Name: Van Gilder Hotel
Address: 308 Adams Street, Seward, Seward, Seward, 99664, United States of America
Rating: 6

Smoking areas

Ticket assistance

Express check-out

No elevators

Reception desk

General

Concierge services

Luggage storage

Services and amenities

Microwave oven

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Tour assistance

Tourist services

Library

Recreation

Free parking

Parking

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Extra decontamination measures

Personal protection equipment for guests

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the hotel

Chugach Heritage Center

Seward Community Library & Museum

Seward Waterfront Park

Van Gilder Hotel

Seward

Such a classic old hotel -- left to rot.  This place hasn't seen a vacuum in months, if not years. Tiles missing, wallpaper pealing.  We were there for three days and the dirt piles never moved 9although the one boot left in the hallway was finally picked up).  No central heat, just space heaters, the TV never worked, and it was hard to tell if the receptionist, who was hardly ever there,  hated us or just herself for being there. When we asked for a hair dryer we were told "they are were all being used" and there was no elevator so we had to lug our luggage up three floors -- a bit of a struggle for us seniors.  Cut loose for a few more bucks and go elsewhere.

Find somewhere else to stay.

I booked my room with the expectation that my accommodations would be very basic, but relatively safe and quiet.  I was on a strict per diem for lodging and the Salmon Derby had filled up all the other hotels.  One of the best perks is that this hotel is very close to the South end of town with all the restaurants, gift shop and Sea Life center.  I am not sure if I had a haunting experience, but after the 2nd night's stay at about 1:30 am, I heard a woman loudly scream in fright, then dead silence afterward.  Yes, the paint is peeling.  Yes, some windows have plexiglass and tape over them.  Yes, there's strangely a bathroom sink in the adjoining room in 302.  Yes, you want to close the bathroom curtain so you don't flash the people or restaurant across the street.  Yes, there is a musty smell.  But I'm glad they were able to accommodate me and I knew exactly what I was in for.  Old places like this require A LOT of upkeep.  My only hope is they keep at it for many others to enjoy.

It's an old hotel with some oddities, but worked for me!

Cold Water in Shower!!! Night and Morning....We are full....that was the explanation!!!. Not Clean. Front desk cler very RUDE. Not Breakfast. Bad Smell. We went because it is a Historical Building but it really dont worth US$200. It is very disapointed how in bad shape it was. Smell like if there were cats.....Horrible Experience.

Horrible Experience

This is a last resort hotel; only stay here if you cannot find a room anywhere else.  If you like Historic sites and haunted houses, this is the place for you.  

We stayed here for one night and I couldn’t get out fast enough because an entity urged me to leave.  I never felt in danger, but I was definitely given a sense of urgency to get out.

While this is a historic land site it is a bit run down and falling apart.  The hotel was built in 1916 and retains many of the original relics and construction.  The paint is falling off the walls, the carpet looks like it is original, the floors and walls creak and groan, and it feels like you have stepped back in time.  There is no elevator so if you are on the third floor you have a hike up a narrow stairway.

If you are energy or spirit sensitive, do not stay here (unless you like that sort of thing). 

I’ve stayed in several historic buildings much older than this one and was expecting the musty smell and rundown décor, but this was on a whole other level (and not in a good way).  The room I stayed in looked like it had a fresh coat of paint and the bathroom had recently been upgraded, which was nice.  The bed frame looked like it was barely holding together, but the bed was comfortable. 

Totally haunted.

It’s very haunted! It’s 107 years old and its using plenty of original period decor. The overall upkeep and improvements need much more attention! However, this is a fascinating place to stay! To be clear, you are going to want to stay here to save money and not because its The Omni or The Ritz. You will get some sleep and if you read the framed articles in the hallways, it feels like you’re in a museum that doubles as a hotel! You can definitely learn Seward’s history just reading the walls here. Then you get THE WOO & BOO factor: If you’re lucky, like us, it won’t be long before you get a haunting experience! Our room door swung forcefully (like a hand tugged the knob aggressively) open by itself! nobody near it and no window drafts.  The neighbors in room 202 told us their toilet paper roll started spitting out sheets on its own and the ghost even separated them onto the floor! To recap, if you to be in the old town Seward (this is the most expensive little city in Alaska), stay here to save some money and you will get a memorable experience. We really enjoyed it, all things considered…

Haunted, Historic (and humble)

You’re thinking cute and spooky? No think mold poisoning and maybe the ceiling caving in on you. We’re usually not too picky but he did not stay the night after seeing the room… weird substance on the headboard, dust on everything as well as random screws

The ghosts probably enjoy it but we did not

We spent two nights at this historic hotel and it was an experience. The hotel was old and in need of restoration. The furnishings and decor in the room were also old. The hallway was dirty and other construction material was piled along its walls. The bed was comfortable and the room was clean. The hotel was fine for a couple nights.

Funky Historic Hotel

The room was clean, but it also had pealing wallpaper and crumbling plaster on the walls. No coffee in the room, but some available in the front parlor room. The television had streaming service - often didn't work. Not a terrible place, but certainly could use some updates and repairs.

Old building

How is this place still in business?!!  Yes, it has some charm and potential but, as of this writing, dilapidated & skanky.  Peeling wallpaper, peeling paint, no hot water.  We had a broken window pane with makeshift plexiglass covering the entire window, so no fresh air.  The staff places fragrance sticks throughout the hotel to cover up mold/mildew - the perfume smell is overwhelming.  
PS. I rarely do reviews, but felt a responsibility to others on this one

Godawful

Truly a unique experience. A bit pricey for what was provided, but I haven never stayed in a hotel quite like this one. It had the most character out of any hotel. The water did take a while to heat up, but eventually got a bit more than luke warm for the shower. Supposedly the hotel is haunted, but unfortunately I did not have any experiences.

Van Gilder Hotel

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