobby and parlor room to have a cup of coffee and a snack. Rooms have everything you need. You can kinda hear your neighbors through the ceiling and walls would be my only complaint. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

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

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

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Room is in a historic hotel so rooms do not meet typical modern standards regarding size, facilities and amenities. Room was equivalent to staying in a very rundown motel 6. Not in any way luxurious. $480 rate for one night in a small grungy room is beyond ridiculous.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

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

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

6/10 Okay

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It is an old property in need of some room upgrades and maintenance. The bed was nice and the rooms were clean. Please add blackout curtains, the bright sun was shining in our eyes at 5am from the window above our headboard. The shower head and shower curtain were in poor condition and the tile in the bathroom had cracks and missing tiles. We had a 3rd floor room and a stairway with odd step pattern and layout, be careful heading up/ down. Coffee/dining area was nice, well-stocked with two self-serve Keurigs, creamer and half & half, as well as teas and hot water, a microwave and fridge (there’s not one in the room).
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would have really liked to see the actual pictures on the website. Pictures on the website are really old. There's only one common bath and toilet per floor and the one on my floor was out of use. No hot water. Doorstop was sort of broken so opening and closing the door required some real skill. There's no ventilation in the room. Building is really rundown
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was great
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wonderful and professional staff made our stay easy and enjoyable. Great location.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Coffee area was lovely
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful property
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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