Van Gilder Hotel

Property class: 2.5

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Take advantage of an art gallery on site, a shopping mall on site, and a library at Van Gilder Hotel. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, a window with curtains, a chandelier, and a framed picture on the wall.

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

View all photos for 1 Queen - Shared Bath

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.

1 Queen - Shared Bath

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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 Twin Bed

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

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

View all photos for Apartment Annex

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

Apartment Annex

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Seward, Van Gilder Hotel is in the city center and in the mountains. Seward Boat Harbor and Exit Glacier are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kenai Fjords National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center. Alaska SeaLife Center and Thumb Cove State Marine Park are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing. Visit our Seward travel guide
Map
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK, 99664

What's nearby

  • A puffin with a distinctive white and black plumage and a bright orange beak, floating on water.
    Alaska SeaLife Center
    4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • A marina with boats docked, a pier, and mountains in the background.
    Seward Waterfront Park
    4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • A marina with boats docked in calm waters, surrounded by mountains with snow-capped peaks.
    Seward Boat Harbor
    1 min drive - 1.6 km
  • Seward Community Library & Museum
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center
    4 min walk - 0.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Tidewater Taphouse
    3 min drive
  • Woody's Thai Kitchen
    11 min walk
  • Ray's Waterfront
    2 min drive
  • The Breeze Inn Restaurant
    2 min drive
  • Firebrand BBQ
    16 min walk

About this property

Van Gilder Hotel

  • Historic hotel in the city center
  • Consider a stay at Van Gilder Hotel and take advantage of an art gallery on site, a shopping mall on site, and a library. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
  • Additional perks include:
    • Free self parking
    • A free area shuttle, express check-out, and concierge services
    • Luggage storage and tour/ticket assistance
    • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
  • Room features
  • All guestrooms at Van Gilder Hotel offer amenities such as free WiFi.
  • Other conveniences in all rooms include:
    • Showers and free toiletries
    • Heating and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

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

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 elevator

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 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

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 fire extinguisher and a smoke detector

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Frequently asked questions

Is Van Gilder Hotel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

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?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Van Gilder Hotel located?

Located in the heart of Seward, this historic hotel is steps 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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Reviews

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

6.2

6.6

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

7.4

Staff & service

5.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 120 out of 597 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 139 out of 597 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 126 out of 597 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 97 out of 597 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 115 out of 597 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel located in downtown Seward, it is a good and convenient location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was fun staying in 110 year-old hotel with old furnishings. The bed was quite comfortable, and the staff was very welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
An old, historical hotel that shows its age. Linens and cleaning supplies left in halls.Helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very convenient location for Mt. Marathon race. Historic hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute old hotel with some problems because it is an old building - but cute and staff helped us work around the problems.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Free bus shuttle right across the hotel which is a best thing. The hotel internal and external is old and torn. It needs renovation and updates. The carpet is dirty and smell.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The location is perfect. Step right outside and there’s shops, restaurants, bars, etc. so much to do! The building is cool because of the history, but it definitely needs some updating. Floors were super creaky. Everyone shares a communal fridge in the lobby and a communal hair dryer which always seemed to be in use.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This historic hotel has a certain charm that matches its manager’s personality. They’re were trying to complete renovations, so not everything worked perfectly. However, we loved some of the original design elements and furnishings they incorporated. The place was clean, convenient to downtown and quiet. Because it was built that way many decades ago, a few of the rooms aren’t able to have their own shower, but those rooms are lower priced too. Now if they can just get better controls on the radiators, it will be great. The staff were all polite/friendly and very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Although this property could use a little love, we had a wonderful stay! It was in the heart of downtown, the coffee was excellent, and we felt very safe and comfortable. If you don't mind staying in a historical (and haunted!) hotel, I highly recommend staying here - it was much nicer than when we stayed at the Breeze Inn last summer.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is extremely dated. While I understand it’s a historic building, it doesn’t appear to be well maintained. The hallway carpets were very worn, the shower had weak water pressure and a broken/loose hot-water faucet, and the shower head sprayed water outside the shower. The blankets also appeared dirty. The main positive is the location—especially if you’re taking a cruise, since it’s conveniently nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Served its purpose of a place to sleep. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. I liked the antique vibe although it may not be for everyone. Everything was clean and the beds were comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Neat historic hotel, we had a great stay. The building is old and looks rough from the outside but rooms were fine. Our shower had a plumbing problem. The staff immediately had a repair person working on it and moved us to a new room. The staff was prompt and handled it great. It is right in downtown Seward so really nice to walk to the shops and aquarium etc. Lots of shops and restaurants very close by!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would have really liked to see the actual pictures on the website. Pictures on the website are really old. There's only one common bath and toilet per floor and the one on my floor was out of use. No hot water. Doorstop was sort of broken so opening and closing the door required some real skill. There's no ventilation in the room. Building is really rundown
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
On first sight, this place made me really concerned--it's advertised as "Historic," but peeling paint and holes in the exterior stucco was not "historic"--it was shabby. Since it was the most expensive of the places we stayed, I was ready to tell them to find somewhere else for false advertising. However, the interior is beautiful, nicely maintained in a near-Victorian style. Yes, the rooms are on the small side and there is no air conditioning (not unusual for Alaska, especially since it was a high of 65 in mid-July), but there was a lovely, safe window that opened to the breeze from the coast-line. The modern bathroom was spotless. There is no breakfast, but there is coffee via two K-cup machines all day. It is the only place we've ever stayed, however, that sent three emails checking on us while we were there. So, do I recommend the Van Gilder? Yes. We'd stay there again with no issue. [No, there's no elevator, but that, too, was nothing unusual. I don't think any of the places we stayed had an elevator.]. As long as you're forewarned about the exterior appearance, it's a lovely place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

6/10 Okay

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

4/10 Poor

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

8/10 Good

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 review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A unique hotel and have a sense of history.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024