Van Gilder Hotel

Hotels
5.7 (374 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Concerns about room size, outdated facilities, and shared bath setups.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 374 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
M
Matthew • family_with_children • us
2
A “ historic” feeling hotel in that it looks like it hasn’t been taken care of in the last century.
Pros:

The location for walking through the downtown area was perfect. It was just off a block or two from the main road, so it was still quiet, but it was easy to walk to all the restaurants and shops you wanted to go to.

Cons:

There is a reason why all the photos online just show the main entryway and the lobby area… The rooms in the hallways are absolutely gross. Cracks on the walls paint stripped everywhere stains on carpets, uncomfortable beds small tiny bathrooms you name it. For the price, this was definitely not worth the stay.

2026-08-28 • via Nuitee
K
Koerner • couple • us
10
2026-08-28 • via Nuitee
M
MacroMike • solo_traveller • au
7
Pros:

Easy walk to town. Free tourist bus route worked well

Cons:

Shared bathroom. Room a little small

2026-08-28 • via Nuitee
J
Juanita • couple • us
9
The best Sleep I have ever had
Pros:

Love the olden days decor

Cons:

I really love staff, and spending time in a place with so much history, this hotel was located in the perfect place to see everything and if you did not feel like driving walking was no problem

2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
B
Bittle • extended_group • us
5
2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
B
Becker • couple • de
7
Ok und gute Lage aber zu teuer
Pros:

Das Haus ist sauber und die Betten bequem

Cons:

Preisleistung stimmt nicht so ganz

2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
E
Elinor • solo_traveller • us
8
2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
R
Reicks • couple • us
7
2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
H
Heather • couple • es
10
Historic Hotel in an Amazing Location!
Pros:

Don't let the exterior of this historic hotel fool you (though we were told they've finally gotten permission to paint the outside!). The inside is clean and well appointed with many thoughtful details. We especially liked the free water, coffee, tea and chocolates! Best of all, there are an abundance of old historic photographs around of the old railroad and the nearly 100 year old Mount Marathon race, which starts just in front of the hotel! Will definitely be back if we return to Seward.

Cons:

Our sink in our room didn't work - not a big deal because we had the shared bathroom anyway, but it would have been nice!

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • couple • us
3
Awful
Cons:

We had booked for two nights, but we ended up leaving after one. There was mold somewhere in there as I have issues with that with my breathing. And my husband took a shower, and he said that when he moved the shower curtain, it was just disgusting with mold and grime. The bathroom door did not shut all of the way, and then if you did pull it so it would at least stay shot, then it was hard to open. I did ask for a refund for our second night, but she told me to get a hold of you. I was unable to do that as we are in Alaska and did not have cell service where we were at after we left. So, is it possible to get a refund for that second night due to the way the property was?

2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
P
Philip • couple • us
9
Pros:

Like the fact that it was historic building. Facilities were dated, but that’s what you get with this type of a building.

Cons:

Little bit noisy off the hallway, but used the fan on the iPhone to block the noise

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
B
beatrice • solo_traveller • it
6
Hotel da una notte evia
Pros:

Il lavandino colorato

Cons:

Colazione veramente scarsa

2026-08-15 • via Nuitee
G
Gisele • solo_traveller • us
8
Pros:

Great location, historical vibes, friendly staff.

Cons:

The building looks like is falling apart and the inside could use a renovation touch.

2026-08-12 • via Nuitee
J
Jing • solo_traveller • us
7
Old hotel without much provided besides a dated room.
Pros:

Not much really. Very old building, room is old with almost broken shower heads, no staff onsite most of the time.

Cons:

I did not really like much of the hotel. Old but very expensive.

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
S
Shannon • couple • au
6
Better than I thought it would be based on other reviews
Pros:

Clean and friendly staff. Comfortable bed.

Cons:

Upstairs bathroom was out of order but was no problem to go to bathroom one floor down

2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
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