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Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 star property
Victorian hotel in Seward with free parking

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Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

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

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included
The current price is €216
includes taxes & fees
10 Aug - 11 Aug

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Aug 1 - Aug 2
Check availability for tonight Aug 1 - Aug 2

Tomorrow

Aug 2 - Aug 3
Check availability for tomorrow Aug 2 - Aug 3
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Showing 8 of 8 rooms

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Room | Bathroom sink

Room

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apartment Annex

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Apartment Annex

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
Located in an annex building
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Annex 1 Queen Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Annex 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Daily housekeeping
Located in an annex building
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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2 Full Beds | Room amenity

2 Full Beds

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Heating
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • 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

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
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About the area

Map
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK, 99664

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

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Harbor Street Creamery - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Ray's Waterfront - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Woody's Thai Kitchen - ‬11 min walk

About this property

Van Gilder Hotel

Historic hotel in the city centre
Consider a stay at Van Gilder Hotel and take advantage of an art gallery on-site, a shopping centre on-site and a library. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self-parking
  • A free local area shuttle, express check-out and tour/ticket information
  • Concierge services and luggage storage
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Van Gilder Hotel offer amenities, such as free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers and free toiletries
  • Heating and daily housekeeping

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Interior detail

Breeze Inn

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
8.2 out of 10, Very good, 1,005 reviews
The price is €291
includes taxes & fees
12 Aug - 13 Aug
Breeze 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

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 10 September and 14 May.

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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
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

Frequently asked questions

Is Van Gilder Hotel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

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

As of 1 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Van Gilder Hotel on 10 Aug 2025 start from €216.31, 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.

How much is parking at Van Gilder Hotel?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Van Gilder Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Van Gilder Hotel?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Van Gilder Hotel located?

Located in the heart of Seward, this historic hotel is steps away from Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum. Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center and Alaska SeaLife Center are also within 5 minutes.

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Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 479 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 110 out of 479 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 98 out of 479 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 82 out of 479 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 101 out of 479 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

5.2/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

2/10 Terrible

Susan

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

8/10 Good

Karen

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

8/10 Good

Chester

Liked: Cleanliness
Old hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

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

4/10 Poor

Carol

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

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I felt as though I had stepped back in time.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Kyle

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No hot water for two days. No clue from staff on resolution. Very hot in the room and no screens on windows. Could be a nice place someday.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kevin

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

8/10 Good

Roberta

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

2/10 Terrible

Brian

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is old, dingy, outdated, and very inconvenient. We had to carry our luggage up 3 flights of stairs, there was no air or ability to open windows which was suffocating, and no hot water for showers. Parking was in a dirt field behind the hotel near private homes.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Natalie

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were initially put in a ground floor room which Opened to the back or side street - very unkempt and I didn’t feel safe. We were moved to the second floor thankfully. This is a very worn building, and needs significant maintenance.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Juan

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

4/10 Poor

Carol

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

4/10 Poor

Maura

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really want to like this place, a funky old hotel. But it is well past time for a Renovation. No hot water. Broken (antique) furniture. Limited outlets. Window curtains were falling off and inadequate in blocking light. Staff was not seen when we came in at 10am or before 8am in the morning (but were nice when I saw them). Which directionThe b
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Laure

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were really disappointed. The photos didn’t reflect the fact that the hotel outside paint is falling apart big time. The bed sheets had not been changed so we had to ask for them to be immediately changed. This has been done right away but we stayed with the bad feeling. On the positive side, shower water is perfectly warm, the hotel is quiet and it is great to be downtown. Overall at that night rate we would have expected much better.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ian

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

6/10 Okay

Tiffanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay except there is not any hot water in any of the rooms. I complained the first night and was given suggestions on how to make it hot. Nothing worked. Second night they allowed me to use a shower downstairs. Other guests had the same problem. When I say no hot water I mean expect it to be to be extremely cold . Like straight out of the glacier cold!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

UTPAL

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

2/10 Terrible

Cleo

Disliked: Cleanliness
The shower head barely had any water coming out. The hotel parking was a way to carry luggage from your vechile. No parking out front to unload luggage. Rooms were quiet and lots of antique furniture in the hotel. Carpet had a few sticky spots on it
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Mark

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

2/10 Terrible

Susan

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.

2/10 Terrible

Rajiv

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cons- Historic property very poorly maintained. Front desk not staffed even during publishes hours. No hot water. (Major issue) No mosquito nets on most windows. Bugs coming in as the windows were left open by the hotel to cool the room. Room/suite has plaster falling off and on the carpet No easy way to circulate air without getting bugs in. (Major issue) More than $300 per night and Expedia not representing hotel. correctly. No real amenities. No security. Poor and inadequate parking. Positive - is great. Close to restaurants etc. I would recommend not staying here.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Danette

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