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Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 star property

Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

Reception
A hotel room with a bed, a mirror, a sink, and a trash bin.
Restaurant
Lobby
A building with the name "Van Gilder Hotel" above the entrance.

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$399
includes taxes & fees
12 July - 13 July

Explore the area

View 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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Room

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.

Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Apartment Annex

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

Apartment Annex

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Classic Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Seward

Van Gilder Hotel puts you in the heart of Seward, within steps of Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum. Highlights at this historic hotel include free self-parking and a free area shuttle. .This Victorian hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, concierge services and a library. Other amenities include a microwave in a common area and a fridge in a common area. There's also the convenience of a free bus station shuttle. .Attractions within a 30-minute drive of this Seward hotel include Seward Boat Harbor and Kenai Fjords National Park.

What's nearby

  • Seward Community Library & Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Seward Waterfront Park - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Seward Boat Harbor - 1 min drive - 1.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Cookery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Woody's Thai Kitchen - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Seward Brewing Company - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Breeze Inn Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Van Gilder Hotel

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 fridge 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
  • Fridge in a common area
Van Gilder Hotel offers 20 accommodations with free toiletries. This Seward hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower. Hairdryers, change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave | Balcony
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Seward
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking available
  • Housekeeping
  • Microwave
3.5 out of 5, Good, 466 reviews
The price is AU$442
includes taxes & fees
8 July - 9 July
Murphy's Alaskan Inn

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
  • Limited on-site self parking

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between 10 September and 14 May.

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.
  • Cots (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 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 all 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

Is parking available at Van Gilder Hotel?

Yep, Van Gilder Hotel has a free self car park.

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

As of 30 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Van Gilder Hotel on 12 July 2026 start from AU$399, including 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.

Are there any beaches close to Van Gilder Hotel?

Yep, Van Gilder Hotel is a short 5-minute walk from Seward Waterfront Park. Fun beach activities include fishing.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, Van Gilder Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Van Gilder Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 103 out of 537 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 126 out of 537 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 537 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 91 out of 537 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 107 out of 537 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.4/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William

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

10/10 Excellent

Ann

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

2/10 Terrible

Susan

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

10/10 Excellent

Jason

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

8/10 Good

Karen

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

6/10 Okay

Nikhil

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Ok for a haunted hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

6/10 Okay

Jasmine

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Bathroom was clean. If you just need a place to stay, this place gets the job done. Staff was friendly. Needs some updates, but I was safe and slept peacefully.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location in downtown - cool historic hotel :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Chester

Liked: Cleanliness
Old hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The decor at the location was amazing. Feels like you're in the early 20th century.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

David

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful old building. Pictures around building talking about its history. Great location. Friendly staff. And hot chocolate in the lobby, not just coffee!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Carol

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

8/10 Good

Holly

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

sherri

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, old historical hotel, well maintained, antique settings in rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Derek

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Valerie

Disliked: Amenities
Very convenient location. Historic hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024