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

Room options

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 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

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

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Annex 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment Annex

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 Community Library & Museum - 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 - 1 min drive - 1.0 mile

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Breeze Inn Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Cookery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Ray's Waterfront - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Firebrand BBQ - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 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, 1,000 reviews
$128 nightly
The price is $143
Dec 17 - Dec 18
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
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 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.

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 522 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 121 out of 522 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 109 out of 522 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 522 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 104 out of 522 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

4/10 Poor

Erin, San DIego

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Property was run down outside, the inside was clean with a comfortable bed but tvs didn’t work and room was way overpriced.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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

Don’t stay here

The staff wouldn’t answer the emergency line they gave me if there were any problems. The window wouldn’t lock and it was next to the sketchy alley and it was moldy!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kelsi

Disliked: Staff & service

The Haunted Hotel

The Van Gilder gave me spooky Haunted vibes but I thought it was great as an experience because of the hauntedness. It would have been better if I was able to check in early and check out later so I didn’t have to carry my bags around Seward. Overall conveniently located lower end of town. Very close walk to waters edge, aquarium, coffee shop and other restaurants and stores. Also the Free Shuttle stop #9 is just outside and across the street.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

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

6/10 Okay

Christine

Traveled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Hotel is old and historic and has a lot of potential. The room we were assigned initially was a two bedroom suite with a shared bath, however, the set up was strange and the shared bath was a sink in one bed room and a toilet and shower in the other bedroom, not a good set up when traveling with 4 adults. Sash, the reception lady was very nice and moved our rooms. The new rooms were cozy but the tv was mounted behind the bed, so you really couldn’t watch tv if you were lying in bed. We loved the history of the hotel and the location, but not sure we would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Shantel

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Richard, WARMINSTER

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
liked interior decor. very historic. outside looked like it was decaying at places. no elevator and no breakfast. the lock on the door at our room was very hard to open with the key.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Derek

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The hotel is dated with part of the charm being haunted for those into that. My wife didn't like the haunted part and we both would have appreciated things more maintained. The location was awesome, with walking access to the best restaurants and water.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful property
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Traveled with partner
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

8/10 Good

David

Business traveler

Van Gilder Hotel

The place is a little run down but our stay was fine. Love the architecture, quiet and in the center of town an easy walk to everything. If you want a 5 star hotel this isnt for you but my wife and I liked it a lot. If we ever come back to Seward will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Susan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Hotel is a bit rough around the edges but very convenient and a fair value for the money. I was intrigued by the history and happy to find the free shuttle bus stop right across the street. The hostess was lovely and very helpful even loaning me her raincoat for the evening. I would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Claudia

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

Tolerable

One night stay. The van gilder is an old hotel. It is registered on the national historic register and it's possible they've done little to improve things since achieving that feat. The bed was tolerable, but the shower needs help. It was either hotbor cold.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Juliane

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

8/10 Good

Valerie

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
We love the Van Gilder. It is an historic building and therefore has some physical shortcomings but it makes up for it in customer service and location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Nikhil, FREMONT

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Ok for a haunted hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Tammy, Tuttle

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The only place I can say was at least the bed sheets were clean. There is no ac so the window was open when we first got into our room and there was a crazy hallowing noise coming from a crack in the wall.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa, Scottsdale

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The property was conveniently located in the middle of town and I could walk to most everything I wanted to do. It was not in great condition. The staff was very nice/polite. I took pictures but I don't see an option to share here. Sorry to say I wouldn't recommend due to the condition of the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The Van Gilder was a great historic place. But . . . when you stay at historic, keep in mind it's older. We enjoyed our "suite" however being on the 3rd floor allowed us the opportunity to get in our exercise whether we wanted it or not. There was no AC, but the desk hostess provided us with a fan. If you want an experience/adventure at a reasonable cost, this is your place!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Peter

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Historic hotel in need of major renovation

Van Gilder hotel is an historic hotel very old but in need of major renovations from the exterior the front steps were broken concrete and they were not accessible by any ADA standard outside building was a flaking paint and just terrible . The hotel lacked an elevator and we were on the third story and so we had to walk up and carry up all our luggage not very good.. The room was relatively small one small queen bed and bathroom in the room unfortunately the television was in the wrong location. It was 8 feet up in the air and it was at the head head of the bed so if you wanted to watch TV you had to lay in bed facing the wrong way where your feet would be the hotel doesn’t have any air-conditioning and unfortunately, the windows do not have any screens so if you left the windows open, it’s a good chance you come back in your room would be full of flying bugs. Bathroom was acceptable, shower, toilet, etc. that was OK down in front lobby. They had availability of coffee and a small countertop ice machine in the room with the big bear very Alaskan overall hotel might be a great location if and when it ever gets fixed up if not probably it should be a disclaimer that it is not ADA friendly that people who need or unable to climb, massive stairs and hump luggage up should stay away
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

shengzhong

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Old building, noise everywhere, very hot in the room.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Neat, Cool, Historical

Very neat, cool, and interesting place to stay. Historic and interesting stories. Definitely different, but in a good and enjoyable way. Staff (Sash!!) was helpful in accommodating our late arrival.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claude

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love the old style hotel, staff was very nice
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Richard A

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025