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The Van Gilder Hotel

308 Adams St., Seward, 99664, AK

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1 Room / 2 Adults

1 rooms,
2 adults

  • Rooms:

    1

  • Adults:

    2
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TripAdvisor Rating

3.0


Overview

Step back in time at this historic downtown hotel, built in 1916 and one of the landmark buildings of Seward. Antiques and old photos fill the lobby, hallways and guestrooms to give you a nostalgic experience. The two-room suites are ideal for large families, with two queen beds and a twin murphy bed. The big brass beds, pedestal sinks and Tiffany lamps add to the sense of history. With its concrete construction, this old hotel is surprisingly quiet. You do get a few modern amenities, like TV and Wi-Fi. The hotel provides vouchers for a free breakfast at a restaurant down the street.

The Van Gilder Hotel is in the heart of downtown Seward, close to restaurants, shops and attractions. The waterfront is a few blocks away, where you’ll find the famed Alaska Sealife Center, the state’s biggest aquarium. Seward is also a starting point for land and water excursions into Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll find a number of guided tour operators along the waterfront to help you plan a day trip. For its charming history and downtown location, the Van Gilder Hotel is a great choice for your Alaskan family vacation.

Our Editor Loves

  • Big brass beds
  • Sense of history
  • Downtown location

Family Interests

  • Beach
  • Bicycling
  • Hiking
  • Horse Back Riding
  • Sailing
  • Water Sports

Family Amenities

  • Family Room 5+
  • Free Breakfast
  • Free Wi-Fi

Reviews

Website misleads and they make money scamming you by not refunding the deposit on the room when it’s decrepit.

by Katie C

My boyfriend and I wanted to stay based on what we saw online. There was a bloody towel on the floor, moist water damaged walls, looked like the room had not been cleaned in a long time, and a mould smell.
This is going to sound weird but perhaps this will help someone who also experiences this. The tv would randomly turn on and off on its own and weird images would come on the screen. We weren’t able to change the channel. I do not believe in ghosts but I do believe that the owners of this hotel were trying to scare us out to keep the deposit without providing any services. I believe this was a deliberate scam as it was just a really upsetting experience.

Great location, needs a bit of work

by RJNevens

My wife and I stayed here for a couple days in late August. We knew it was going to be a historic building so our expectations were that things would be old, outdated, and as with most buildings older than your great granny, things would be broken and in need of repair. Our room, the first floor last room on the right, was comfortable and met our expectations. There were several things that needed to be fixed but the bed was comfortable, staff was friendly, and it was close to everything. A bit pricy for what it is but everything in Seward is expensive. I’m sure there are nicer places to stay but if you like that “historic” feeling then this is the place for you.

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