Where to stay in Seward, Alaska: our complete guide

Hello, I’m back with another northern destination: Seward, Alaska! For anyone planning a trip there and wondering where to stay in Seward, I thought a complete accommodation guide would be useful. By way of background, we took a month-long campervan road trip through the Yukon, Canada. We couldn’t get this close to Alaska without crossing the border. I admit that we hadn’t originally planned to go all the way to Seward—it was quite a detour. But as with many trips, you leave with one plan and then change it once you’re there. I think you know what I mean, don’t you? Getting back to Seward, we spent four days in the heart of nature and frankly, we certainly don’t regret this spontaneous detour. We were very close to the Kenai Fjords, which led to one of the best excursions of my life (just saying!).

This article will introduce you to the best places to stay in Seward, Alaska. Of course, there’s something for every budget and taste. The goal is to help everyone find the right option in this little haven of peace surrounded by fjords! If you’re planning a trip to the area, don’t miss our guide to what to do in Seward.

If you’re traveling 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 shores of Resurrection Bay. Seward is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and fjords, a paradise for nature lovers. Its location alone gives you a good idea of how much there is to see and do.

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

• Fjord cruises: you can explore the fjords and glaciers around the town (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!
• Hiking: 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 several beautiful viewpoints over the famous glacier. As for Mount Marathon, experienced hikers will find plenty to enjoy when it comes to climbing this rather steep mountain!
• Sea kayaking: This is a very popular activity for exploring Resurrection Bay and Bear Glacier up close. I haven’t had the chance to do it yet, but if you ask me, it must be an unforgettable experience. It is definitely worth considering.
• Deep sea fishing: Seward is a town known for its fishing! If you’re curious and would like to give it a try, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of trips to choose from.
• Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center: a beautiful aquarium and marine wildlife research and rehabilitation center 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 neighborhoods.

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 downtown, 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 kilometers from the center of Seward, offers a completely different experience. You’ll be more focused on nature and tranquility, for total disconnection. In fact, this area is ideal for travelers 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 four days in our campervan.
• Lowell Point: In my opinion, this is the right compromise: you’re close to the center of Seward, but you’re still in a fully natural setting. Lowell Point is a small community south of Seward, nestled between the mountains and Resurrection Bay. If you’re looking for tranquility 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 vacation, 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 organize how you want to stay in Seward.

Now let’s get down to business! I’ve put together a selection of four more upscale places to stay in Seward that that locals consistently recommend. As you might imagine, most of them are in the downtown. I’ll leave you to discover them.

The Harbor 360 Hotel Seward is one of the most famous hotels in Seward! Its location is one of its greatest strengths: right on the waterfront! 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 Center. 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 hot tub (ideal when you’ve just come back from a day out on the water 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

This charming property in the heart of Seward, just a short walk from Resurrection Bay and the main shops. The property offers: 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 shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals and even share the space with other travelers! 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 center of Seward, offers an authentic stay in the heart of nature. The rooms are comfortable with everything you need for a great vacation! As a bonus, you’ll be close to hiking trails and downtown Seward. In other words, this accommodation is a good balance between nature and downtown access.

My comfortable vacation

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). The cabin also includes practical amenities: private parking, Wi-Fi (trust me, it’s hard to get a signal in this region haha). As you can see, this charming accommodation is a great combination of tranquility and modern comfort.

Pamper myself

After looking at the more upscale accommodations 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 can leave more room in your budget for activities and restaurants in the area. It’s up to you to decide!

Trailhead Lodging is a motel in the center of Seward. It’s conveniently located for the Alaska SeaLife Center and Kenai Fjords National Park. 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 offers good value, offering all the comforts you need at reasonable prices.

Book my stay at Trailhead Lodging

This is another comfortable motel in the center of Seward! It’s just a short walk to the Resurrection Bay boardwalk. As you can see, one of the property’s main strengths 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 shared areas, you can enjoy a fully equipped shared kitchen. As a bonus, there’s also a terrace with a barbecue (a pleasant 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 center of Seward. You’ll be right in the historic center, close to cafés and restaurants. Each apartment has a kitchen, bathroom and dining area. The main differences between the studios are their size and capacity (from two to seven guests) 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 center. It’s a 19 m² apartment, perfect for a couple! The apartment includes modern facilities: 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 pleasant 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 campgrounds. In my opinion, Seward really is the ideal destination for camping. Mélanie, the kids and I spent four days in our campervan enjoying some beautiful spots. We still have wonderful memories of it. We were really cut off from the world and it felt good! A word of warning: due to the winter climate, the campgrounds in the area are closed from early October to mid-April.

This campground lives up to its name. The location is simply sublime, along the shores 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 the campground. 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! For reference, 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, which is useful to know 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. The campground offers a comfortable stay. It also offers a wide variety of sites and even accommodation: you can book small, simple and comfortable cabins or opt for a pitch for a campervan, pickup, tents… There is therefore a wide range of options. 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 simple campground offers a beautiful location with panoramic views of the Kenai Mountains and the Resurrection River! To be honest, this campsite is very basic in terms of services and facilities. There are no hosts on site. If you prefer a more adventurous experience 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 vacation, this is the campsite for you! The views are simply spectacular. Just a quick note: this campsite has 12 sites. I know that’s not a lot, but at the same time the sites 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. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. But I would therefore recommend arriving early 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, take a look at their website.

That brings us to the end of this guide to 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 have plenty of options! 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 excursions I’ve ever taken, just unforgettable!

One final piece of advice: book your accommodation well in advance! Especially in high season, availability fills up quickly.

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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