Van Gilder Hotel
About this hotel
Nestled in Seward, this lovely hotel for $205 per night is a great option for your next break. Victorian hotel in Seward with free parking This hotel features a microwave in a common area, a refrigerator in a common area, and concierge services. Free WiFi in public areas, free self parking, and a free area shuttle are also provided. Other amenities include a library, express check-out, and tour/ticket assistance. Change of towels is available on request. Van Gilder Hotel offers 20 accommodations with complimentary toiletries. This Seward hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Hair dryers, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Amenities
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Smoking allowed
Parking
Map of Seward, AK
Reviews
3.1/5.0
Average(347 Reviews)
4.0
Old building, not clean enough, no elevator, small room, indifferent staff
4.0
Service was not great, carpet in the hotel room was very dirty. Was disappointed with my stay for the price I paid, not worth it.
2.0
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.
8.0
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.
2.0
It is an historic hotel but it wasn’t clean. Mold everywhere even in the toilets.
2.0
I tried to make a reservation and card declined. Received expedia notification that happened made different reservation and they stillcharged me. NOT HAPPY
2.0
Historical
6.0
Hotel is old and rustic so elders know that there is no elevator and stairs are required.
1.0
The carpet needed to be vacuum and it was dusty in the room. There was light that came in all around the door. You could hear everything going on in the hotel.
The following day some of the locals told me the place was haunted and they were surprised to know it was even still open.
4.0
Property overall was dirty and when we ask for towels and wash cloths we had to find them on our own. Very bad odor everywhere.
10.0
I liked that the property was of historic importance. However it is definitely not worth the value because the property upkeep is awful ☹️. The property management company should be ashamed of themselves for not bringing this property up to code and for not modernizing it to show off its historic features. The property has potential
8.0
This historic hotel was absolutely amazing!! It is an older building and the furnishings and rooms do reflect it, but we had a phenomenal stay. The area around the hotel was convenient to the water, shops, food, and transportation. It’s easily walkable and enjoyable to explore the town.
2.0
The photos are deceiving for this hotel. The hotel is run down and ghetto. Worst hotel room i have ever seen.
6.0
They need to put tv down lower
1.0
This hotel was filthy, rundown, and just disgusting. Broken furniture in the room, missing door, broken sink, not clean at all. The whole place needs to be condemned or fully renovated. I would never stay here again, nor would I ever recommend this place to anyone. A major slap to the face for over $300/night.
1.0
Moldy odor, humid room, and it makes you feel dirty
2.0
This property is awful. This is a historic site and building. It is in very poor condition and the owner should be embarrassed. The staff was very nice and helpful but they need there jobs and are doing the best with what they have to work with. Wall paper is peeling, the bathroom sink would fall if you lean on it and the grounds around the property are falling apart. How this business can stay open is beyond me. The building is unsafe with the electrical box so out dated and so many other things to name. Totally false advertising.
6.0
I can appreciate the historical aspect of the building. History pics in the hallways were very interesting. Just be aware due to the fact of no AC, had to sleep with windows open. People walked up and down the alley at all hours and we were in the 1st floor so it was very loud. Also smelled pit being smoked every night in the alley right outside our window
4.0
I do not mind an old inn, however this has not been cleaned or taken care of. Also, ghosts, we were told. Mold, not vacuumed, and when we vacuumed, the bag was so full, dust was coming out of it. Mold on shower curtain, very filthy floors around the toilet and sink, piles of "stuff" billowing out of storage areas.
I asked for some type of discount and they said it had to ome from Expedia. For the money we paid, this was totally unacceptable. We do not need grand, but we do need peace of mind that a place is clean.
4.0
We liked the location, the room was quiet, and the staff nice. We didn't like the dirty, dusty, toenail clippings on the floor. It was apparent that the room, hallway, and stairs had not been cleaned or vacuumed for a really long time. The bathroom was fairly clean, except around the toilet base which was yellow. I talked to the office clerk on check out (as there was no one there on day two) about the condition of the room. I was refered to the management which gave me a phone number for Matthew. I talked to him, asked for a discount, and after 6 days have not heard back from him. I would not suggest you stay here.
2.0
I booked the hotel as it looked like a charming historic hotel. It is historic, but perhaps not quite as charming as i expected. The building and decor could certainly use some work and could be a bit cleaner. That said, the room was comfortable, the wi-fi worked great, and the showers were satisfactorily hot.
Certainly a unique experience.
4.0
50 years since the last update. Rotting window frames, plaster issues. Just say No.
2.0
Easy check in and parking. We were the last ones of the evening to check in so I think we had a least favorable room. A little pricy for the value then reminded we were in Alaska. Very grateful for a place stay on short notice.
1.0
The 3d worst accommodation i've experienced in the US. A complete rip-off as there was the essence of mold/mildew permeating the room, hope my wife doesn't get ill. There were extraneous pieces of furniture in the room, cluttering up an already small room. It's like the room was a supply/storage closet that they saved for renting last. It was a $35/night room they sold us for $200x2. The room had not been vacuumed prior to our stay and when it was serviced after night one it still had not been vacuumed. There was not a screen on the window so if you wanted to get fresh air in the room you had to let in the skeeters too. It was a crime to "rent" that room. It leaves Seward c/ a bitter taste in my mouth. The only other places we've stayed that were worse was a dive in Nome and another in the Yukon. The "Cockroach Motel" doesn't count as it is located in 3d World Philippines.
4.0
There is a big difference between historic and run down. The hotel is in very poor shape. The lobby, halls and mostly the stairs have not been vacuumed in a very very long time. Wallpaper is falling off walls.
Room had a partial roll of toilet paper and several used bars of soap. No coat hangers or other means of hanging items
We found a very disorganized hall closet filed with dirty sheets but it had an extra roll of toilet paper.
Security is nonexistent. Free access to any roomat any time.
Sheets on bed were clean.
2.0
Very musty / moldy smelling
2.0
This is by far one of the worst hotels' I've ever stayed at. Old does not have to equate to mold! Community room - absolutely filthy. I wouldn't even make a coffee there! Facility a hodgepodge of junk. No AC, box fan cord had to run across dresser for lack of an extension cord. Front desk person, nice enough but obviously not much interest in guest comfort. This place should be shut down.
4.0
This property is old and needs upgrading. The service needs improvement as well.
1.0
Filthy, moldy, no amenities.
2.0
Very old and has a musty smell as soon as you enter. The place is very run down. Overpriced
Barely saw receptionist
Had to request towels and toiletries from day 1
Would not recommend
8.0
Great location in downtown - cool historic hotel :)
1.0
No room clean , smell in the building, not worth a stay
2.0
There was absolutely nothing to like about this hotel. Peeling wallpaper, broken tv..so no room tv. No hangers in the closet. Peeling paint. Heat didn't work so they brought us a space heater. Trash spilled over in the one room downstairs that had a coffee maker and microwave. Stunk like mold. Burned out light bulbs...including a half hanging light in the hallway, we had to use our iPhone light to see the key hole. Yes, they had crummy little keys- $100 to replace if lost. The girl at the desk. not interested in anything! Dust ...you could smell it in the half hung drapes! No way should anyone sleep here, it should be condemned!
2.0
Very old and not updated. No basic amenities. Old properties can maintain their historic value without taking away amenities that are available everywhere today - elevators, coffee pots and refrigerators in every room, cleanliness, heaters in every room etc. These are basic things that are unavailable in this property. Long overdue for an upgrade.
8.0
Receptionist is wonderful. She is very helpful and very kindness.
2.0
Although a historic house it was not at all maintained nor cleaned. Facilitirs were very limited and dirty. House eas left open and totally unattended. In fact we returnrd the keys and did not stay there. Wad a big joke for
1.0
Uncomfortable room
2.0
The property is very old. Smells filthy and dirty. Unhealthy to stay for the people who are sensitive for allergies and bronchial issues. Unclean bathroom and continuously running shower which was not fixed. Receptionist was giving excuses for not fixing the shower and saying it is OK to stay even if the shower is running noisily and continuously. Vacation becomes unpleasant and disappointing if you live in this place. We moved to different place immediately.
6.0
Very dated and in need of repair and upgrades. Nice towels. Staff seemed friendly
10.0
This is a quaint old hotel with a lot of history. It doesn’t have some of the conveniences of newer hotels but was a great experience. Staff was very helpful
FAQs
How much does this hotel cost compared to others in Seward?
The average price for a rental in Seward is $280 per night. This rental is $75 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this hotel?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Van Gilder Hotel. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this hotel?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this hotel. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Van Gilder Hotel pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this hotel is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Van Gilder Hotel?
We found 4 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, smoking allowed, and parking.
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