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

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

1 Queen - Shared Bath | 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 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

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

Interior detail
Breeze Inn
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.1 out of 5, Very Good, 1,010 reviews
$143 nightly
The price is $159
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Total with 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.

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.

Reviews

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

6.2

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.4/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.2/10

Eco-friendliness
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

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Neal

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Roberta, Pine

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an historic hotel in the heart of Seward. As expected, it was old and lovely. Our rooms were clean and remodeled. The bed was comfortable and the rooms were good size. The hotel is walking distance from restaurants and the Sealife Center as well as the beach. The only thing that I would recommend is have more staff available. We often had to go find the front desk clerk to ask questions and to check in and out. We would recommend if you like old, historic hotels and we would come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Juan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
What we like Location Staff Room was ok What we did not like The hotel was to hot The shower did not have cold water so water was to hot to take one
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

qing

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

David

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Use this hotel as a last resort.

This hotel will do in a pinch and that was what we were in. The bed and pillows were comfortable. The TV was good. The WiFi was good. The water pressure was terrible at the sink and almost non-existent at the shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Historic hotel in Seward.

Well located historic building in downtown Seward. Historic means no AC, small shower. Nice staff, sitting rooms with coffee and tea.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

sherri

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Interesting, historic hotel. Beds were extremely comfortable! No elevator. Great location - close to shops, restaurants and the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kevin, DeBary

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
New name, hotel lysol, no hot water. Dump
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pillows are original to the room and this place is old!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Bernard

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Old and it shows almost everywhere

This place is a historical monument, but not kept up well at all. The outside walls and front steps are crumbling. The building next door looks to be condemned. Places in the interior show buckled walls. Most of the interior looks very old and shabby. Our second floor room took several minutes of running water before it would be hot. The faucet in our sink was very loosely attached. If you try to bend your head down near the sink you have to be careful not to hit the storage shelf above it. There is no elevator, so you carry your luggage up and down stairs if not on the first floor. Parking is a gravel lot a half block behind the building connected by a gravel alley, so there is no to surface where you can roll your luggage to or from your car. Either carry them or drop off in front and park later.
Front
Crumbling steps
Lack of maintenance
Buckled wall
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Phil, Findlay

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

UTPAL

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel should be shut down by the city of Seward, AK. The condition is terrible, definitely worse than a cheap Motel condition. The room smelled badly, dirty all over the place, no AC, door, window conditions are bad, hallway dirty & bad smell. Expedia should refund my money and de-list this hotel from Expedia site.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Holly

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

perfect location, old historic building

We had a good stay. The Van Gilder is a historic hotel with some age and issues, but was clean and relatively comfortable. The location was definitely the reason to stay here! It is within walking distance of everything in Seward, with amazing views of the water and downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

MITSUTOSHI

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness
Very professional, friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wonderful and professional staff made our stay easy and enjoyable. Great location.

2/10 Terrible

Nghia

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Chester

Traveled 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

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

4/10 Poor

Carol

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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

2/10 Terrible

Susan

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
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

Traveled 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