Van Gilder Hotel

Well located historic building in downtown Seward. Historic means no AC, small shower. Nice staff, sitting rooms with coffee and tea.

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.

Bed was comfy. No A/C. Rundown and kinda dirty but sheets were clean.

Interesting, historic hotel. Beds were extremely comfortable! No elevator. Great location - close to shops, restaurants and the water.

Property is old, dingy, outdated, and very inconvenient. We had to carry our luggage up 3 flights of stairs, there was no air or ability to open windows which was suffocating, and no hot water for showers. Parking was in a dirt field behind the hotel near private homes.

liked interior decor. very historic. outside looked like it was decaying at places. no elevator and no breakfast. the lock on the door at our room was very hard to open with the key.

Classic property but run down. Shared bathrooms

It’s an older themed building. With coffee, tea, microwave, ref shared. Very close to dining and the bus stop

Van Gilder hotel is an historic hotel very old but in need of major renovations from the exterior the front steps were broken concrete and they were not accessible by any ADA standard outside building was a flaking paint and just terrible . The hotel lacked an elevator and we were on the third story and so we had to walk up and carry up all our luggage not very good.. The room was relatively small one small queen bed and bathroom in the room unfortunately the television was in the wrong location. It was 8 feet up in the air and it was at the head head of the bed so if you wanted to watch TV you had to lay in bed facing the wrong way where your feet would be the hotel doesn’t have any air-conditioning and unfortunately, the windows do not have any screens so if you left the windows open, it’s a good chance you come back in your room would be full of flying bugs. Bathroom was acceptable, shower, toilet, etc. that was OK down in front lobby. They had availability of coffee and a small countertop ice machine in the room with the big bear very Alaskan overall hotel might be a great location if and when it ever gets fixed up if not probably it should be a disclaimer that it is not ADA friendly that people who need or unable to climb, massive stairs and hump luggage up should stay away

This place is a historical monument, but not kept up well at all. The outside walls and front steps are crumbling. The building next door looks to be condemned. Places in the interior show buckled walls. Most of the interior looks very old and shabby. Our second floor room took several minutes of running water before it would be hot. The faucet in our sink was very loosely attached. If you try to bend your head down near the sink you have to be careful not to hit the storage shelf above it. There is no elevator, so you carry your luggage up and down stairs if not on the first floor. Parking is a gravel lot a half block behind the building connected by a gravel alley, so there is no to surface where you can roll your luggage to or from your car. Either carry them or drop off in front and park later.

Property is obviously very old, which we were hoping would bring charming character. Instead, it was just not well maintained. We had no hot water for the duration of our stay, not even warm. Front desk would only offer a 10% (!!?!??!) discount off of our stay in return. All we wanted after a long day of traveling was a shower, we couldn’t even get that.

I realize that costs are very high in the North. But this was a lot of money for a crummy hotel. It starts when you drive up and see the paint peeling off all over the exterior - the photo shown on Hotels.com is a complete lie. It's interesting to stay in an historic hotel. But that's about all. The room was cold and there was no heat, and the best they could do was provide us with a small, electric radiant heater. The hot water was insufficient for a full shower. The carpeting everywhere was filthy - the attendant mentioned some work being done (thus the lack of heat) and so there was white detritus all over the hallway carpets. Would it have killed someone to run the vacuum? The entrance to the hotel is shabby and worn. It's just clear that the hotel is not making a profit, or that whomever is running it just wants to rake in room fees and put nothing back into making this an attractive, historic hotel. What a shame. I would not recommend staying here - just pony up an additional $100 and stay someplace decent.

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.

If you have a reservation here, cancel it ASAP If you are thinking about booking here, spend the extra money and stay somewhere else. This place is disgusting. There is actual mold (large amounts of black mold) growing in the toliets on the first and second floor. Want to wash your hands after using the mold toilets? Forget about it! Not even the hotel "rooms" come equipped with handsoap. This is the dirtiest, most disgusting place I have stepped foot in. Even led me to an search for how to file a complaint with the Seward health inspector. After reading the reviews online it appeared most were from August 2022, most mentioned numerous issues, most with a response from management that work would be completed over the winter season. We stayed last night, ended up speaking with the construction crew, who were all SHOCKED to see guests staying. They told us flat out that there is so much work let to do that guests shouldn't be in the hotel at all. Moving into our hotel room, which was booked as a two bedroom suite with a pull out bed. The pull out bed had to be located on a different floor, which we had to help move into our room. The two rooms didnt even have a door between them, it hqd been remover from the hinges. Mold was growing in the widow frames all the wallpaper was peeling off the walls and floor was only clean in the main areas (next to the beds and near the walls were nasty). Many more issues, all involved cleanliness, but it appears i am out of space

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.

The building is falling a part - Peeling paint, crumbling walls, loose floor tiles, sticky carpet floors... The linens were clean but everything else was extremely shabby. One of our nights here we had no hot water and were unable to bathe

,The place was so dirty that any place that a vacuum cleaner could not get to without moving the furniture, the carpet had so much dust on it, that it looked gray. It was supposed to be maroon. I would not recommend anyone stay here.

This is definitely an old hotel that needs some care. The exterior has peeling paint and plaster. The interior carpet is worn and dirty and the wallpaper is missing or peeling in places. We stayed on the 3rd floor (no elevator) so it was a chore to get luggage from the off-site parking lot to our room. The room had its own bathroom but not much else other than a bed and a TV stuck in an awkward corner that you had to view by locating next to the bathroom wall. Our room had hair and used dental floss on the bathroom floor when we checked in and there were no towels. We alerted the front desk and she took care of it quickly. There is no place to hang clothes and there is no drawer space. The shower and toilet area were very tight. There are no blackout curtains in the sleeping area and there are large billowy curtains next to the toilet area which are difficult to manage while using the toilet. I would not recommend this hotel. We had either blood or ketchup on our hallway door jam. Whatever it was, it should be cleaned off. I felt like I had done enough complaining so I did not bring it up. We stayed two nights. There is no daily maid service. I was shown where to get additional towels when I inquired about more linens. The water was lukewarm at best. They do not lock the main door at night so anyone can wander into the hotel. Our room door was pretty flimsy and someone could have easily come in. I should not have read about the 1950 murder in this hotel! haha

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.

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.

Bed was comfortable but no heat in the room. Had to climb 3 flights of stairs. Water was lukewarm.

Interesting, historic hotel. Beds were extremely comfortable! No elevator. Great location - close to shops, restaurants and the water.

Property was run down outside, the inside was clean with a comfortable bed but tvs didn’t work and room was way overpriced.

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.

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

This is very much a historic boutique hotel. When I say historic I mean it. The decor is very 1940s, brass beds, Tiffany style lights. It’s like staying at your great grandmother’s house. Nothing has really been updated in probably that many years. That being said if you’re looking for modern comfort and upgraded rooms this hotel isn’t for you. Everything is clean though and the beds are comfortable. You won’t have a hot shower so if you’re staying for an extended amount of time that might become an issue for sure. Staff is great, she sat down with my kids and told them about how the hotel is “haunted” and they loved that. It was a great little stop. Clean, quiet, perfect location you could walk anywhere downtown.

The Hotel is old and historic and has a lot of potential. The room we were assigned initially was a two bedroom suite with a shared bath, however, the set up was strange and the shared bath was a sink in one bed room and a toilet and shower in the other bedroom, not a good set up when traveling with 4 adults. Sash, the reception lady was very nice and moved our rooms. The new rooms were cozy but the tv was mounted behind the bed, so you really couldn’t watch tv if you were lying in bed. We loved the history of the hotel and the location, but not sure we would stay again.

They need to put tv down lower

Old building, noise everywhere, very hot in the room.

Had radiator heat that kept the room very warm Staff could not fix it and we got switched to a slightly cooler room with a fan

No hot water for two days. No clue from staff on resolution. Very hot in the room and no screens on windows. Could be a nice place someday.

Very professional, friendly staff

Hotel is a bit rough around the edges but very convenient and a fair value for the money. I was intrigued by the history and happy to find the free shuttle bus stop right across the street. The hostess was lovely and very helpful even loaning me her raincoat for the evening. I would stay again.

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.

We had the worst experience ever, nobody to check in and nobody to checkout. this hotel is always empty and you have to look around for employees. they leave the doors open over night with no security in place. anybody could walk in to the hotel and access all floors at night because there is nobody to protect customers. No elevators. the hotel is very dirty, I woke up sick the next morning due to all the dust in the room and hotel. We will not recommend this hotel at all. They will charge your credit card as soon as you book your room and not refund your money.

they are so friendly treat for us, we reach there early but check in is smoothly. the room is clearly. we feel very good.

Clean, friendly staff.

The motel is on the historic registry which is cool. Alot of history in those walls. The staff was wonderful. Very pleasant and helpful. The rooms are ok. They are clean and fairly comfortable. The property is seasonal and could use some updating during their down time. Overall it was a very nice stay. Definitely would stay again.

I really want to like this place, a funky old hotel. But it is well past time for a Renovation. No hot water. Broken (antique) furniture. Limited outlets. Window curtains were falling off and inadequate in blocking light. Staff was not seen when we came in at 10am or before 8am in the morning (but were nice when I saw them). Which directionThe b

Wonderful and professional staff made our stay easy and enjoyable. Great location.

Quint and historical building in an excellent location

Well located historic building in downtown Seward. Historic means no AC, small shower. Nice staff, sitting rooms with coffee and tea.

Interesting, historic hotel. Beds were extremely comfortable! No elevator. Great location - close to shops, restaurants and the water.

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.

The Van Gilder gave me spooky Haunted vibes but I thought it was great as an experience because of the hauntedness. It would have been better if I was able to check in early and check out later so I didn’t have to carry my bags around Seward. Overall conveniently located lower end of town. Very close walk to waters edge, aquarium, coffee shop and other restaurants and stores. Also the Free Shuttle stop #9 is just outside and across the street.

The place is a little run down but our stay was fine. Love the architecture, quiet and in the center of town an easy walk to everything. If you want a 5 star hotel this isnt for you but my wife and I liked it a lot. If we ever come back to Seward will definitely stay here again.

We had a good stay. The Van Gilder is a historic hotel with some age and issues, but was clean and relatively comfortable. The location was definitely the reason to stay here! It is within walking distance of everything in Seward, with amazing views of the water and downtown.

Hotel is a bit rough around the edges but very convenient and a fair value for the money. I was intrigued by the history and happy to find the free shuttle bus stop right across the street. The hostess was lovely and very helpful even loaning me her raincoat for the evening. I would stay again.

Beautiful old building. Pictures around building talking about its history. Great location. Friendly staff. And hot chocolate in the lobby, not just coffee!

Great location in downtown - cool historic hotel :)

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.

Well located historic building in downtown Seward. Historic means no AC, small shower. Nice staff, sitting rooms with coffee and tea.

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.

We needed a clean place with running water and electricity. This place worked. It's not glamorous by any stretch of the imagination but works for an overnight stay. Staff is super friendly and accommodating, there is a very nice sitting area with communal refrigerators. This property could use some renovation. With some TLC, this property could be a 5 star premium property. In its current condition, 2 stars is a stretch. Staff and reserved parking make it 3 stars.

liked interior decor. very historic. outside looked like it was decaying at places. no elevator and no breakfast. the lock on the door at our room was very hard to open with the key.

Coffee area was lovely

Beautiful old building. Pictures around building talking about its history. Great location. Friendly staff. And hot chocolate in the lobby, not just coffee!

It’s an older themed building. With coffee, tea, microwave, ref shared. Very close to dining and the bus stop

Great location. Hotel is an interesting place, if a little dated. Beds were comfortable, but the rooms could have been cleaner. We found a pubic hair on one of the beds and had an unexpected roommate (centipede). Aside from that, the location was great and the staff was excellent - very attentive. The coffee bar was a nice touch as well.

This property is hard to review because they are undergoing a massive renovation. The hotel is charming in the history and antiques of it, the price certainly fit our budget, and the staff was as accommodating as could be. However, there were obvious areas for improvement. They recently put in a new water system and for some reason, the hot water did not reach out unit. With a few changes and tries, we still couldn't make it work. But they did allow us to use the shower in a smaller room that was unoccupied at the time to accommodate our family. We also made good use of the front lobby room with the coffee maker and microwave to have breakfast each morning. The staff showed us the plans for the renovations which are beautiful and I love how they will preserve the historical element of the building. If we are fortunate enough to find ourselves in Seward again, we will most likely return to the Van Gilder.