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Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 star property

Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

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

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View 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 Room

Room | Bathroom sink

Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apartment Annex

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Apartment Annex

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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 2 Full Beds

2 Full Beds | Room amenity

2 Full Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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 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

Similar properties

Interior detail

Breeze Inn

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.1 out of 5, Very good, 1,005 reviews
The price is AU$332
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Breeze Inn

About the area

Seward

A stay at Van Gilder Hotel places you in the heart of Seward, within a 5-minute walk of Seward Community Library & Museum and Chugach Heritage Center. .This historic hotel is 10.7 mi (17.2 km) from Kenai Fjords National Park and 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Seward Waterfront Park.

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

  • ‪Firebrand BBQ - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Harbor Street Creamery - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Alaska Seafood Grill - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Van Gilder Hotel

Victorian hotel in Seward with free parking
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.
Make yourself at home in one of the 20 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.
Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services. Guests can catch a ride on the complimentary shuttle, which operates within 25 yards.
Featured amenities include express check-out, luggage storage, and a library. A bus station shuttle is provided at no charge, and free self parking is available onsite.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free area shuttle up to 25 yards
  • Free bus station shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Library
  • Shopping centre

Family friendly

  • Free area shuttle

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • In the mountains

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1916
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Victorian architecture

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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the 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. 98 out of 518 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 120 out of 518 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 108 out of 518 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 518 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 104 out of 518 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

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

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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