Van Gilder Hotel Seward, Seward
About the Hotel
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.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
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
Location
Reviews and Ratings
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.
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.
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.