Skip to Main Content.
List your propertySupportTrips

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices

Sign in
Learn more
Feedback

Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 star property
Victorian hotel in Seward with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

Lobby
Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Reception
Restaurant
Reception

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for 1 Queen - Shared Bath

1 Queen - Shared Bath | Bathroom sink

1 Queen - Shared Bath

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apartment Annex

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Apartment Annex

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
Located in an annex building
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Annex 1 Queen Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Annex 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Daily housekeeping
Located in an annex building
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 2 Full Beds

2 Full Beds | Room amenity

2 Full Beds

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for One Queen & 1 Twin

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

One Queen & 1 Twin

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Heating
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
Mod logo
Earn OneKeyCash on thousands of hotels when you sign in and book. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the neighborhood

Located in Seward, Van Gilder Hotel is in the city center and in the mountains. Seward Boat Harbor and Caines Head State Recreation Area are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kenai Fjords National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center. Alaska SeaLife Center and Thumb Cove State Marine Park are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing.
Visit our Seward travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK, 99664

What's nearby

  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Seward Waterfront Park - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Seward Boat Harbor - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Lowell Point State Recreation Site - 9 min drive - 2.8 miles

Getting around

  • Kenai, AK (ENA-Kenai Municipal) - 139 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Firebrand BBQ - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Harbor Street Creamery - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Alaska Seafood Grill - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Van Gilder Hotel

Historic hotel in the city center
Consider a stay at Van Gilder Hotel and take advantage of an art gallery on site, a shopping mall on site, and a library. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • A free area shuttle, express check-out, and concierge services
  • Luggage storage and tour/ticket assistance
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Van Gilder Hotel offer amenities such as free WiFi.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers and free toiletries
  • Heating and daily housekeeping

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free area shuttle up to 25 yds
  • Free bus station shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Library
  • Shopping mall

Family friendly

  • Free area shuttle

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • In the mountains

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1916
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between September 10 and May 14.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Van Gilder
Van Gilder Hotel
Van Gilder Hotel Seward
Van Gilder Seward
Van Gilder Hotel Hotel
Van Gilder Hotel Seward
Van Gilder Hotel Hotel Seward

Frequently asked questions

Is Van Gilder Hotel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Van Gilder Hotel?

As of Aug 20, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Van Gilder Hotel on Aug 26, 2025 start from $222.59, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Van Gilder Hotel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Van Gilder Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Van Gilder Hotel?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Van Gilder Hotel located?

Located in the heart of Seward, this historic hotel is steps from Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum. Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center and Alaska SeaLife Center are also within 5 minutes.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 94 out of 497 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 113 out of 497 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 102 out of 497 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 86 out of 497 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 102 out of 497 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.4/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Claude

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love the old style hotel, staff was very nice
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wonderful and professional staff made our stay easy and enjoyable. Great location.

2/10 Terrible

Susan

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was great
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful old building. Pictures around building talking about its history. Great location. Friendly staff. And hot chocolate in the lobby, not just coffee!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie-Lyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Bed was comfy. No A/C. Rundown and kinda dirty but sheets were clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness
Very professional, friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Coffee area was lovely
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Chester

Liked: Cleanliness
Old hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

sherri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Interesting, historic hotel. Beds were extremely comfortable! No elevator. Great location - close to shops, restaurants and the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

shengzhong

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Old building, noise everywhere, very hot in the room.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Recepcionist was very helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Tammy

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The only place I can say was at least the bed sheets were clean. There is no ac so the window was open when we first got into our room and there was a crazy hallowing noise coming from a crack in the wall.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Carol

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The history was interesting.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The property was conveniently located in the middle of town and I could walk to most everything I wanted to do. It was not in great condition. The staff was very nice/polite. I took pictures but I don't see an option to share here. Sorry to say I wouldn't recommend due to the condition of the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I felt as though I had stepped back in time.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kevin

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
New name, hotel lysol, no hot water. Dump
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Roberta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an historic hotel in the heart of Seward. As expected, it was old and lovely. Our rooms were clean and remodeled. The bed was comfortable and the rooms were good size. The hotel is walking distance from restaurants and the Sealife Center as well as the beach. The only thing that I would recommend is have more staff available. We often had to go find the front desk clerk to ask questions and to check in and out. We would recommend if you like old, historic hotels and we would come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Kyle

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No hot water for two days. No clue from staff on resolution. Very hot in the room and no screens on windows. Could be a nice place someday.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Brian

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is old, dingy, outdated, and very inconvenient. We had to carry our luggage up 3 flights of stairs, there was no air or ability to open windows which was suffocating, and no hot water for showers. Parking was in a dirt field behind the hotel near private homes.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Natalie

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were initially put in a ground floor room which Opened to the back or side street - very unkempt and I didn’t feel safe. We were moved to the second floor thankfully. This is a very worn building, and needs significant maintenance.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
What we like Location Staff Room was ok What we did not like The hotel was to hot The shower did not have cold water so water was to hot to take one
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very dilapidated old hotel with peeling paint inside and out. Creepy old windows without screens. Ran out of hot water during a short shower. The staff were very nice

4/10 Poor

Maura

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really want to like this place, a funky old hotel. But it is well past time for a Renovation. No hot water. Broken (antique) furniture. Limited outlets. Window curtains were falling off and inadequate in blocking light. Staff was not seen when we came in at 10am or before 8am in the morning (but were nice when I saw them). Which directionThe b
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Laure

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were really disappointed. The photos didn’t reflect the fact that the hotel outside paint is falling apart big time. The bed sheets had not been changed so we had to ask for them to be immediately changed. This has been done right away but we stayed with the bad feeling. On the positive side, shower water is perfectly warm, the hotel is quiet and it is great to be downtown. Overall at that night rate we would have expected much better.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ian

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Didn't like - property condition extremely poor, no hot water at all during stay, no TV for first night but was fixed. Did like - bed, sheets, towels Recommend avoiding this property in its current state.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025