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About the neighborhood

Seward

Van Gilder Hotel places you next to Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum. This 20-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and concierge services.

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 - 1 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Lowell Point State Recreation Site - 7 min drive - 2.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Breeze Inn Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Firebrand BBQ - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Cookery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Ray's Waterfront - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Van Gilder Hotel

Historic hotel in Seward with free parking
Guests of Van Gilder Hotel enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. There's free parking and a free area shuttle. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage and concierge services. Other amenities at this historic hotel include a library and express check-out.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Free toiletries are also included. Change of towels is available on request.

Similar properties

Interior detail
Breeze Inn
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, 1,003 reviews
$137 nightly
The price is $153
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Breeze Inn

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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

What can I see near Van Gilder Hotel?

This hotel is located in Seward, just steps from Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum, and within a short walk of Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center. You'll also find Alaska SeaLife Center and Seward Waterfront Park less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Van Gilder Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Van Gilder Hotel have a casino?

No, Van Gilder Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Van Gilder Hotel good for couples?

At this historic hotel, couples will appreciate amenities like a shopping mall and concierge services plus some guestrooms include kitchens.

Does Van Gilder Hotel have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Van Gilder Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Van Gilder Hotel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Van Gilder Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Van Gilder Hotel though service animals are welcome.

Does Van Gilder Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, at Van Gilder Hotel, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 522 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 121 out of 522 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 109 out of 522 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 522 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 104 out of 522 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.4/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The decor at the location was amazing. Feels like you're in the early 20th century.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Richard A

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Yousef

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie-Lyn

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

4/10 Poor

Beth

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall was clean and staff friendly, hotel just seems to need some maintenance and we were without power for a day and did not have hot water for our showers which was the worst after a day fishing in cold water and wanting a warm shower.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa

Traveled with family
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

2/10 Terrible

Jamie, Tucson

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Roy

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Oliver

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property is structurally unsafe! It has lots of visible cracks on walls and foundation.
visible cracks on walls.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Maura

Traveled with family
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

4/10 Poor

Kyle

Traveled with family
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

6/10 Okay

Pamela

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Had radiator heat that kept the room very warm Staff could not fix it and we got switched to a slightly cooler room with a fan
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Kristina

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Shabby.... not shabby chic

The building is falling a part - Peeling paint, crumbling walls, loose floor tiles, sticky carpet floors... The linens were clean but everything else was extremely shabby. One of our nights here we had no hot water and were unable to bathe
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Brian

Traveled with family
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

4/10 Poor

Amanda

Stayed 2 nights 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

STUART

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Dump

Needs to be painted, shower was not working, there was a bug in the bed Worse value
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Natalie

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Traveled with group
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

Rajiv

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cons- Historic property very poorly maintained. Front desk not staffed even during publishes hours. No hot water. (Major issue) No mosquito nets on most windows. Bugs coming in as the windows were left open by the hotel to cool the room. Room/suite has plaster falling off and on the carpet No easy way to circulate air without getting bugs in. (Major issue) More than $300 per night and Expedia not representing hotel. correctly. No real amenities. No security. Poor and inadequate parking. Positive - is great. Close to restaurants etc. I would recommend not staying here.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Tiffanie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay except there is not any hot water in any of the rooms. I complained the first night and was given suggestions on how to make it hot. Nothing worked. Second night they allowed me to use a shower downstairs. Other guests had the same problem. When I say no hot water I mean expect it to be to be extremely cold . Like straight out of the glacier cold!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Neal

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Roberta, Pine

Traveled with group
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

8/10 Good

Juan

Traveled with family
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

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