Located in Seward, Van Gilder Hotel is in the city centre and in the mountains. Seward Boat Harbor and Caines Head Trailhead are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kenai Fjords National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center. Alaska SeaLife Center and Thumb Cove State Marine Park are also worth visiting.
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
Starbucks - 3 min drive
Woody's Thai Kitchen - 11 min walk
The Highliner Restaurant - 1 min walk
Ray's Waterfront - 2 min drive
Resurrect Art Coffee House Gallery - 1 min walk
About this property
Van Gilder Hotel
Historic hotel in the city centre
Consider a stay at Van Gilder Hotel and take advantage of an art gallery on-site, a shopping centre on-site and a library. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
Free self-parking
A free local area shuttle, a local area shuttle and express check-out
Tour/ticket information, luggage storage and concierge services
Guest reviews give good marks for the helpful staff and location
Room features
All guest rooms at Van Gilder Hotel offer amenities, such as free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
Showers and free toiletries
Heating and daily housekeeping
Languages
English
Property amenities
Internet
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Free area shuttle up to 25 yards
Area shuttle
Free bus station shuttle
Free self parking on site
Things to do
Art gallery
Library
Shopping centre
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
Daily housekeeping
Tour and ticket assistance
Outdoors
In the mountains
Accessibility
No lift
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
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 staff will greet guests on arrival
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 10 September and 14 May.
Access methods
Staffed front desk
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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available
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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
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?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Van Gilder Hotel located?
Located in the heart of Seward, this historic hotel is steps away 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
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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.More informationOpens in a new window
Over all it was comfortable and we had no problems or issues. The desk clerk was very nice and helpful. The only minus is that we thought the room could use some maintenance. The wallpaper was pealing in places and some odd old fixtures were left in the room, an old TV shelf, old curtain rod holders, and some things we couldn't identify - things that weren't removed when new ones were put in. But, like I say, we were comfortable and satisfied with our stay.
I was supposed to stay two days but couldn’t even last two hours. I love to stay in historic hotels & I understand some of the nuances that come with it, but this place really, really needs an update on the interior. Lots of mildew, peeling wallpaper, water damage and electrical issues with our room in particular. But even just walking the halls you can smell/feel the discomfort of years of neglect. Please save your money and book elsewhere until this place is renovated.
I tried to make a reservation and card declined. Received expedia notification that happened made different reservation and they stillcharged me. NOT HAPPY
Nancy
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
6/10 Okay
Dennis
Travelled with family
19 Aug 2023
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Hotel is old and rustic so elders know that there is no elevator and stairs are required.