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Van Gilder Hotel Seward, Seward

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From139US$ /night
Check-in
04Dec2024Select date
Check-out
05Dec2024Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guest, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

308 Adams Street, Seward, Alaska, United States of America, 99664-0609

The Van Gilder Hotel, dating back to 1916, is Alaska's oldest hotel and serves as a landmark in the scenic port city of Seward. Its storied past includes a significant role during the formative years of Seward after the Alaska Railroad's construction started in 1916. Nestled between the Kenai Mountains and Resurrection Bay, the hotel reflects the Victorian charm of its early century design. Guests enjoy convenient access to local attractions, including the Alaska SeaLife Center and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Location

Located in downtown Seward, the hotel is a mere four-minute walk to the Alaska SeaLife Center and about a mile from the entrance to Kenai Fjords National Park. The hotel’s setting allows for easy access to Seward's major attractions and scenic landscapes. For those traveling from Anchorage, it is approximately a 2.5-hour drive, making the Van Gilder Hotel a convenient base for exploring the Kenai Peninsula.

Rooms

The hotel features various room styles designed for different preferences and group sizes. Each guest room is accented with antique-style brass beds, lace curtains, and offers several amenities including in-room sinks. Upgraded options provide private en suite facilities, while shared accommodations are also available with hall access to bathrooms. Guests can select from single queen rooms, double queen suites with ocean views, and multi-bedroom accommodations.

Eat & Drink

While the Van Gilder Hotel does not have its own restaurant, it is located within walking distance of numerous dining establishments in downtown Seward. Guests have access to a range of local restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs, showcasing a variety of culinary options. Within the vicinity, visitors can also explore shops, an art gallery, and a library, enhancing their overall experience during their stay.

Leisure & Business

The Van Gilder Hotel provides guests with a quaint parlor and lobby complete with a piano, offering a relaxing atmosphere for socializing. Leisure activities in the area include hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, especially during the peak summer months when local charters operate. The hotel is also suitable for small groups and events, capturing an authentic Alaskan ambiance for gatherings.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Guest Room
Max:
4 persons
21 m² 
Bed options:
2 Double beds
Heating
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Queen Room
Max:
3 persons
21 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Heating
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Queen Room
Max:
5 persons
14 m² 
Bed options:
2 King Size Beds
Heating
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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center
Seward700 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free parking
  • Off-site parking lot
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Baggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Fishing

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Location

308 Adams Street, Seward, Alaska, United States of America, 99664-0609
Map view
308 Adams Street, Seward, Alaska, United States of America, 99664-0609
Nearby
Aquarium
Alaska SeaLife Center
1500 ft
Libraries
Seward Community Library & Museum
900 ft
Seward
Resurrection Bay
1900 ft
Church
Resurrection Lutheran Church
900 ft
501 Railway Ave
Chugach Heritage Center
1400 ft
Gallery
Resurrection Bay Galerie
1400 ft
Restaurants
The Highliner Restaurant
200 ft
303 Adams Street
Resurrect Art Coffee House
300 ft
320 3rd Avenue
Discovery Cafe
400 ft
Mile 165 Hope Rd
The Sea Bean
600 ft
225 Fourth Ave
Ranting Raven Gallery
500 ft
238 4th Avenue
Sea Bean Cafe
600 ft
225 4th Ave
The Cookery
1000 ft
209 5th Ave
Peking Chinese Restaurant
800 ft
338 Fourth Ave
The Lone Chicharron Taqueria
600 ft
215 4th
Seward Brewing Company
1000 ft
139 Fourth Avenue
Mrs Genes Place
1000 ft
221 5th Avenue

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
56%
liked the hotel and would stay again
Central location
Helpful service
Poor dining
Facilities need work
5.6/10
Guest rating
Rooms
5.0
Location
6.3
Service
9.0
Dining
5.0
Guest reviews
5.6/10
based on 3 review
3/5 based on 192 review
4.5
4.5/10based on 169 review
#13 of 15 hotels in Seward based on Tripadvisor
William
United States of America, December  2023
5.6/10

The hotel is conveniently located in the central business district, making walking around a breeze. The rooms were small but had wires hanging out of the ceiling. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, even offering us an extra room in the hotel's annex. The dining experience was poor, although they offered local seafood. The facilities need a bit of work, particularly in the entry hall and stairway.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms were small and had wires hanging out of the ceiling, indicating a shared bathroom.
Service
9.0
The staff was very friendly and resourceful, assisting with an extra room and helpful information.
Location
7.0
The hotel is located close to everything, making walking a breeze, but needs a bit of work in terms of facilities.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was poor, but they offered local seafood options.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities need a bit of work, particularly in the entry hall and stairway.
Charles
United States of America, August  2023
5.0/10

The hotel was quite disappointing overall as the rooms were not well-maintained with wires hanging out of the ceiling and a general lack of cleanliness. The service, however, was extremely helpful and resourceful despite the spooky haunted rumors, and the location was central although needing some improvements. The dining experience was poor, and the facilities need work.

Rooms
5.0
The room had wires hanging out of the ceiling and was quite dusty, lacking cleanliness.
Service
9.0
Location
5.0
The location was central but needs improvement.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was poor.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities need work.
Central location
Poor dining
Nathan
United States of America, July  2023
7.0/10

Staying at this hotel was quite an experience. Dragging our suitcases up to the 2nd-floor room in the absence of an elevator was a bit challenging, but once inside, the room was surprisingly spacious and served our needs well. However, not being able to control the bathroom heat and having to share a communal bathroom were slight inconveniences.

Rooms
8.0
The room was 'roomy' and would serve anyone's needs very well.
Service
9.0
The service was extremely helpful and resourceful, providing us with an exceptional extra room in the hotel's annex.
Location
7.0
The hotel was centrally located, making walking around a breeze. The in-house manager seemed keen on encouraging return customers.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was limited to poorly made Moroccan pancakes.
Facilities
The hotel needs a bit of work in terms of dining options and possibly facilities.
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Check-in
04Dec2024Select date
Check-out
05Dec2024Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guest, 1 Room