Where to stay in Seward, Alaska ? Our complete guide

Hello, I’m back with you, this time for a northern destination: Seward, Alaska! For anyone planning a trip there and wondering where to stay in Seward, I thought it would be really useful to write a complete guide to accommodation. By way of background, we did a month-long road trip in a camper van in the Yukon, Canada. We couldn’t have got this close to Alaska without going there. OK, I admit we hadn’t planned to go all the way to Seward – that was a bit far. But as with all journeys, you set off with an idea and once you’re there, your plans change. I think you know what I mean, don’t you? To get back to Seward, we spent 4 days in the heart of nature and frankly, we don’t regret this little impromptu trip. We were very close to the Kenai Fjords, which is one of the best trips of my life (just saying!).

The aim of this article is to show you the best places to stay in Seward, Alaska. Of course, there’s something for every budget and taste. The aim really is for everyone to find what they’re looking for in this little haven of peace surrounded by fjords! If you’re planning a trip to the area, don’t hesitate to read our guide to what to do in Seward?

If you’re travelling to Alaska, you might want to check out where to stay in Haines!

As I said, we hadn’t planned to go all the way to Seward. But I can tell you it was a lovely surprise! It’s a small town in southern Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula, on the shore of Resurrection Bay. Seward is actually in the middle of mountains, glaciers and fjords, a paradise for nature lovers. Its location will give you an idea of what there is to see and do!

To give you an idea of the main things to do:

• Fjord cruises: you can explore the fjords around the city and the glaciers (Kenai Fjords). You’ll also have the chance to see marine life such as humpback whales, sea lions, seals and more. In a word: magical!
• Do some great hikes: I’m thinking in particular of the Exit Glacier and Mount Marathon hikes. They’re two very different walks, each with its own spectacular scenery! The Exit Glacier hike, as the name suggests, offers you several beautiful viewpoints over the famous glacier. As for Mount Marathon, experienced hikers will be well catered for when it comes to climbing this rather steep mountain!
• Sea kayaking: This is a very popular activity for exploring Resurrection Bay and Glacier Bear up close. I haven’t had the chance to do it yet, but if you ask me, it must be a timeless adventure. It’s great to experience.
• Deep sea fishing: Seward is a town known for its fishing! If you’re curious to see and participate, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of trips to choose from.
• Visit the Alaska Marine Life Centre: a beautiful aquarium and marine wildlife research and rehabilitation centre in Seward! Here you can see seals, sea lions, seabirds and other marine animals, and take part in interactive exhibits that show what’s being done to protect the environment.

After this quick overview of Seward and what to do, let’s get back to the main topic: accommodation in Seward. To help you make your choice, I’m going to take you on a little tour of Seward’s different neighbourhoods.

To put it simply, you have three different areas to stay in (yes, only three, it’s still a small town):

• Downtown Seward: This is the area for you if you’re looking for a comfortable stay close to all the amenities. Don’t worry, although this is the town centre, the atmosphere is relaxed. You can take a leisurely stroll through the town’s local craft shops and restaurants while enjoying the natural surroundings.
• Exit Glacier Road / Resurrection River: Staying along the Exit Glacier Road and near the Resurrection River, just a few kilometres from the centre of Seward, offers a completely different experience.You’ll be more focused on nature and tranquillity, for total disconnection. In fact, this area is ideal for travellers who want to immerse themselves in nature. Whether you’re with friends or family, you’ll appreciate the beauty of the area. This is where we stayed for 4 days in our motorhome.
• Lowell Point: In my opinion, this is the right compromise: you’re close to the centre of Seward, but you’re still in a 100% natural environment. Lowell Point is a small community south of Seward, nestled between the mountains and Resurrection Bay. If you’re looking for tranquillity with a touch of adventure (close to great walks like the Tonsina Point Trail), Lowell Point is for you!

Before I tell you about our range of accommodation in Seward, I thought it would be useful to tell you about the three areas where you can have a great holiday, depending on what you want and the type of stay you’re looking for. The aim is really to make it easier for you to organise how you want to stay in Seward.

Now let’s get down to business! I’ve put together a selection of four rather ‘upmarket’ places to stay in Seward that I’ve heard nothing but good things about from the locals. As you might imagine, most of them are in the town centre. I’ll leave you to discover them.

The Harbor 360 Hotel Seward is one of the most famous hotels in Seward! It must be said that its location is ideal: right on the sea! I’ll let you imagine the breathtaking views over Resurrection Bay. You’re also centrally located, close to local restaurants and even the Alaska SeaLife Centre. As for the rooms, they are comfortable (king-size and queen-size beds), spacious and some even overlook the ocean. But that’s not all! In terms of services, there’s an indoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi (ideal when you’ve just come back from a day’s cruising in the cold, ahah). In short, if you’re looking for a hotel with good facilities and breathtaking views over Resurrection Bay, this is an excellent choice.

My stay at Resurrection Bay

A charming establishment in the heart of Seward, just a short walk from Resurrection Bay and the main shops. The concept of this accommodation is pretty cool: it offers several well-decorated, fully equipped rooms with views of the Kenai Mountains or the sea (depending on your preference). There’s also a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals and even share them with other travellers! If you ask me, The Vue B&B is the ideal accommodation for a comfortable and enjoyable experience in Seward.

Check availability

The Spruce Lodge, located just outside the centre of Seward, invites you to enjoy an authentic stay in the heart of nature. Enjoy beautiful rooms with everything you need for a great holiday! As a bonus, you’ll be close to hiking trails and downtown Seward. In other words, this accommodation is the perfect blend of nature and city.

My comfortable holiday

An exceptional cabin in the heart of Seward, with panoramic views of Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Mountains. It has two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchenette and, to top it all off, a balcony with stunning ocean views and a hot tub (perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking). Not forgetting the practical side of the chalet: private parking, Wi-Fi connection (trust me, it’s hard to get a signal in this region haha). As you can see, this charming accommodation is the perfect combination of tranquility and modernity.

Pamper myself

After looking at the top accommodation in Seward, I’d like to look at four reasonably priced places to stay. In my opinion, this could be a good way to reduce your accommodation budget. This way you can enjoy more activities and restaurants in the area. It’s up to you to decide!

Trailhead Lodging is a motel in the centre of Seward. It’s conveniently located for the Alaska Marine Life Centre and Kenai Fjords National Park. To tell you a little bit more about the rooms, they are well equipped with a TV, a refrigerator and a private bathroom. From what I’ve heard, the staff offer a warm welcome. As you can see, this motel really is a great deal, offering all the comforts you need at reasonable prices.

Book my stay at Trailhead Lodging

Another comfortable motel in the centre of Seward! It’s just a short walk to the Resurrection Bay boardwalk. As you can see, the strength of this establishment is its location. You’ll have easy access to all the amenities while enjoying a tranquil setting (perfect for relaxing). What’s more, the rooms are very comfortable and have a private bathroom. As for the communal areas, you can enjoy a fully equipped communal kitchen. As a bonus, there’s also a terrace with a barbecue (a really nice way to enjoy the evenings). Sea Treasures Inn is a great option if you’re looking for budget accommodation!

Check availability and book

Sauerdough Lodging offers a range of studios and apartments in the centre of Seward. You’ll be right in the historic centre, close to cafes and restaurants. Each apartment has a kitchen, bathroom and dining area. The size and number of travellers they can accommodate (from 2 to 7 people) is the real difference between the studios. The studios are ideal for families or groups of friends. With free parking and simple but comfortable studios, this is a great choice for those who want to explore Seward in peace and quiet.

Book my stay at Sauerdough Lodging

Halibut House Unit 4 is a charming apartment, ideal for a comfortable stay close to the city centre. It’s a 19m² apartment, perfect for a couple! All the facilities are modern: bathroom, kitchenette with fridge and microwave (so you can easily prepare your meals or picnic when you’re away for the day). A little extra: an outdoor area with a barbecue is a really nice way to make the most of sunny days.

Take a break at Halibut House Unit 4

I couldn’t do a complete guide to accommodation in Seward without mentioning a few campsites. In my opinion, Seward really is the ideal destination for camping. Mélanie, the kids and I spent 4 days in our motorhome enjoying some beautiful spots. We have some really good memories! We were really cut off from the world and it felt good! A word of warning: due to the winter climate, the campsites in the area are closed from early October to mid-April.

This campsite lives up to its name. The location is simply sublime, on the edge of Resurrection Bay. Imagine starting your day surrounded by this incredible scenery. And that’s not all! Many travelers have seen otters on the beach or eagles in the trees around their campsite from what I’ve heard. As you can imagine, this is a very popular campsite, so you may have to wait a while for showers and other facilities.

Alice Campground offers a location that’s nothing short of stunning, between the mountains and the sea! To put it in perspective, it’s close to the port of Seward. This comes in handy if you’re planning a fishing trip or cruise. It’s also easy to spot the local wildlife. This campground offers sites for vehicles and tents, an important piece of information when planning your stay! In short, this campground is a beautiful and convenient place to enjoy Seward and the surrounding area.

Located on the Resurrection River, Seward KOA Journey is considered one of the best campgrounds in Seward. The facilities and services are of a high standard: the showers are clean and modern. It’s fair to say that at this campground you’ll be comfortable. It also offers a wide variety of pitches and even accommodation: you can book small, simple and comfortable cabins or opt for a pitch for a motorhome, pick-up, tents… It’s fair to say that the choice is yours. What’s more, a host is on hand to welcome you and help you if you need anything. They also run a small shop stocked with all the essentials. If you’re looking for a campsite with good facilities, this is the place to be!

This unusual campsite offers a beautiful location with panoramic views of the Kenai Mountains and the Resurrection River! To tell you the truth, this campsite is very basic in terms of services and facilities. There are no hosts on site. If you’re more of an adventurer and you’re looking for a simple way to immerse yourself in nature, this is the campsite for you!

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway during your holiday, this is the campsite for you! The views are simply stunning and spectacular. Just a quick note: this campsite has 12 pitches. I know that’s not a lot, but at the same time the pitches are well spaced out and give you a really intimate setting in the middle of nature. In my opinion, this campsite offers a more immersive experience! In the middle of Alaska, you feel like you’re all alone in the world. Personally, that’s the kind of place I like! For those who like to plan their trip from A to Z, unfortunately it’s not possible to book a pitch at this campsite. First come, first served! But I would advise you not to go at the last minute and try to get there a bit early (not at the end of the day).

As I said, the town of Seward is ideal for camping and getting out into nature. For more information on these and other campgrounds, have a look at their website.

That’s it, I’ve covered all the accommodation in Seward. Now you know all about where to stay in Seward. Whether you’re more of an adventurer, a nature lover or just like to stay comfortable, you’ll be spoilt for choice! If you go all the way to Seward, I highly recommend a trip to the Kenai Fjords. As I said before, without exaggerating, it was really one of the most beautiful trips I’ve ever done in my life, just unforgettable!

One last advice: book your accommodation well in advance! Especially in high season, availability goes fast.

See you soon. We’re off to a whole new world of discoveries,

Written by Sylvain PONS

Twice, over a period of about 2 months, I had the opportunity to explore several corners of the United States, taking advantage of the best it has to offer. I decided to share some of my experiences with you!

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