You’re headed for Seward, right? Wildlife cruises, fishing, SeaLife Center…the works. Stay at the historic Van Gilder Hotel. It’s right downtown at 308 Adams St. 
The hotel, built in 1916, was designated as a registered historic landmark in 1980. You’ll still see the old brass beds and period antiques. And there’s a collection of Alaska books and photos to offer you a glimpse of days gone by.
Even though the whole hotel is an “antique”, there’s still Cable TV in the rooms and free internet.
The Van Gilder is just a couple of blocks from the Alaska SeaLife Center. It’s a longer walk back to the small boat harbor for fishing and wildlife cruises. But you can walk along the water on the paved trail. It’s beautiful!
We stay at the Van Gilder when we’re visiting and we’ve picked up a couple of tips along the way. First, get your coffee around the corner at the Sea Bean Cafe, 225 4th Ave. The coffee is great, but the FREE INTERNET? OMG–it’s blazing fast!!
Next stop: breakfast. Look no further than the Train Wreck. Oh, the proper name is “The Smoke Shack”. But everyone calls it the Train Wreck. It’s right down near the small boat harbor at 411 Port Ave.
Now you’re all set for a day of exploring around Seward. Stay at least two days at the Van Gilder. That gives you time to get to Seward in time for your wildlife cruise (on Major Marine Tours). Then, the next day, visit the Sea Life Center and take a hike up at Exit Glacier.
Make your reservations online (www.vangilderhotel.com) or call (800)478-0400.
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