Where to Stay in Seward: 6 Great Hotels in the Gateway to Kenai Fjords

As you plan your itinerary using the many Alaska articles I’ve shared, you’ve probably noticed: I recommend Seward on basically every itinerary, no matter how much time you have to visit.

See, Seward is a lovely town in its own right, located on the coast of Southcentral Alaska – but it’s also the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s the place where you set out on a day cruise to explore the beautiful waterways and spot whales and glaciers in the park.

I’ve visited Seward many, many times – it’s a place my family used to visit when I was growing up, and I usually visit every 1-2 years depending on where else I’m visiting in Alaska during my trips. I actually visited Seward twice in 2022 – in June and August – and have been fortunate to explore the accommodation options in some depth.

So if you’re looking for where to stay in Seward, I’ve got you. Here’s a shortlist of the hotels and B&Bs I recommend based on my many trips to this lovely waterfront Alaskan town.

In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

Harbor 360 Hotel

Harbor 360 Hotel is one of the most popular options for where to stay in Seward. The beautiful property first welcomes guests with a wonderful view of the harbor and mountains in the background.

The amenities don’t disappoint either. Rooms are well-appointed, featuring a comfortable bed, a spacious bathroom, and a wonderful shower. It also has a hot tub and pool for you to relax after a long excursion. Breakfast is included in the nightly price – it’s continental.

By the end of the day, you can sit in the lounge and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor.

From $149 per night; book on Booking.com or directly on the hotel website.

Seward Windsong Lodge

Nestled in the middle of the woods, Seward Windsong Lodge is a great alternative for spending your nights in Seward. The property features numerous cabins, all beautifully decorated (scenic pictures of Seward throughout the room) and with a balcony overlooking the forest.

While the location is gorgeous, the hotel is a short 5-10 minute drive from downtown Seward, which makes it less convenient but also a lot quieter than the other hotels. Anyway, it provides free shuttles to town all day and the schedule is reliable.

The hotel also has its own restaurant and bar on-site (which do make my list for where to eat in Seward, too), which makes it very nice when coming back from all-day tours. As for the rooms, they are fairly spacious, with nice furniture, and well equipped.

Book on Hotels.com or directly on the hotel website.

Gateway Hotel

Gateway Hotel is one of the best hotels in Seward; it’s also one of the newest. The rooms are very spacious and have an amazing view of the harbor, the cruise ships docked, and the mountains behind it. They also feature a large shower, blackout shades, comfortable beds., and an AC with the ability to control the thermostat.

The location is right in the heart of this little town and you can walk anywhere from here. It has plenty of places to eat nearby and a day cruise departure point at walking distance. There’s also a free shuttle that you can pick up half a block away from the hotel.

From $239 per night; book on Booking.com or directly on the hotel website.

The Vue B&B

The Vue B&B is one of the best options for where to stay in Seward if you prefer more independence during your stay. This is not your traditional B&B in the sense that it doesn’t evoke homey vibes. It’s rather minimalistic both in décor and in treatment.

There is no host-family living onsite, so there is no home-cooked breakfast where guests gather, share travel tips, etc., and no home-baked cookies waiting for you after a day of trekking. Instead, breakfast is self-served and there’s a shared kitchen with all the food and utensils you need to make a decent meal.

The rooms are comfortable with huge windows and a great view of the mountains. It sits in the central downtown area, close to great restaurants, shops, and walking areas.

From $109 per night; book on Booking.com.

Arctic Paradise B&B

For those who want the traditional bed and breakfast experience, Arctic Paradise B&B is the place to go. Owner MaryAnn has created a true home away from home on her property. Her home is wonderful, beautifully and uniquely decorated, super comfortable, and located very conveniently from Seward downtown, where most guided tours have their offices.

Each day, MaryAnn wakes up and prepares delicious breakfasts she leaves for you in the fridge to just eat whenever you’re ready. The room is cozy with all the amenities needed: a mini fridge, microwave, coffee pot, and set table. Last but not least, you’ll wake up each day to a view of Resurrection Bay and the mountains beyond. 

From $130 per night; book on Booking.com or directly on the B&B website.

Sea Treasures Inn

Another great place that makes my list of where to stay in Seward is Sea Treasures Inn. The property is popular among fishing enthusiasts, thanks to its closeness to the water. It also has a lovely kitchen fully stocked and with an oven/stove. If you come here for a fishing trip and would like to prepare some fresh Alaskan salmon you caught, this is the perfect place for you.

The rooms are comfortable although the walls are pretty thin and you have to be careful with noise. If you’re a light sleeper, earplugs could come in handy. You might hear people come in and out in the evenings after you’ve turned in. The property has a small view of Kachemak Bay where you can see the cruise ships enter and leave Seward Harbor.

From $58 per night; book on Booking.com or Hotels.com.

Have any questions about where to stay in Seward, either these properties or others you’re considering? Let me know in the comments below!

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