12 Top Hotels in Seward Alaska (Kenai Fjords National Park)
Hotels in Seward Alaska aren’t just your average run-of-the-mill accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a modern and cozy Alaskan-style lodge or an old-fashioned bed and breakfast, Seward is home to some of the most unique hotel experiences in Alaska.
But, the problem with that is understanding that Alaskan accommodations are also quite limited – and by limited, we mean they actually book up months and even years in advance!
No, we’re not exaggerating. We got married in Seward, AK and can personally vouch that a wedding cake required over a year’s notice, so don’t expect hotels to be any better.
Fortunately, this stunning coastal town is well worth your efforts! Known for its rugged beauty and abundant outdoor activities, this charming town boasts majestic mountains, sweeping glaciers, picturesque fjords, and pristine forests.
From kayaking in Resurrection Bay to glacier cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park, and fishing trips around the area’s many islands to trekking across the iconic Exit Glacier, Seward offers an array of experiences that are well worth including in your itinerary.
Located on the southeastern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, let’s jump into finding some of the best Seward hotels for your trip!
13 Top Hotels in Seward Alaska
🏨1. Orca Island Cabins
🐋Located a few miles off the coast of Seward, Orca Island Cabins is easily the most unique Seward hotel option on this list! You’ll need to take a boat to get there, but I promise you it’s entirely worth your efforts.
Sean and I have had the pleasure of staying here TWICE – yes, it was that amazing. The accommodation itself is unlike anything you’ve probably ever stayed in… yurts! Made entirely by hand by the owners of the island, these yurts come equipped with your own private decks, full kitchens, bathrooms (hot water, too!), and queen beds.
The best part (in our opinion) is the complete lack of access to the outside world. No cell reception, no restaurants or businesses, and best of all… no tourists! Well, at least only the amount that can fit into the 8 yurts on the island.
While you’re in Humpy Cove, you’ll have full access to row boats, fishing gear, kayaks (singles and doubles), paddle boards, and gas firepits on a covered deck overlooking the stunning Resurrection Bay.
The crew even put in a large golden bell that they ring if a whale enters Humpy Cove! While we were there, we witnessed Dall porpoises, seals, and we even had sea otters come right up on the rocks under our yurt.
A quick kayak ride will bring you to a beautiful waterfall while a very short boat ride will bring you to a secluded hike out to a WWII fort!
The cost of the roundtrip boat is included in the price, but you’ll need to bring enough provisions (food, water, alcohol, ice, etc.) for the duration of your stay.
If you can’t tell, Orca Island Cabins is easily one of our favorite places in the world, and we hope you get the chance to experience this truly unique stay off the coast of Seward!
🏨2. Seward Windsong Lodge
🐋 If you couldn’t tell by now, Seward is very near and dear to our hearts. We actually got married on the lawn you see above, and we were fortunate enough to have a beautiful sunny day showcasing the areas epic mountains and glaciers.
Seward Windsong Lodge offers modern yet rustic accommodations set against the popular Kenai Fjords National Park. With views of mountains and glaciers right from some of the rooms and their very own Resurrection Roadhouse Restaurant, this is easily one of the best hotels in Seward, Alaska!
Located just 3 miles from the downtown area, a quick car ride will get you eating at Ray’s Waterfront (one of our favorite spots to eat in Seward) in no time. Or, if you arrived by train, don’t fret!
Seward Windsong Lodge also provides guests with a complimentary shuttle to and from town and the national park. With luxurious amenities, top-notch food, family-friendly rooms, and a great location, this lodge is one spot that should be on your radar!
🏨3. Angels Rest on Resurrection Bay
🐋 Beautifully located on the secluded area of Resurrection Bay at Lowell Point about 4 miles from the downtown area of Seward, Angels Rest on Resurrection Bay is a top-rated Seward hotel perfect for honeymooners, couples, and anyone seeking a quiet escape from the rest of the city!
Designed with Alaska in mind, this cabin-style retreat offers guests modern lodging with small, wood-covered rooms, plush bedding, and some of the best views of where the mountains meet the sea in this remote part of the world.
With gracious hosts and unbeatable nearby activities including kayaking and fishing tours right from your very own beach, Angels Rest is no doubt one of the best hotels in Seward, Alaska!
🏨4. Hotel Edgewater Seward
🐋 Located near the Alaska Sealife Center, the beautiful Hotel Edgewater Seward offers stunning views of the Kenai Mountains and Resurrection Bay!
With its rustic charm, friendly staff, and modern amenities, Hotel Edgewater is the perfect place to stay before or after a day spent exploring the wonders of Seward’s marine environment.
The hotel isn’t as fancy or as unique as some of the others mentioned on this list, but if you’re traveling with kids, are hoping to keep costs on the reasonable side, or just want something simple, clean, and comfortable, this is the Seward hotel for you!
🏨5. Gateway Hotel Seward
🐋 Ideally located right on 4th Avenue in the heart of Seward, the Gateway Hotel offers guests luxurious amenities in a superb setting. Equipped with family suites furnished with one king and two queen beds, there’s enough room for the whole crew at this modern family-friendly hotel.
Also offering car rentals onsite (though options may be limited), free parking, free wifi, and fantastic views of the small boat harbor, the Gateway Hotel is easily among the best hotels in Seward, Alaska!
🏨6. Hotel Seward
🐋 I’ll be honest… Hotel Seward neighbors The Cookery so you’re practically going to be required to dine there at least one night of your stay! Of course, they have their own restaurant as well, but if you’re looking for some of the best oysters in Alaska… well, head next door!
All in all, there is nothing but good things to say about Hotel Seward from its executive and deluxe king rooms (not to mention its honeymoon suite) to insanely gorgeous views overlooking the downtown and harbor, this hotel is nothing short of exquisite.
Opt for a cooked-to-order breakfast in the morning before you make your way into town for some sightseeing or an Alaskan fishing tour. End your evening with a drink at the private bar in the evening and some photo opportunities of the sunset from the Hotel Seward balcony!
🏨7. Harbor 360 Hotel Seward
🐋 To be perfectly honest, every time I’ve gone to book our stay at the Harborfront 360 Hotel in Seward, it’s always booked up! It really is that popular.
It sits right on the docks on the harbor-front and the ocean-facing rooms have epic views of the small boat harbor and all of the wildlife that crosses its path. I mean, there were kids and adults in the rooms in the photo above watching a sea otter right from their accommodation!
It really doesn’t get much better than that. Owing to its popularity, however, you will want to make advance reservations for this special spot several months in advance if you were hoping to get in in the summer months.
🏨8. Resurrection Lodge on the Bay
🐋 Also situated down on Lowell Point just a few miles from the center of town, Resurrection Lodge on the Bay offers guests their own private beach to stroll, fish, or sunbathe on!
Breakfast is also included in the per night rate, so you can look forward to a hearty meal each morning of your stay.
With some of the best views of the Kenai Mountains and several glaciers, it’ll be hard to leave to go into town! Plus, with an onsite restaurant and beautiful, cozy rooms, this is easily one of the best hotels in Seward, Alaska!
🏨9. Northern Nights B&B
🐋 When it comes to Seward Alaska bed and breakfasts, Northern Nights B&B should definitely be on the best-kept secrets list!
Situated just behind the Iditarod Campground on 6th Avenue, you’ll be just minutes away from everything the downtown area of Seward has to offer. Only, you’ll have your own secluded area of peace and quiet where you can sit back, enjoy the view, and relax.
The breakfast is delicious and hearty (as we would expect in a place so charming) and features local specialties and ingredients, putting each day of your stay off ona great start.
A classic home filled with true Alaskan hospitality, the Northern Nights B&B is one of the top hotels in Seward Alaska!
🏨10. Sunshine House Bed and Breakfast
🐋 Just a tenth of a mile from the historical 0 Mile Marker for the Iditarod, the Sunshine House B&B is the ideal spot for anyone seeking a home away from home.
A delicious breakfast is served each morning of your stay with some of the freshest, local ingredients you can find in the area! The hosts are exceedingly gracious and care for you no matter what time you arrive, and are a perfect ear to bounce ideas off of when it comes to things to do in the area.
You can also expect plush beds, free private parking right on site, and complimentary wifi. Compared to most Seward hotels, the Sunshine House B&B is easily one of the most charming!
🏨11. Sauerdough Lodging
🐋 If you want to be close to downtown, look no further than Sauerdough Lodging! Situated right on 4th Avenue, guests will be right around the corner from the top-rated The Cookery eating establishment as well as all of the quirky shops and cafes in town.
The rooms are reasonably priced, clean, cozy, and comfortable. Don’t expect many frills, but parking is included (which saves you a good chunk of money since you won’t be paying for nightly parking downtown) and most rooms sleep 3-4 so you can fit a good amount of people into each of them.
Sauerdough Lodging is one of the best budget-friendly hotels in Seward Alaska!
🏨12. Breeze Inn Seward
🐋 Last on this list, but definitely not least is the Breeze Inn. Now, I’ll be very upfront with you. This accommodation is going to be similar to any other small-town hotel or motel you’ve ever come across. But, another sad piece of honesty for ya… Alaska is expensive!
If you’re hoping to visit this beautiful fishing town on a budget, then this is a great choice. They have clean, comfortable rooms literally in the downtown Seward area. You’ll be close to all of the bars, restaurants, and beachfront views, and you won’t be paying nearly as much as the people next door to you.
Of course, this means that the best amenity you’re going to get will be the wifi, so don’t expect luxury on any level. This is simply a convenient place to stay for your trip to Seward!
↪️Pro Tip: Not everyone wants to indulge in the protection of having four solid walls around them while they sleep. If you prefer to surround yourself with the great outdoors on your trip to Alaska, check out these 13 BEST Campgrounds in Seward Alaska!
FAQ
In this next section, we’ve provided some essential information that you’ll need before your trip to Seward including if this coastal city is worth staying in, the best time to visit, and how to get around.
Is It Worth Staying in Seward Alaska?
It is absolutely worth staying in Seward, AK! Of course, I’m biased since it’s one of my favorite places in the entire world, but it is for good reason.
Seward perfectly encompasses the ideal balance between people and nature. It’s where the mountains meet the sea and people connect with one of the last untouched (okay, less touched) places on Earth.
If you want to escape the chaos of reality, go to Seward. If you want to work on your mental and emotional health, go to Seward. If you just need a life reset, go to Seward!
It’s beautiful and adventurous simultaneously and truly offers something for everyone… wildlife, epic views, mountains, insanely delicious seafood, and some of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
You can partake in daily outdoor adventures like fishing and hiking or use this city as a place to sit undisturbed on a beach and look out at glaciers.
How Many Days Do You Need in Seward Alaska?
You’ll need at least 2 days in Seward, but 3 days is preferred especially if you want to do some hiking in the national park. If you only have 2 days, then your first full day in the city can include a Kenai Fjords tour which usually last up to eight or so hours.
The second day can include some time in the town and a short hike through the national park. End each day with some food at Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant or The Cookery and you’ll have the perfect short Seward itinerary!
Is Seward a Town or City?
Seward is a city located on the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. It’s made up of a beautiful small boat harbor on Resurrection Bay and is surrounded by the Kenai Mountains, glaciers, and thick forests. It has a similar vibe to that of Homer!
It has a long history as an Alaska fishing village and tourism is now a major contributor to the local economy.
Seward is known for its stunning natural beauty, abundant outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking, and some of the world’s freshest seafood.
Do I Need a Car to Get Around Seward Alaska?
While having a car can be convenient for exploring Seward, it is not strictly necessary. Seward is a small, walkable town with many attractions accessible on foot or by bike.
Additionally, there are local shuttle services and taxis available that can take you to popular destinations such as Exit Glacier or Kenai Fjords National Park.
However, renting a car is definitely the most popular way of traveling between Seward and other towns and we never visit without one. It would be in your best interest to rent a car, especially if you’re looking to travel around the rest of the Kenai Peninsula.
How Long is the Train Ride from Anchorage to Seward Alaska?
Seward and Anchorage are approximately 107 miles apart by railway which takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes.
For those who want to self-drive, the journey between the two cities typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and covers 127 miles, depending on the road conditions (road work is exceedingly common along the Seward Highway).
If you like the idea of taking the train, here are the available train services along the Alaska Railroad that connect the two locations!
What is the Best Month to Visit Seward, Alaska?
The best month to visit Seward, AK is July, though June and August are equally as wonderful! Summers in Seward are nothing short of magical with long daylight hours (nearly 21 hours to be exact) and the opportunity to take advantage of all its outdoor activities.
June offers mild temperatures but still plenty of sunshine and rainbows, while July typically brings warmer weather and a lush landscape that’s teeming with wildlife.
July is also the best time to jump on one of the peninsula’s famous Kenai Fjords Tours for spotting all sorts of marine wildlife including numerous species of whales, stellar sea lions, Dall porpoises, horned and tufted puffins, sea otters, seals, bald eagles, and more!
The dock is conveniently located right next to the cruise ship port. This is also when land mammals including bears and moose are the most likely to be spotted.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Seward?
While Seward is absolutely gorgeous in the snow, the best time of year to visit Seward is the summer. Besides, Alaska can get quite cold in the winter months (though it’s also when the northern lights tours are the best!)
The summer months (June through August) offer the best weather and the most daylight hours. This is when the wildflowers are in full bloom (Alaskan fireweed has become my #1 favorite flower in the world), the waters are abundant with wildlife, and there’s a plethora of outdoor adventures to be had.
From kayaking, fishing, whale watching, and glacier trekking around Resurrection Bay to exploring Kenai Fjords National Park and hiking up Mount Marathon, Seward is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts!
Is There a Train from Seward to Anchorage?
Fortunately, there is a train from Seward to Anchorage. The Alaska Railroad operates daily passenger service between the two cities, with its one-way and round-trip options departing once daily from each city during the summer months.
Onboard, you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of Turnagain Arm and Beluga Point and the surrounding mountain scenery as you pass through historic gold rush towns like Girdwood and Bird Creek before arriving in downtown Anchorage.
What Airport to Use for Seward Alaska?
The nearest airport to Seward, AK is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). It is located approximately 126 miles away from Seward and there are frequent flights from the Anchorage airport to most major cities in Alaska and the rest of the United States.
From there, you can either rent a car or take public transportation to get to Seward. Another option is to fly into Kenai Municipal Airport (ENA).
This small airstrip is located 104 miles from the town of Seward offering quicker access for visiting Seward and other towns along the Kenai Peninsula. However, flight options will be more limited and far more expensive here compared to ANC.
Is Seward Alaska Walkable?
Seward is a very walkable city! The downtown area of Seward offers plenty of walking and biking trails for visitors to explore the local waterfront, shops, restaurants, attractions, and more.
The city also has many sidewalks throughout making it easy to get around town without needing a car. In addition, there are several parks located within the city limits that offer trails perfect for taking in some beautiful views while getting some exercise.
For those looking for an adventure outside of town, there are multiple hiking routes just outside the city leading to stunning mountain vistas and waterfalls.
If you’re staying at one of the above hotels in Seward Alaska, you’ll easily be able to walk to many of the locations on the list.
However, if you’re looking to get out and do some hiking within the Kenai Fjords National Park or need to get to a local company for a bear-viewing tour, then you’ll probably want to rent a car for your trip.
Perched on the borders of the beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, AK is an enchanting seaside town that I’ve been lucky enough to call my home in the past (Alaska is an amazing place to live).
From kayaking in Resurrection Bay and learning about marine life at the Alaska Sealife Center to trekking across Exit Glacier, there’s no doubting you’ll be in need of a cozy Seward hotel at the end of your busy day.
Whether you’re looking for modern amenities or old-fashioned bed & breakfasts, this charming Alaskan destination has something special waiting for everyone! So if you’re ready to explore all that Seward has to offer, book one of these amazing hotels in Seward Alaska before they’re gone!
If this will be your first time visiting Alaska, be sure to check out our Essential Guide to Traveling to Alaska!
