Van Gilder Hotel Seward Fast Food photoVan Gilder Hotel Seward Interior photoVan Gilder Hotel Seward Exterior photo

Van Gilder Hotel, Seward

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From$139 /night
Check-in
05Sept
Check-out
06Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

308 Adams Street, Seward, 99664-0609
-
Close to Resurrection Bay
Nice
6.2
5.6
/10
2.9
2.8
/5

Rooms and Suites

The Van Gilder Hotel, dating from 1916, provides accommodations with antique-style brass beds and lace curtains. All rooms include 3/4 baths with pedestal sinks. Options range from single queen rooms and pension rooms with shared hallway access to double queen suites with ocean views. Select rooms feature private sinks, while upgraded rooms offer private or en suite facilities. Suites include two bedrooms. All rooms provide heating, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary toiletries. Carpeted floors are standard in each room.

Onsite Amenities

Guests at the Van Gilder Hotel can use the art gallery, shopping mall, and library. Located in downtown Seward, the hotel offers convenient access to the Sealife Center, area restaurants, night clubs, the museum, and the theater. The hotel also showcases an Alaskana collection of books and historic photo histories.

Things to Do

Guests can enjoy activities such as hiking and fishing in and around Seward. The hotel is a mile from the border of Kenai Fjords National Park, one of Alaska's top attractions. Seward is home to Humpback Whales, Orcas, otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and puffins. Fishing charters leave the harbor frequently from May to September.

Location and Access

Located in Seward, the Van Gilder Hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Alaska SeaLife Center and a mile from Seward Boat Harbor. Seward is the southernmost point on the Alaska Railroad, linking it to Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. The hotel is a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Anchorage and just over 3 hours from Homer. Kenai Fjords National Park's main entrance is less than a 5-minute drive.

Historical Context

The Van Gilder Hotel is Alaska's oldest hotel and a vital part of Seward's history, dating back to 1916. Originally serving as a major office building during the construction of the Alaska Railroad, the 3-story reinforced concrete building retains its structural and design integrity. The name 'Van Gilder' is embossed on the face between the third and second-floor windows.

“The Van Gilder's historic status stands out, though significant renovations are needed. While the location is prime, potential guests should note the absence of elevators and the presence of stairs. I observed that improvements to address issues like peeling paint and lack of heat would greatly enhance the experience.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Select your room type

Van Gilder Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Standard Double Room
    2 persons
    21 sq. feet
    2 Double beds
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Queen Room
    2 persons
    14 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Annex Apartment Offsite Property
    2 persons
    28 sq. feet
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Heating
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Van Gilder Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free parking
  • Off-site car park
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Fishing

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Van Gilder Hotel Location

308 Adams Street, Seward, 99664-0609
Explore Seward
Nearby Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Alaska SeaLife Center
6 minutes' walk
An aquarium and marine science center showcasing local wildlife and conservation efforts. Offers interactive exhibits for all ages.
Seward Community Library & Museum
3 minutes' walk
A community library with a local museum featuring the history and culture of Seward. Free admission and educational programs available.
Waterfront Park
14 minutes' walk
A scenic park with picnic areas and walking paths along the water. Great views of Resurrection Bay and nearby mountains abound.
Lowell Creek Waterfall
14 minutes' walk
A picturesque waterfall offering a peaceful setting. Ideal for photography and nature walks within a short distance from town.
Hiking Mt. Marathon
10 minutes' walk
Challenging trails for thrill-seekers with stunning views of Seward and Resurrection Bay. Trail access is immediate from the hotel.
Kayaking in Resurrection Bay
25 minutes' walk
Guided kayaking tours available for exploring stunning coastline and wildlife. Rentals also offered nearby; suitable from spring to fall.
Two Lakes Park
19 minutes' walk
A serene park with walking trails around two beautiful lakes. Perfect for a peaceful escape or family picnics in the sun.
The Highliner Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Casual dining with seafood specialties and local craft beers. Known for its harbor views and laid-back atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Resurrect Art Coffee House
1 minute' walk
A cozy spot serving fresh coffee and homemade pastries in a gallery setting. Great for breakfast or a light lunch with vegetarian options.
Discovery Cafe
2 minutes' walk
A charming cafe offering breakfast and lunch made with local ingredients. Known for its friendly service and hearty portions.
Seward Boat Harbor
3 minutes' drive
Vibrant harbor with boat tours, seasonal fishing charters, and breathtaking views. Popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Ranting Raven Gallery
2 minutes' walk
An art gallery showcasing local artists with regularly scheduled events. A unique place to appreciate and purchase local art.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Seward 3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-21:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
20

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Van Gilder Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 203 verified reviews
5.5 /10
Guest rating
38 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
6.6/10
Comfort
6.9/10
Facilities
5.8/10
Free WiFi
7.9/10
Location
8.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.4/10
Staff
7.5/10
Value for money
5.9/10
Pros
Walkable location
Cozy blankets
Clean shared facilities
Unbeatable price
Cons
Musty odor
Dated rooms
Plumbing issues
Guest reviews
based on 192 reviews
3/5
based on 172 reviews
6.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Questions of the users
About Van Gilder Hotel
Are there private bathrooms available in the guest rooms?
10 January 2024
Most rooms come with private bathrooms, but a couple of them have shared bathroom facilities.
Is there a bathroom with a shower in each room?
15 February 2024
Yes, every room features a bathroom equipped with a shower.
Can I bring my pet during my stay?
22 March 2024
Pets are not permitted at the Van Gilder Hotel.
Are there microwave facilities in the hotel?
5 April 2024
Microwaves are available in common areas for guest use, but individual rooms do not have kitchenettes.
Is it possible to check in after normal hours?
18 May 2024
Late check-in can be accommodated; however, it's important to keep the hotel updated on your estimated arrival time.
How close is the hotel to Kenai Fjords National Park?
28 June 2024
The hotel is less than 2 kilometers from the main entrance of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Does the hotel have any room options with views?
30 July 2024
Yes, there are suites available that offer beautiful ocean views.
Is there any transportation offered to the Alaska Railway or the cruise port?
15 August 2024
Shuttle service is not provided, but a taxi company operates in Seward for convenient transportation.
What is the parking situation at the hotel?
20 September 2024
The hotel offers limited parking on-site for guests, but additional street parking is available nearby.
When will the hotel start accepting bookings for the 2024 season?
5 October 2024
The Van Gilder Hotel is now accepting reservations for the 2024 season.

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