Experience the charm of Van Gilder Hotel, a historic hotel in the city center. With an art gallery on site, shopping mall at your doorstep and library to get lost in, guests can connect with free WiFi and enjoy perks like self parking and an area shuttle.
Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Seward Waterfront Park - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
Seward Boat Harbor - 2 min drive - 1.6 km
Lowell Point State Recreation Site - 9 min drive - 4.5 km
Getting around
Kenai, AK (ENA-Kenai Municipal) - 139 min drive
Free area shuttle
Free bus station shuttle
Restaurants
Starbucks - 3 min drive
The Highliner Restaurant - 1 min walk
Harbor Street Creamery - 19 min walk
Ray's Waterfront - 2 min drive
Woody's Thai Kitchen - 11 min walk
About this property
Van Gilder Hotel
Enjoy your visit to Seward with a stay at Van Gilder Hotel. Guests will have free perks like WiFi and self parking. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
Languages
English, Spanish
More about this property
VISIBILITY
At a glance
Hotel size
20 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Express check-out available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
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
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Transfers
Free bus station shuttle
Offsite
Free area shuttle within 25 yards
Other information
Designated smoking areas
LOB_HOTELS
Property amenities
Food and drink
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
Traveling with children
Free local shuttle
What to do
Fishing nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Luggage storage
Facilities
Built in 1916
Library
Art gallery on site
Shopping mall on site
Victorian architecture
ROOM
Room amenities
Home comfort
Heating
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Shower only
Free toiletries
Hair dryer (on request)
Towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
Stay connected
Free WiFi
More
Daily housekeeping
MONETIZATION_ON
Fees & policies
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between September 10 and May 14.
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a smoke detector on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
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
HELP_OUTLINE
Frequently asked questions
Is Van Gilder Hotel currently open?
The property is closed between September 10 and May 14.
Are pets allowed at Van Gilder Hotel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Van Gilder Hotel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Van Gilder Hotel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Express check-out is available.
What is there to do at Van Gilder Hotel and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as fishing.
What's the area around Van Gilder Hotel like?
Van Gilder Hotel is in the heart of Seward, a short 4-minute walk from Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center and 4 minutes' walk from Alaska SeaLife Center.
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Van Gilder Hotel Reviews
Reviews
6.2
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
6.6/10
Cleanliness
7.4/10
Staff & service
5.4/10
Amenities
5.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
6.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Location
Bed
Building
Service staff
Historical
Shower
Bathroom
Booking
History
Reviews
6/10 Good
Jun 15, 2025
The hotel is old and the floor is squeaky. We had to check in and out after and before the office hours. Feel bad for
cameron
cameron, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Jun 13, 2025
It was not in as good shape as the pictures indicated. It was VERY hot and stuffy in our room. The water was cold, NO hot water at all. Electrical outlets would not hold a plug(an easy fix). Curtains do not completely cover windows. It was like outdoor camping with a toilet and sink.
russell
russell, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 29, 2024
Fantastic location and very friendly/helpful staff. Perfect place to stay while exploring Seward.
Patrick
Patrick, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 1, 2024
Nice, old historical hotel, well maintained, antique settings in rooms.
Robert
Robert, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 6, 2024
Very convenient location. Historic hotel.
Valerie
Valerie, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 3, 2024
A unique hotel and have a sense of history.
Wei
Wei, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 27, 2024
hotel was quaint, but old - had alot of history which was very interesting
Joanne
Joanne, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 5, 2024
Wonderful Hotel
Beautiful historic hotel. Wonderful atmosphere and parking was close by. Seward has a lot to offer. We stayed for two nights and loved the area.
Heather
Heather, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 20, 2024
Very cool haunted property 👻
Lynn
Lynn, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Aug 13, 2024
Had charm. Staff very friendly, excellent location - a few steps away from the main shopping and dining street.
Margaret
Margaret, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 9, 2024
Quint and historical building in an excellent location
Jim
Jim, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 6, 2023
Great location in downtown - cool historic hotel :)
Scott
Scott, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 26, 2024
We loved the historic charm of this hotel. Everything we needed
mary
mary, 1-night trip
4/10 Fair
Aug 2, 2024
The staff
Was very gracious!
Cal
Cal, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 8, 2024
Great historic hotel
Love the endeavor to preserve this old hotel. While it a work in progress it is important to save a part of Seward history.
Katherine
Katherine, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 25, 2024
Bobby, front desk,
from Arkansas, was, absolutely, superb!!!
Jerry
Jerry, 7-night trip
8/10 Very good
Sep 15, 2024
It’s an older themed building. With coffee, tea, microwave, ref shared. Very close to dining and the bus stop
Jared
Jared, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Oct 1, 2024
Great location. Hotel is an interesting place, if a little dated. Beds were comfortable, but the rooms could have been cleaner. We found a pubic hair on one of the beds and had an unexpected roommate (centipede). Aside from that, the location was great and the staff was excellent - very attentive. The coffee bar was a nice touch as well.
Shane
Shane, 2-night trip
6/10 Good
Aug 27, 2024
Just what we expected. Older building, beds where comfortable
Judi
Judi, 2-night trip
4/10 Fair
Aug 19, 2024
Shakey stay
Old hotel, n0 elevator, no heat
Rich
Rich, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 31, 2024
they are so friendly treat for us, we reach there early but check in is smoothly. the room is clearly. we feel very good.
robin
robin, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 28, 2024
Surprisingly comfortable.
Michael
Michael, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 25, 2024
Great location
This hotel is very old 108 years old but it is in very good condition and loved staying there however since it's old there is no elevator and it is 3 story high so lots of stairs
Jette
Jette, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 16, 2024
Unique 1916 hotel near the historical downtown and across from the shuttle stop. Didn't like the flat pillows.
Debra k.
Debra k., 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Aug 28, 2022
Great location and next to free shuttle stop run by the city. Dining options are walking distance.