Reception

Reviews of Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 out of 5
Van Gilder Hotel
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 356 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 83 out of 356 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 78 out of 356 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 62 out of 356 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 67 out of 356 reviews" "

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.0/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

5.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Bowen

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old building, not clean enough, no elevator, small room, indifferent staff
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area AM on 13 Oct 2023
Thank you, Bowen, for your review. Apologies your stay was less than stellar. We are working on plans to make guest experiences better in the upcoming season.

4/10 Poor

Shannon

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tak

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area AM on 13 Oct 2023
Thank you, Tak, for your 10 star rating!

2/10 Terrible

Jacob

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area AM on 13 Oct 2023
Thank you for your rating.

8/10 Good

Kelly

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Car on 14 Oct 2023
Thank you, Kelly, for your review and feedback. So glad you were able to enjoy your stay; we will be hopefully getting some updates soon to the aesthetics and hope you visit again. Happy Fall Season!

2/10 Terrible

Ella

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

Sean

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Robert

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It is an historic hotel but it wasn’t clean. Mold everywhere even in the toilets.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Nancy

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I tried to make a reservation and card declined. Received expedia notification that happened made different reservation and they stillcharged me. NOT HAPPY
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Dennis

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Hotel is old and rustic so elders know that there is no elevator and stairs are required.
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 23 Aug 2023
Thank you, Dennis, for your feedback. We do alert guests on the phone about the elevators, however, we will ensure to see how to get that more pronounced on outside channels. Safe & Happy Travels!

2/10 Terrible

Aidin

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Paola

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 23 Aug 2023
Thank you, Paoloa, for your rating. Wishing you happy travels!

4/10 Poor

Cynthia

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Find somewhere else to stay.
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 23 Aug 2023
Thank you, Cynthia, for your feedback. We are sorry we didn't meet expectations. With being haunted, yes we are known for hosting Fannie, a friendly and wonderful spirit who's been around since the 1920's. There is a book written about her and many blogs from visitors coming to enjoy the "haunted historical inn". We find it to be part of the charm of its history, however, are aware that is not everyones cup of tea. Have safe travels!

4/10 Poor

John

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 23 Aug 2023
Thank you, John, for your feedback. This has been addressed with the clean team and hotel manager.

10/10 Excellent

Gwendolyn

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 23 Aug 2023
Thank you, Gwendolyn, for your review and feedback. We are glad you enjoyed the historical preservation of the building, it's definitely been a part of the community for a long time and is a landmark. We have been, and will continue to be, working on restorations and improvements while maintaining it's history and stay in line with the special requirements of renovating a historical landmark. We are actually not managed by a company, rather local Alaskan owner so it does take a little longer to get things accomplished; he does however, had a deep love for the history and the town so it will continue to be improved upon in a slow and steady fashion. We truly wish you well and a happy journey and please feel free to reach out if you'd like to

8/10 Good

Taylor, Renton

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 23 Aug 2023
Thank you, Taylor, for your review. We are Thrilled to read you had a pleasant stay and were able to enjoy the location, downtown shops and the beauty Seward has to offer. We hope you stay with us again and have safe and wonderful travels!

2/10 Terrible

Samuel

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The photos are deceiving for this hotel. The hotel is run down and ghetto. Worst hotel room i have ever seen.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 12 Aug 2023
Thank you, Samuel, for your review. We are sorry we didn't meet expectations and you didn't have an enjoyable stay. We wish you safe and happy travels.

6/10 Okay

christina

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
They need to put tv down lower
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 12 Aug 2023
Thank you, Christina, for your review. We use guests feedback to determine the best means of creating an enjoyable stay and will look into replacing the television. We hope you have safe and wonderful travels!

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Save $, grief, and time. Don't stay here.
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 8 Aug 2023
Thank you for your feedback. Apologies expectations were not met. Safe travels.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Moldy odor, humid room, and it makes you feel dirty
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Aurora

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 8 Aug 2023
Thank you, Aurora, for your feedback. We are very glad to hear the staff treated you well. Your feedback has been brought up to the maintenance management team. Thank you again for staying with us & have Safe travels!

6/10 Okay

Eileen, Nokomis

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
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
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 8 Aug 2023
Thank you, Eileen, for the feedback. We are thrilled you looked over the history in the halls, the Van Gilder holds so many years of our little towns history and we truly enjoy sharing that with others. Sorry for any inconvenience of not having air conditioning to block the noise, although AC isn't something we offer we will look at solutions for blocking noise in the future. Safe Travels!!!

4/10 Poor

Gail

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 8 Aug 2023
Thank you, Gail, for your detailed feedback. Apologies for not meeting expectations. Although I do assure you our clean team has been working diligently on keeping the rooms and common places clean it seems we have fallen short. This will be has been addressed with the hotel manager.

4/10 Poor

Susan

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 30 Jul 2023
Thank you, Susan, for your review. Apologies that we didn't meet expectations. We wish you well on your travels.

6/10 Okay

Chad

Liked: Room comfort
Not as charming as i expected.
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 30 Jul 2023
Thank you, Chad, for your review. We are certainly glad we were able to provide a comfortable room with wifi, along with a hot shower. We will be going over the review with the clean team to ensure we are creating a welcoming environment. Thank you again.

4/10 Poor

William

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
50 years since the last update. Rotting window frames, plaster issues. Just say No.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 30 Jul 2023
Thank you, William, for taking time to write feedback. Apologies we didn't meet your expectations and wish you a wonderful summer.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 25 Jul 2023
Hello and thank you for your feedback. We are so glad we were able to provide a place for you during a hectic time in town. We would love to give you a more favorable room in the future, so please just let us know if you come and visit again.Have safe travels and a wonderful week.

4/10 Poor

Dean

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Do youseself a favour: Avoid this hotel~
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 23 Jul 2023
Thank you, Dean, for your feedback. We are sorry we weren't able to meet expectations at our property. This is being addressed with the hotel manager and clean team. Thank you again for staying with us and we do wish you well in your journeys.

4/10 Poor

dale

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 24 Jul 2023
Thank you, Dale, for your rating.

8/10 Good

Ginger

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 8 Aug 2023
Thank you, Ginger, for your rating. Happy travels!

4/10 Poor

Bill

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 18 Jul 2023
Thank you, Bill, for your feedback. We are striving to provide a quality stay for our guests and apologize we fell short in this for you. Your feedback is being addressed with the hotel manager and clean team. Again, thank you for your feedback and wishing you wonderful travels.

2/10 Terrible

richard

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 23 Jul 2023
Thank you, Richard, for your rating. Our apologies we didn't meet expectations.

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very musty / moldy smelling
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 18 Jul 2023
Thank you, Michael, for your review. We are sorry we did not meet expectations and will continue to strive to do better for our guests.

2/10 Terrible

claire

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 11 Jul 2023
Thank you, Claire, for your feed back. We apologize we didn't have an extension cord for you, we will ensure to keep items as such in the future. We are sorry your stay didn't meet expectations and again thank you for your feedback. Wishing you safe travels.

4/10 Poor

Ivy, Mountlake Terrace

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This property is old and needs upgrading. The service needs improvement as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 18 Jul 2023
Thank you, Ivy, for your review. We do have renovations plans for areas needing attention and hope to be working on during seasonal breaks. We apologize if our service was not stellar during your stay, feel free to reach out to me directly if there's anything you'd like to discuss.

2/10 Terrible

Denise

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
July 2023
Filthy, moldy, no amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 10 Jul 2023
Thank you, Denise, for your feedback. We are sorry we didn't meet your expectations and wish you safe and happy travels.

2/10 Terrible

BSHER, burr ridge

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 10 Jul 2023
Thank you, Bsher, for your feedback. Apologies that we didn't exceed at guest services, this is being addressed with the Hotel manager and clean team.

8/10 Good

Scott

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location in downtown - cool historic hotel :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 7 Jul 2023
Thank you, Scott, for your review. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope you come back and visit again.

2/10 Terrible

Ang

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
No room clean , smell in the building, not worth a stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 5 Jul 2023
Thank you, And, for your feedback. We apologize if your stay wasn't a pleasant one. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss. Again, thank you.

2/10 Terrible

Arthur

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D. - Area GM on 5 Jul 2023
Thank you, Arthur, for your feedback. We are sorry we didn't meet expectations. We hope you enjoy your further travels and again thank you.

2/10 Terrible

Easwar

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 2 Jul 2023
Thank you, Easwar, for taking the time to provide feedback. Apologies we weren't able to meet your expectations. We do wish you have a lovely trip in your Alaskan Adventures.

8/10 Good

Tuan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Receptionist is wonderful. She is very helpful and very kindness.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 29 Jun 2023
Thank you, Tuan, for your review. We are so pleased you were treated with kindness by our front desk. Hope you are able to return some day, and in the mean time enjoy your travels.

4/10 Poor

Jon

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 29 Jun 2023
Thank you, Jon, for your rating. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss your stay. We hope you are enjoying your travels.

2/10 Terrible

Josephus Johannes H Font

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 29 Jun 2023
Thank you, Josephus, for your feedback. Our property is a historic location, as you've mentioned, though it is actually a hotel thus the front doors remain open so guests may come and go as they please. Sorry your experience didn't meet expectations, we do hope your travels have else wise been enjoyable.

4/10 Poor

Richard

Uncomfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 24 Jun 2023
Thank you, Richard, for your rating. We hope you had a nice time in Seward :)

4/10 Poor

Malgorzata

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 24 Jun 2023
Thank you, Algorzata, for your rating. Please feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to discuss your stay.

8/10 Good

Cassandra

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 11 Jul 2023
Thank you, Cassandra, for your rating. Hope your trip was wonderful.

6/10 Okay

James

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very dated and in need of repair and upgrades. Nice towels. Staff seemed friendly
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 20 Jun 2023
Thank you, James, for your review. Very glad to see you were treated well by the staff. We always appreciate feedback on standards for our team and crews; we have been doing renovations in pre and post season, and will continue to work on building repairs and newer items while maintaining its history. Thank you again for your feedback and have a wonderful travel!

2/10 Terrible

Vinod, Mountain House

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 19 Jun 2023
Thank you, Vinod, for your feedback. Apologies our hotel wasn't up to your expectations, we are continually striving to improve for all our guests needs so our apologies for falling short.

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Carissa D - Area GM on 19 Jun 2023
Thank you, Mary, for your review. We are thrilled to read the staff was helpful to you, and hope you enjoyed your time in town. Thank you for your appreciation of our history, we love to be able to share it with others.