Van Gilder Hotel

Hotels
5.7 (363 reviews)
308 Adams Street , Seward , us
+1 907-224-9518

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Heating
Family rooms
Hiking
Luggage storage
Fishing
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Clean bathrooms
Friendly staff
Historic charm
Great location
Cons:
Dirty corners and baseboards
Service inconsistencies
Overpriced
Limited amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
4.7
Multiple reviews noted cleanliness issues, particularly with corners and baseboards being dirty.
Service
7.2
Mixed sentiments; some mentions of friendly staff, though some service issues were raised.
Location
7.2
Noted as a strong point with proximity to attractions and a free shuttle stop.
Room Quality
4.7
Concerns about room size, outdated facilities, and shared bath setups.
Amenities
4.7
Reviews indicated limited amenities, including no elevator and minimal breakfast options.
Value for Money
6.2
Some reviews highlight the hotel being overpriced for the quality.
Food and Beverage
4.7
Limited positive feedback on food options; breakfast received criticism.
Overall Experience
6.2
Overall experience varied, with charm mentioned but many cleanliness and service issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 09:24

Property Description

Welcome to Van Gilder Hotel, your cozy 2-star retreat in Seward.

Convenient Amenities: Enjoy complimentary WiFi and private parking during your stay at Van Gilder Hotel. Rest assured with fresh bed linen and towels provided in every room for your comfort.

Explore Nature: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Seward with hiking and other outdoor activities just moments away from the hotel.

Easy Travel: Located just 168 km from Kenai Municipal Airport, your journey to Van Gilder Hotel is hassle-free.

Book your stay at Van Gilder Hotel now and make unforgettable memories in scenic Seward!

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: ENA

Location

Guest Reviews

5.7
Based on 363 reviews
Cleanliness: 4.7
Service: 7.2
Location: 7.2
Room Quality: 4.7
Amenities: 4.7
Value for Money: 6.2
Food and Beverage: 4.7
Overall Experience: 6.2
J
John • solo_traveller • us
8
Good price , clean and comfy. Wonderful staff
Pros:

Good location, near restaurants . Historical feel and decor.

Cons:

No elevator

2026-08-06 • via Nuitee
G
Gerhard • solo_traveller • de
6
2026-08-05 • via Nuitee
T
Taylor • couple • us
2
2026-08-04 • via Nuitee
A
Annie • couple • us
3
Our hotel room was clean but I think the owners of this hotel need to invest money in up keeping the building. For what
Pros:

Clean room

Cons:

The building is in rough shape. The ceiling in the bathroom of our room was water stained and cracked. The shower water temperature was extremely inconsistent - it would go from burning hot to cold in 30 seconds. Minimal sound insulation between rooms.

2026-08-03 • via Nuitee
T
Theresa • family_with_children • us
8
Pros:

Location was great.

Cons:

The air freshener was overpowering. So we unplugged it. TV turned on several times without any input from remote. Could be signals from another room.

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
K
Kirsten • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

I love the history of the hotel and the antiques that are throughout the property.

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
K
Kirstin • couple • us
7
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
M
marie • solo_traveller • us
1
Pros:

Bad communication with front desk did not like

Cons:

We did not stay and was not refunded

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
C
Cook • solo_traveller • us
5
I would not stay here nor refer this hotel to anyone.
Pros:

That it was supposed to be haunted!

Cons:

The bathroom was broken, my room smelled so musty I could barely sleep. The floors were nasty looking. Coffee pot was messed up.

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
S
Sharlene • couple • us
3
It's an adventure for us.
Pros:

The location is good.

Cons:

The hotel is overpriced in its current condition.

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
T
Timothy • family_with_children • us
9
Great value
Pros:

Location, coffee, price

Cons:

Water pressure

2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
S
Stephanie • extended_group • us
10
2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
J
JKD • solo_traveller • us
3
Outdated hotel.
Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

This hotel is too old and needs to be remodeled from inside to outside. As soon as we opened the main door we smelled a moldy odor. The drawer of the dresser was broken due to age, and the paint on the outside of the building was peeling off. And there is no elevator. We would not stay there again and will not recommend to anyone.

2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
L
Lana • extended_group • us
9
I'm a repeat customer & always enjoy staying here. The location is wonderful/ beautiful building.
Pros:

It's historical & has very friendly staff.
They went out of the way to make your stay comfortable.

Cons:

A bit ran down, could improve on upkeep.

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
M
mellegard • solo_traveller • us
6
friendly staff, comfortable bed, no elevator
Cons:

The shower needs a deep clean. It is shared by everyone.

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • us
2
Pros:

The location is good. It’s a historic site.

Cons:

The staff was rude. Accomodation was old. They were ridiculously expensive and charged extra claiming that pillows and remotes were missing that we did not move. I am very disappointed.

2026-07-10 • via Nuitee
B
Bettina • solo_traveller • ch
8
Good for a short stay
Pros:

Old charming hotel. Comfy bed, free tea and coffee all the time. Sink in the room, bus stop right in front of

Cons:

you might need an sleeping mask

2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • couple • us
7
2026-07-08 • via Nuitee
A
Angela • solo_traveller • us
7
Pros:

Location

Cons:

No elevator. Cramped coffee room not enough info on local.stuff

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
G
GUANG • couple • cn
5
感觉设施陈旧，也没啥服务可言
Pros:

当初是因为价格便宜选择了这家酒店，说实话，这个酒店状况也就值这个价格吧。

Cons:

淋浴设施很不方便

2026-07-05 • via Nuitee