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The Van Gilder Hotel
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About
3.0
#15 of 15 hotels in SewardLocation
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Dating from 1916, this landmark traditional hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Alaska SeaLife Center, and a mile from Seward Boat Harbor and the border of Kenai Fjords National Park. Featuring Victorian-style furnishings, the cozy rooms offer flat-screen TVs, in-room sinks and shared bathrooms. Upgraded rooms add private or en suite facilities, and suites have 2 bedrooms. There's a library, a communal kitchen, and a lobby with a piano.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Non-smoking hotel
Shared bathroom
Express check-in / check-out
Room features
Housekeeping
Private bathrooms
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Historic Hotel
Location
308 Adams St., Seward, AK 99664
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 87 out of 100
87
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
123.3 km•
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Car Hire
19 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
211Reviews3Q+A49Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
This is a last resort hotel; only stay here if you cannot find a room anywhere else. If you like Historic sites and haunted houses, this is the place for you.
We stayed here for one night and I couldn’t get out fast enough because an entity urged me to leave. I never felt in danger, but I was definitely given a sense of urgency to get out.
While this is a historic land site it is a bit run down and falling apart. The hotel was built in 1916 and retains many of the original relics and construction. The paint is falling off the walls, the carpet looks like it is original, the floors and walls creak and groan, and it feels like you have stepped back in time. There is no elevator so if you are on the third floor you have a hike up a narrow stairway.
If you are energy or spirit sensitive, do not stay here (unless you like that sort of thing).
I’ve stayed in several historic buildings much older than this one and was expecting the musty smell and rundown décor, but this was on a whole other level (and not in a good way). The room I stayed in looked like it had a fresh coat of paint and the bathroom had recently been upgraded, which was nice. The bed frame looked like it was barely holding together, but the bed was comfortable.
We stayed here for one night and I couldn’t get out fast enough because an entity urged me to leave. I never felt in danger, but I was definitely given a sense of urgency to get out.
While this is a historic land site it is a bit run down and falling apart. The hotel was built in 1916 and retains many of the original relics and construction. The paint is falling off the walls, the carpet looks like it is original, the floors and walls creak and groan, and it feels like you have stepped back in time. There is no elevator so if you are on the third floor you have a hike up a narrow stairway.
If you are energy or spirit sensitive, do not stay here (unless you like that sort of thing).
I’ve stayed in several historic buildings much older than this one and was expecting the musty smell and rundown décor, but this was on a whole other level (and not in a good way). The room I stayed in looked like it had a fresh coat of paint and the bathroom had recently been upgraded, which was nice. The bed frame looked like it was barely holding together, but the bed was comfortable.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Bring sage, rosemary, holy water, or whatever makes you feel safe. Be sure to request private...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
I booked my room with the expectation that my accommodations would be very basic, but relatively safe and quiet. I was on a strict per diem for lodging and the Salmon Derby had filled up all the other hotels. One of the best perks is that this hotel is very close to the South end of town with all the restaurants, gift shop and Sea Life center. I am not sure if I had a haunting experience, but after the 2nd night's stay at about 1:30 am, I heard a woman loudly scream in fright, then dead silence afterward. Yes, the paint is peeling. Yes, some windows have plexiglass and tape over them. Yes, there's strangely a bathroom sink in the adjoining room in 302. Yes, you want to close the bathroom curtain so you don't flash the people or restaurant across the street. Yes, there is a musty smell. But I'm glad they were able to accommodate me and I knew exactly what I was in for. Old places like this require A LOT of upkeep. My only hope is they keep at it for many others to enjoy.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Carissa D, General Manager at The Van Gilder Hotel
Responded 12 Oct 2023
Thank you, Kevin, for your review. It does sound as like Fannie, our famous and friendly Ghost may have made an appearance for you ;) (apologies if she was feisty, it's a harmless energy that likes to play). So glad you were able to enjoy the location and understanding of the age of the building. We are trying to slowly keep updating it, however, it will take some time with being a historical building and having extra hoops to jump through in renovations. We hope you come back and visit us again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The room was clean, but it also had pealing wallpaper and crumbling plaster on the walls. No coffee in the room, but some available in the front parlor room. The television had streaming service - often didn't work. Not a terrible place, but certainly could use some updates and repairs.
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Date of stay: August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Crystal Thorpe, General Manager at The Van Gilder Hotel
Responded 8 Sept 2022
Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your stay. We appreciate your feedback. We are sorry for the issues that you did experience during your stay, and are working to correct them. Thank you Crystal Thorpe General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The historic Victorian charm of this building quickly wears off when you realize you are paying Hilton prices for a hostel experience. The building is deteriorating and dirty. Mold and dirt all over drapery, carpet, and shower curtain liners. Because of its age, the hotel is extremely noisy—I could literally hear my neighbor’s snoring and every step up and down the rickety staircase. No fridge or coffee in rooms-you get to battle it out for space in a mini fridge in the “coffee room” and then wait your turn to use a halfway functioning Keurig. My room had a view of the brick wall 4 feet away in the ally. For $300. Per. Night. Perhaps the owners of the hotel should invest some of the $300/night they charge into building maintenance and cleaning. Appalled at the price and lack of amenities. Plus side-great location downtown.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Just nope
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Charles Jackson, Owner at The Van Gilder Hotel
Responded 12 Jul 2022
Thanks for the review; while we are glad to hear you enjoyed our fantastic location steps from downtown we are disappointed in reading your other comments. Our hotel offers a unique old-time charm that you just won't find in other hotels we are very disappointed you did not see the value in our hotel. Thank you for sharing.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There is a difference between old and dirty. The Van Gilder used to be nice. It was DIRTY! Lady in the office greeting us complained the entire time about how tired she was. Filthy stairs looked like they haven’t been vaccumed in months. Pubic hair on the toilet seat when we arrived in our room. No pillow cases on the pillows. Extra blankets thrown in a pile not folded. The complimentary coffee in the lobby wasn’t working because the Keurig needed to be cleaned. Terrible, The manager called several days after I sent an email. She had nothing but excuses for why it was a mess. I don’t recommend staying here EVER!!!!!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Carissa D, General Manager at The Van Gilder Hotel
Responded 17 Jul 2023
Thank you, Resort62534512050, for your review. Our apologies we weren't able to meet your expectations and we wish you a wonderful summer.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place is a dump. It is falling apart, and the room had not even been vacuumed. I understand historic, or even weather-worn, but this had bare wires from a broken light outside of our room, paint chips from the walls all over the floors, and peeling wall paper. My DH booked the room because it mentioned a fridge and microwave... They are both in the lobby and the "coffee bar" is a Keurig but the hotel entrance.
I will say, I do think the sheets on the very firm mattress were washed before we got there.
I will say, I do think the sheets on the very firm mattress were washed before we got there.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Make sure you check that your room has a private bathroom. Most are shared.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Carissa D, General Manager at The Van Gilder Hotel
Responded 29 Jul 2023
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback, as we do take it seriously and in consideration for improvements. Apologies for not meeting expectations for your stay with us, this has been addressed with the hotel manager. Regarding the amenities, we are considering placing some of those items in the rooms in the future. Thank you again for your feedback and we wish you well.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel is housed in a historic building, in the city center on the popular and central boulevard. Beautiful and clean rooms, but above all - the service of the hotel manager! George is an amazing person who will help you with any questions and requests. We would definitely like to come back again.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
V-Very very old, yet fascinating
A-A bit haunted
N-Not very well maintained, but who has time for that anyway
G-Got great decorations
I-Increasingly peculiar with every decoration discovered
L-Like a land Titanic vibe
D-Downtown good location
E-Evidently very sturdy building as it has lasted all these years
R-Riveting articles written about this place over the years
H-Happy to have stayed one night to experience this place
O-Olfactory senses discovered new horizons
T-Tip toe down the hall or the whole hotel will hear you
E-Experience that will never be forgotten
L-Lest you regret it, better try at least one, and only one, night at the Van Gilder Hotel
A-A bit haunted
N-Not very well maintained, but who has time for that anyway
G-Got great decorations
I-Increasingly peculiar with every decoration discovered
L-Like a land Titanic vibe
D-Downtown good location
E-Evidently very sturdy building as it has lasted all these years
R-Riveting articles written about this place over the years
H-Happy to have stayed one night to experience this place
O-Olfactory senses discovered new horizons
T-Tip toe down the hall or the whole hotel will hear you
E-Experience that will never be forgotten
L-Lest you regret it, better try at least one, and only one, night at the Van Gilder Hotel
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Such a lovely hotel, very authentic and felt like a "step back in time" ,warm, comfortable and very welcoming. Robbie and her family, where very frendly and made us feel at home 🏡 ❤️.
Better than staying in a posh new "plastic" hotel. Feature with a bear 🐻 in the coffee ☕️ lounge and free hot beverages, microwave and refrigerator. A comfortable lounge to relax in. Bobbie was informative about the activities locally and other parts of Alaska. The price reflects, staying in an old authentic house. Bedrooms warm and beds 🛌 allowed for a good night 😴 sleep and clean rooms. If and when I visit seward again,I'll be booking a room well in advance. Thanks 👍 again
Better than staying in a posh new "plastic" hotel. Feature with a bear 🐻 in the coffee ☕️ lounge and free hot beverages, microwave and refrigerator. A comfortable lounge to relax in. Bobbie was informative about the activities locally and other parts of Alaska. The price reflects, staying in an old authentic house. Bedrooms warm and beds 🛌 allowed for a good night 😴 sleep and clean rooms. If and when I visit seward again,I'll be booking a room well in advance. Thanks 👍 again
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Slum-lord. Takes your money (plenty of money for the amenities) Fixes nothing. Ugh Ever heard of a vacuum? Small table-top ice maker (for a hotel!?) moldy, 1 coffee maker on ground floor, limping, flashing “ descale”.
Coffee room, filthy. I was so depressed I could not wait to leave this dump. Tainted my trip
Coffee room, filthy. I was so depressed I could not wait to leave this dump. Tainted my trip
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Carissa D, General Manager at The Van Gilder Hotel
Responded 17 Jul 2023
Thank you for your review. Apologies for falling short on fulfilling your guest experiences, we try to provide a quality and comfortable stay and we have not for you. This has been addressed with the hotel manager and we will continue to work on improving standards for valued guests such as you. Have pleasant travels!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Well I was only a guest there so I'm not the one to ask. But I can tell you that they do have rooms that would fit. If it's available I would have no idea. You need to ask them. I can also tell you that the Sea Life center is in walking distance. This location is great and you can walk all over the town from here.
I'm sorry you had a bad experience, too, Jay. I reported the behavior to the police, who also recommended I tell social media, the Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau. It's not acceptable treatment and it's important to speak up. Have you written a review, as well?
Susan,
Our biggest room at the Van Gilder in Seward is a rooms with 2 queen beds and one twin, it is called at suite. We one one available for tonight. Please call 800-478-0400 or 907-235-0400.
Thank you.
"Don't expect to get the room you requested, don't expect clean carpets, don't expect a friendly reception."Read full review
"Bring sage, rosemary, holy water, or whatever makes you feel safe. Be sure to request private bathroom as some rooms have a shared bathroom"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$282 - $312 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
van gilder hotel, van gilder seward
LOCATION
United StatesAlaskaSeward
NUMBER OF ROOMS
23
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Van Gilder Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Van Gilder Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Seward Highway (0.3 km), Alaska SeaLife Center (0.3 km), and Seward Community Library & Museum (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Van Gilder Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and express check-in and check-out.
What are some restaurants close to The Van Gilder Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Cookery, Resurrect Art Coffee House, and Zudy's Cafe.
Are there any historical sites close to The Van Gilder Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Seward Mariner's Memorial (1.4 km).