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The Van Gilder Hotel


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Traveler Reviews

56% Do not recommend
3.0 of 5 stars 21 reviews
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4 of 5 stars
admiralnelsonden 4 contributions
Denver
Jul 2, 2009 | Trip type: Couples

I had some trepidation after reading previous reviews. The shower is, as some have said, tricky -- but you just need to fiddle with the nobs and set the temp before you get in. It didn't fluctuate for us after that. This is a nice, basic hotel. We got the 2-for-1 deal and were quite satisfied. I think the choice... more

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3 of 5 stars
annr66 2 contributions
blackwood
Jun 30, 2009 | Trip type: Friends getaway

I recently stayed at the Van Gilder Hotel in Seward, Alaska. It was neat and clean, definately a historic hotel with older furniture and a Victorian atmosphere. The front desk employees were very friendly and the price included a continental breakfast. I would have stayed here again except for one problem. I am a light sleeper and you can hear... more

Nice Stay
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4 of 5 stars
mcassd2001 8 contributions
McAllen, Texas
Jun 28, 2009 | Trip type: Solo travel

I felt like this hotel was more like a B&B I've stayed in. The staff was very polite and helpful, they were new to the area, but still tried to give information and assistance. I stayed in a pension and it was odd that the restroom was across the hall from the shower, but it was fine. Black out curtains... more

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2 of 5 stars
H2000GA 5 contributions
Atlanta, GA
Jun 25, 2009 | Trip type: Couples

we stay their for two nights, room is small and carpet is very dirty. Also we were given a room next to a public kitchen, and there are still people in the kitchen after 11pm, so we have to talk to hotel front desk and ask then to drove those peoples off for us to get in sleep. I have... more

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2 of 5 stars
srbmpna 10 contributions
Los Angeles, CA
Jun 7, 2009 | Trip type: Family

We stayed at the Van Gilder for the one night we were in Seward. The town of Seward itself is a little strange, like many Alaskan towns. There aren't many official looking hotels other than a Holiday Inn, so the Van Gilder seemed like a cute, historic option. The exterior meets those expectations; however, once inside, you feel that this... more

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4 of 5 stars
Debby_in_MO 7 contributions
Southwest MO
May 20, 2009 | Trip type: Family

We stayed at this motel for three nights while exploring Seward - I was not sure what to expect but was pleasantly suprised. It was clean, historic (yes the rooms were a little tight) and full of character. The staff was courteous and breakfast had better pastry options then most of the continential breakfast I've experienced. more

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2 of 5 stars
Neatoconchito 8 contributions
Burlington, Vermont
Aug 27, 2008 | Trip type: Couples

As many others have said, don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. We also had the Tour Saver Coupon book and took advantage of the buy one/get one free night. Our room, for the most part, was clean and comfortable. It is a historic landmark and is decorated as such, with antique furniture. My biggest complaint is the... more

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3 of 5 stars
colorpenguin 16 contributions
Cary, NC
Jul 27, 2008

This is not a great hotel, but the accomodations are decent and comfortable, and the location is very convenient (in downtown Seward, near the Sea Life Center). The building has character (though apparently this isn't to everyone's taste), our room was clean and the staff was pleasant. The breakfast is basic, but the pastries at the gift shop/cafe 1/2 block... more

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3 of 5 stars
AlbionbytheSea 76 contributions
Seal Beach
Jul 4, 2008 | Trip type: Family
1/1 found this review helpful

We stayed here for two night so we could explore Kenai Fjords National Park (on water with Renown Tours - excellent, and on land at Exit Glacier). The hotel has a one night free coupon in the Alaska Tour Saver Coupon Book (well worth buying before visiting Alaska). The hotel is about a 1 mile walk from the small boat... more

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2 of 5 stars
TipsyBaker 3 contributions
San Francisco
Jun 29, 2008

This place smelled like onions from someone cooking on the first floor -- an aroma that wafted up to the third, where we had our shabby little room with the Murphy bed that folded out over the bureau. This is like a hostel, like a European hotel, old-fashioned, not without its charm -- but also disorganized, rickety, slightly unclean-feeling. The... more

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The Van Gilder Hotel Address

308 Adams St., Seward, AK 99664
Seward Hotels The Van Gilder Hotel
3.0/5.0
21