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Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 star property

Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

Reception
Lobby
A hotel hallway with a patterned carpet, white radiator, and wooden furniture.
Exterior
Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Housekeeping
The current price is NZ$424
includes taxes & fees
27 May - 28 May

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

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room

Room | Bathroom sink

Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for One Queen & 1 Twin

Free WiFi, bed sheets

One Queen & 1 Twin

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for 2 Full Beds

2 Full Beds | Room amenity

2 Full Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Annex 1 Queen Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Annex 1 Queen Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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. .In proximity to this Seward hotel you'll find 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
  • ‪Seward Brewing Company - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Mudd Hutt - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Le Barn Appetit Inn & Creperie - ‬7 min drive

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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includes taxes & fees
27 May - 28 May
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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 16 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Van Gilder Hotel on 27 May 2026 start from NZ$424, 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. 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

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

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

8/10 Good

Danielle

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raj

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Erin, San DIego

Travelled 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 traveller

Travelled 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

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

6/10 Okay

Christine

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

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

Travelled 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

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

8/10 Good

Valerie

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An old hotel with an enormous amount of charm. It was very clean and the shower was great! The bed was wonderful and I had a perfect night sleep. Yes it’s old and the floors creaked. You would too if you were over 100 years old!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Nikhil, FREMONT

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Travelled with family
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

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 traveller

Travelled 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