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

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

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

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

After staying in many modern 'plastic' hotels this was refreshingly different. Very friendly staff. Some areas, such as the front stairway are a bit tatty, but I found everything very clean. I was aware of the lack of elevator, but the climb to the top floor was worth it. Breakfast in the communal kitchen was enjoyable. WiFi reception on the... more

I recently stayed at this hotel. The front desk staff was friendly and personable. The hotel is older and it shows. I appreciate that it is a historic building, and wouldn't want the place to go out of business. However, I think the owner should take care of a few things. First, the carpet on the front steps is visibly... more

Bad exsperiance in Seward AK, Van Gilder Hotel. Normally I let things go but this place tried to mess up my great day in Seward Alaska on the day before my day out with the Kenai Fjords tours. I am telling my 20 people and I will cross reference it and send as many people that I can here. Get... more

My boyfriend and I stayed at this hotel because we had a two nights-for-one coupon. It was also rated as a "Top End" hotel in our guidebook. Unfortunately, that rating gave us an unrealistic expectation for this hotel, which in actuality was more like a hostel. When we got into bed, we found hair on the sheets, and the unswept... more

This is a "European style" hotel. That ususally means no amenities. In this case, there was a TV but no elevator, hair dryer, in room coffee, roomservice, air conditioning, microwave or refrigerator. It's got a flavor to it though, and a lady who had obviously stayed here multiple times was familiar with the communal kitchen and knew enough to book... more