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Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 star property
Victorian hotel in Seward with free parking

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your current months are November, 2024 and December, 2024.
November 2024
December 2024

Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

Reception
Exterior
Free WiFi, bed sheets
Lobby sitting area
Lobby

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
    Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFi
  • Parking included
    Parking included
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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
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

Highlights

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

View all photos for Apartment Annex

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Apartment Annex

Highlights

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

View all photos for Annex 1 Queen Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Annex 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

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

View all photos for Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Highlights

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

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

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

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Heating
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

Bar (on property)
Hotel Seward
Parking included
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Business services
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1000)
Hotel Seward

About the neighborhood

Map
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK, 99664

What's nearby

  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 4 min walk
  • Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk
  • Seward Waterfront Park - 5 min walk
  • Seward Boat Harbor - 18 min walk
  • Mount Marathon - 2 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Cookery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Woody's Thai Kitchen - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Harbor Street Creamery - ‬19 min walk

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

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 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.

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 83 out of 434 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 101 out of 434 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 90 out of 434 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 73 out of 434 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 87 out of 434 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

8/10 Good

Jared

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Jared

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It’s an older themed building. With coffee, tea, microwave, ref shared. Very close to dining and the bus stop
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Todd, Farmington

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

cathy

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Terribly run down. In room, one of 2 electric outlet not working, shower didnt only drip but almost ran entire time. The bed sheets had not been changed, wrinkles in sheets frm previous occupants. Had to find other accomadations. I would NOT reccommend to anyone!!!! Cathy C. Night of 9/8/24
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

robin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
they are so friendly treat for us, we reach there early but check in is smoothly. the room is clearly. we feel very good.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Retean, Sarasota

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
😬
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Judi

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Just what we expected. Older building, beds where comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was so happy when I got to the Hotel and saw my room. It was very clean. Freshly painted. The floors were immaculate. The bed had clean sheets and it was very comfortable. I slept very well. I like to sleep in a cool room. It was nice because I could open the window if I needed air during the night. I was glad I had my own bathroom. The bathroom was large and very clean. I had all the hot water I needed. My check in was smooth and check out was super easy. I can report I did not see any ghosts or have any hauntings. All in all I had a wonderful experience at the Van Gilder Hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Maggie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
It is a very old, historic hotel so don't expect much. I was disappointed in the temperature of the shower. It was only luke warm and the shower head was an old style that barely sprayed the water.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Dianne

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
There was mold around the caulking at the sink. The bedding was old and didn’t feel clean. There was a sock left under the covers and the room had not been vacuumed for awhile, especially under the bed. The staff at the desk is there from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and then the reception door is locked. The building is left unsecure after 9:00 pm and the location is in the old town of Seward near the waterfront. Anyone can enter the building and no staff are present. We would not stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Norman, Renton

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Van Gilder is a very old property. My room was on the 3rd floor. There is no elevator. I paid extra to have a private bathroom, otherwise you are sharing a small toilet room and a small shower room. There was no hot water at my sink. The first time I tried to take a shower there was no hot water at the shower. I went down to the office to ask about the absence of hot water and another guest said that she also had no hot water last night, but she did this morning..So rethinking my showering schedule away from heavy usage times I was able to get my next 2 showers in. My 3rd shower was luke warm. There is a small eating room with microwave, small fridge, ice maker and 2 Kuerigs. The microwave would not run for more than 10 seconds unless I unplugged other appliances. The bed was fairly good. The room, linens and towels were clean. There were 2 available usable outlets. My door was rubbing REALLY hard at the head and was very difficult to open and close. The location is great. There is plenty of parking around the hotel and it is just off of 4th Ave where there is lots of food and drink available within a short walking distance. 5 minute drive to the marina.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cool haunted property 👻
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Douglas

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We loved our stay at the property. It reminded me of hotels in Europe. The staff is truly amazing. Loved the common areas with tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Our room was clean. You couldn't ask for a better location for the old town shopping and dinning, touring the aquarium and the free shuttle stop is just across the street. So why only four stars? The hotel needs TLC: on the outside it needs stucco repair and paint, and the inside needs new carpet, replacing wallpaper, etc. I can look past these items, but the owner could really make this a perfect inn and help the staff shine with some capitol investment. Thank you to the entire staff for making our stay over four days feel like a home away from home.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Margaret

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Had charm. Staff very friendly, excellent location - a few steps away from the main shopping and dining street.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Agustin

Liked: Staff & service
The property is well located, with plenty of stores, bars, and diners in the vicinity. The rooms are small but adequate. There are free shuttles available in front of the hotel, with numbered stops, and the one in front of the hotel is Stop 9. The walls can be a little thin, allowing you to hear noises from other rooms. I had read before going that the shower did not have hot water, and unfortunately, it was not fixed. However, the staff is amazing and very helpful, they are the heart of the place. The space was clean, and I would go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Loretta

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was damp, musty and in disrepair. Wallpaper was about 50 years old and peeling off the walls. Corners of room had dirt and paint chips.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Ann

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The bathroom needed a thorough cleaning of woodwork. Shower and sink were fine. Overall, it seemed run down. We never saw a staff person. Room was comfy and quiet. This is our 2nd stay here. I don’t think we’ll stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Cal

The staff Was very gracious!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Chris

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Chris
The place was filthy and moldy. Peeling paint and mold was common. The red carpet in the room was white in the corners where the vacuum cleaner was not covering. I found a dirty cleanex and used earplug on my floor. The water for a shower was almost never warm and had to take cold showers. I only saw an employee once during my 5 days stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Amanda

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Classic property but run down. Shared bathrooms
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Eugene

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Jonathan, St. Thomas

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The staff was wonderful. The building deemed as historical is in need of repair. wall paper coming unglued from the wall, the rusty heating return vents and the black mold running down the wall by the bed. A little glue, rust remover and bleach would really go a long way to spruce up the place
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Paul

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Old building, had some mold issues, covered up with strong cleaner. Towels and bed questionably not cleaned prior to our visit. Hot water's sparse, don’t shower during prime times to do so.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Carol

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

James

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was in a great location. Unfortunately, the property was in a total state of disrepair! No one had hot water and everyone was angry! Every morning guests would meet in the coffee room and Vent! Other guests told me to demand a refund at the front desk so I did. The lady at the front desk told me that the boiler was old and that the owner has no intention of repairing it! I am going to pass that on to the city of Seward. They should revoke the Gilders license to operate. The front desk also refused to give me a refund and told me I needed to take it up with Expedia. Expedia told me that they’ve tried over and over to call the hotel but no one answers the phone! Shame on Expedia to list this hotel. The Hotel was filthy. The walls across from my room were just bare stained concrete. There was no lighting near my room, so we could not see to get the key in the door without using our iPhones as flashlights. There is no elevator. Many of the rooms have to share a bathroom, so beware before you rent!! My wife could not sleep In the room. And this put a real damper on our week in Seward. The bottom line, do not stay in the van Gilder. If you can’t find a better hotel on Expedia Drive VRBO Airbnb. There were plenty of very nice cottages available in the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024