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From139US$ /night
Check-in
18Mar2026Select date
Check-out
19Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

308 Adams Street, Seward, Alaska, United States, 99664-0609
-
Close to the harbour
Guest rating
5.8
5.6
/10
2.4
2.8
/5

Accommodations

Van Gilder Hotel offers a variety of guest room styles, catering to visitors of all preferences. This includes 11 single queen rooms, upgraded rooms with en suite facilities, and 4 double queen suites featuring ocean views. The hotel also provides parlor and lobby spaces, including a piano area for relaxation.

Location

Situated in downtown Seward, the hotel is conveniently placed for exploring the surrounding natural beauty. It is a 4-minute walk from the Alaska SeaLife Center and less than a mile from Seward Boat Harbor. Additionally, the main entrance to Kenai Fjords National Park is just a short drive away.

Historical Significance

Dating back to 1916, Van Gilder Hotel stands as a landmark in Seward, Alaska, rich in history. Its Victorian-style furnishings add a touch of nostalgia, providing guests with a sense of on-site heritage. Staying here allows visitors to experience a part of local history that adds to their travel experience.

Nearby Attractions

The location of Van Gilder Hotel is beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to wildlife observation opportunities. The cold waters of Seward's harbor are known for marine life, including Humpback Whales and Orcas. Nearby trails lead to Alaska's most accessible glacier, which can be approached in about 10 minutes.

Dining and Shopping

Guests can enjoy a range of dining and shopping options just a short walk away in downtown Seward. The vibrant local scene includes cafes and seafood restaurants that highlight the region's culinary offerings. This convenience allows travelers to savor authentic Alaskan cuisine just steps from the hotel.

Highlights

Location: Downtown Seward, a mile from Seward Boat Harbor

Accommodations: 11 single queen rooms and ocean view suites

Historical Significance: Landmark traditional hotel since 1916

Attractions: Short drive to Kenai Fjords National Park

“In my opinion, the building's exterior requires attention, but the location is prime for exploring the town's attractions. I noted that the staff is helpful and attentive, creating a positive atmosphere, despite some maintenance concerns. I think the historical charm and convenient access to Seward's downtown make it a worthwhile consideration for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind sacrificing modern amenities.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Standard Double Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
Queen Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Annex Apartment Offsite Property
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Heating
Two Queen
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Fishing

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Van Gilder Hotel Location

308 Adams Street, Seward, Alaska, United States, 99664-0609
Map view
308 Adams Street, Seward, Alaska, United States, 99664-0609
Nearby
Aquarium
Alaska SeaLife Center
1500 ft
Library
Seward Community Library & Museum
900 ft
Seward
Resurrection Bay
1900 ft
Church
Resurrection Lutheran Church
900 ft
501 Railway Ave
Chugach Heritage Center
1400 ft
Gallery
Resurrection Bay Galerie
1400 ft
Restaurants
The Highliner Restaurant
200 ft
303 Adams Street
Resurrect Art Coffee House
300 ft
320 3rd Avenue
Discovery Cafe
400 ft
Mile 165 Hope Rd
The Sea Bean
600 ft
225 Fourth Ave
Ranting Raven Gallery
500 ft
238 4th Avenue
Sea Bean Cafe
600 ft
225 4th Ave
The Cookery
1000 ft
209 5th Ave
Peking Chinese Restaurant
800 ft
338 Fourth Ave
The Lone Chicharron Taqueria
600 ft
215 4th
Seward Brewing Company
1000 ft
139 Fourth Avenue
Mrs Genes Place
1000 ft
221 5th Avenue
Explore Seward
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska SeaLife Center
6 minutes' walk
An aquarium and marine research center showcasing local marine life, offering exhibits and educational programs.
Seward Community Library & Museum
Seward Community Library & Museum
3 minutes' walk
A community hub featuring local history exhibits as well as a wide selection of books and resources for all ages.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
14 minutes' walk
A scenic park along the waterfront with walking trails, picnic areas, and views of Resurrection Bay.
Lowell Creek Waterfall
Lowell Creek Waterfall
14 minutes' walk
A picturesque waterfall offering a peaceful escape and stunning views, ideal for photography and nature lovers.
Hiking Mount Marathon
15 minutes' walk
A thrilling hike with challenging trails leading to scenic viewpoints, popular among adventure seekers.
Kayaking in Resurrection Bay
25 minutes' walk
Guided kayaking tours available to explore stunning coastlines and marine wildlife; rentals can often be arranged locally.
Yoga in the Park
14 minutes' walk
Outdoor yoga sessions with scenic views of nature offering relaxation and mindfulness for all skill levels.
The Highliner Restaurant
The Highliner Restaurant
1 minute' walk
A casual dining spot known for fresh seafood and local dishes with a comfortable atmosphere and waterfront views.
Resurrect Art Coffee House
Resurrect Art Coffee House
1 minute' walk
A cozy coffee shop featuring locally roasted coffee, pastries, and a selection of vegan options to enjoy in an art-filled space.
Discovery Cafe
Discovery Cafe
2 minutes' walk
A relaxed eatery serving a variety of dishes, perfect for a quick meal or coffee break with local ingredients.
Seward Brewing Company
10 minutes' walk
A local brewery serving craft beers with a lively atmosphere, often featuring live music and community events.
The Ranting Raven Gallery
2 minutes' walk
An art gallery showcasing local artists, with occasional events and workshops for all ages promoting community engagement.
Getting around town
City Centre
Seward3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-21:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
20

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review score
Based on 217 verified reviews
5.6/10
Guest rating
39%
Recommend
Cleanliness
6.5/10
Comfort
6.6/10
Facilities
5.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
6.8/10
Location
8.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
4.9/10
Staff
7.8/10
Value for money
6.0/10
Pros
Walkable location
Vintage building
24/7 coffee
Cons
Overpriced stay
Water damage
Plumbing problems
Guest reviews
based on 192 reviews
3/5
based on 150 reviews
5.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Van Gilder Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Van Gilder Hotel?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available at Van Gilder Hotel?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What dining options are available near Van Gilder Hotel?
Nearby restaurants include Discovery Cafe, Apollo Restaurant, Resurrect Art Coffee House, Seward Brewing Company, Peking Chinese Restaurant, Gold Rush Alaskan Bistro, The Cookery, and The Lone Chicharron Taqueria, all located within 0.5 km.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at Van Gilder Hotel?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and antique style brass beds.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from Van Gilder Hotel?
Nearby attractions include the Alaska SeaLife Center (0.3 km) and Liberty Theatre (0.3 km).
Does Van Gilder Hotel have any smoking areas?
The hotel is a non-smoking property.
What activities can guests enjoy while staying at Van Gilder Hotel?
Guests can enjoy hiking and fishing in and around Seward.
How far is Van Gilder Hotel from Kenai Municipal Airport?
The hotel is located 200 km from Kenai Municipal Airport.
How far is Van Gilder Hotel from Kenai Fjords National Park?
Van Gilder Hotel is located 1.6 km from the border of Kenai Fjords National Park.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room