VAN GILDER HOTEL, Seward

Van Gilder Hotel - A historic Victorian landmark with antique furnishings in downtown Seward

Dating from 1916, this 3-story concrete Seward hotel stands 4 minutes from Alaska SeaLife Center and 1 mile from Kenai Fjords National Park. Van Gilder Hotel houses 23 rooms, including 15 single queen rooms, 4 double queen suites with ocean views, and 3 pension rooms with shared bathrooms. Each room features antique brass beds, lace curtains, and pedestal sinks, while upgraded units include private bathrooms. The Victorian-style property includes a parlor and a lobby with a piano. The Van Gilder provides art gallery access and a library on-site. Located in downtown Seward, the property sits 2.5 hours from Anchorage by car and 3 hours from Homer. Nearby attractions include Mt. Marathon Jeep Trail (0.5 miles), Resurrection Bay Galerie (0.5 miles), and Chugach Heritage Center (0.5 miles).

Pros

Prime location near 7 restaurants within 0.3 miles, including Discovery Cafe and Apollo Restaurant

Scenic views of mountains, city, and sea from select rooms

Historical significance as Alaska's oldest hotel

Easy access to wildlife viewing areas for whales, seals, and puffins

Cons

Some rooms require sharing bathrooms

2 miles from Resurrection River