3 BEST Places to Stay in Seward, Alaska + Top Hotels

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Aerial view of a coastal town surrounded by mountains and a bay. The town features clusters of buildings and greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Seward is a small but extremely popular town. The stunning natural surroundings and the easy access to Kenai Fjords National Park make it an attractive destination for tourists worldwide. So, if you’re planning a trip here, the first thing you need to do is find the best places to stay in Seward, Alaska.

To help you out with the selection process, I compared all the Seward neighborhoods, and I came up with a list of the 3 top areas to stay in Seward, Alaska. Plus, I handpicked the best hotels in each area and sorted them by price – you’ll find everything from luxury hotels to budget stays!

In short, the best place is Downtown. This is where you’ll find the main attractions, the best hotels, and many tour operators. But I couldn’t let you go without adding more info for those who want something a little different.

Although Seward may look like a town that doesn’t get many visitors, trust me, this place is packed with tourists. Book your Seward accommodation in advance and avoid the high prices of last-minute bookings.

Let’s go, we’ve got lots to see!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Ready to book right now? Here’s a list of the best hotels in Seward, Alaska, all located Downtown:

Check out this map of the 3 Seward neighborhoods that I’ll be talking about in this post:

1. Downtown – where to stay in Seward for the first time

A small town street with shops and parked cars, set against a backdrop of mountains under a clear sky.

This scenic port town of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula is a dream location for any avid hiker, outdoor enthusiast, and wildlife lover! If you’re visiting Seward for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than Downtown, with its good selection of attractions and hotels and its charming atmosphere.

One of the main perks of staying in Downtown Seward is that most attractions, like the Alaska Sealife Center, will be within walking distance from you! Here, you can see various marine animals, including sea lions, many different seals, and even a giant octopus! I also recommend this area to people who don’t have a car and come by train from Anchorage.

Seward offers easy access to Kenai Fjords National Park (map), a beautiful place famous for its glaciers and abundant wildlife! But before you run to explore the hiking trails in Kenai Fjords National Park, take a moment to check out all the downtown shops and walk around Waterfront Park (map).

FUN FACT: Seward is the ‘mural capital of Alaska’ featuring a total of 12 murals. Even though this doesn’t sound like much, it’s quite a number for a town of this size. Most of the murals are located in Downtown Seward, so walk around and keep your eyes peeled for the impressive street art.

Aerial view of a coastal town with buildings, streets, parked cars, and mountainous landscape by the water under a cloudy sky.

Near Downtown, you’ll also find the stunning Lowell Creek Waterfall (map), a great destination for a short hike. From Downtown Seward, you can also reach Mount Marathon (map) – there are plenty of hiking trails to get you to the top of the mountain.

You’ll also find plenty of great restaurants in Downtown Seward, and while you’re here, you definitely need to try seafood – it’s fresh and delicious! I’d recommend either The Cookery (map) for the most delicious oysters or the family-friendly Chattermark Seward (map), which features an extensive seafood menu.

Now, let’s take a look at the top Downtown Seward hotels!

Luxury hotel

Arctic Paradise B&B

This 4-star B&B is not exactly the height of luxury, but it’s the most upscale property in Downtown Seward. At the B&B, you’ll have access to a fitness room, and you can relax in your cozy room in front of the fireplace. And, of course, a delicious breakfast is served every morning.

Other accommodation options in Downtown

Mid-Range

The Vue B&B

Offering mountain views and a sun terrace, this B&B offers free Wi-Fi, parking, laundry facilities, and concierge services

Budget

Sea Treasures Inn

Each of the rooms at this motel has an en-suite bathroom and access to cable TV and free Wi-Fi

Airbnb

Coffee House Cottage

Warm up in front of the fireplace at this cozy cottage with convenient amenities like free parking

Things to do in Downtown

Make cute new friends at the Alaska SeaLife Center
Catch a scenic sunset in the Waterfront Park
Admire the beautiful Lowell Creek Waterfall
Go on a dog sled ride tour in Seward
Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Cookery or the Chattermark Seward
Explore the hiking trails near Mt. Marathon

2. Seward Harbor – where to stay for marine life enthusiasts

A white boat docked at a wooden pier with buildings in the background, set against a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks.

Can’t stay too far away from the sea and boats? We’ve all felt that at some point, but if you’re an avid fan and looking for a place to stay during your Alaska trip, then look no further than Seward Harbor, located a 20-min walk North of Downtown! This small and lively area is the ultimate spot for exploring the rich and varied marine life in the waters around Seward.

Home to a handful of shops, tour companies, and restaurants, this area is a great place to stay in Seward as it offers many hotels and rustic cabins nestled around the harbor. You’ll also find the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center (map), which offers helpful information about the park.

FUN FACT: The town of Seward was named after William H. Seward, who served as Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of State and was also responsible for purchasing Alaska from Russia in 1867.

I’m sure you’ll be eager to spend as much time off the land as possible, so you’ll be happy to know that many wildlife cruise tours depart from Seward Harbor. These tours are the best way to see Resurrection Bay (map)! Plus, you’ll get a glance at the dramatic fjords, glaciers, and marine life of Kenai Fjords National Park.

NOTE: Since the only way to experience the beauty of Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjord National Park is on a guided tour, you should know that most tour operators only offer their services during the summer months (between May and September). Keep this in mind when planning your trip to Seward.

If you choose to stay on land, make sure to check out the ‘Two Giant Puffins’ Mural (map) and spend some time in Benny Benson Memorial Park (map) – this quaint park features a beautiful lake and is home to a variety of birds, making it a great spot for relaxing and bird-watching.

Overall, Seward Harbor is a great location to start your Alaskan adventure! The harbor is close to Downtown, so if you want access to more shopping, you can simply walk there. Most of the cruises and fishing charters depart from here, so you don’t have to worry about getting a car or using public transport.

Luxury hotel

Gateway Hotel

Even though this is a 3-star hotel, it offers many great amenities, including a 24-hour front desk, free parking, and a great complimentary breakfast. Guests will also benefit from an on-site ATM and a snack bar.

Other accommodation options in Seward Harbor

mid-range

Harbor 360 Hotel Seward

Situated directly on the waterfront and overlooking Resurrection Bay, this hotel with a pool has bright and spacious rooms

budget

Breeze Inn

Even though slightly lower rated, this hotel is a great cheap option for staying near the harbor

airbnb

Coho Cottage

The great, spacious cottage where you can cook your own food and enjoy it on the private deck

Things to do in Seward Harbor

See cute whales on a wildlife tour of the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay
Admire the ‘Two Giant Puffins’ Mural
Go on a fishing trip with Seward Fishing Charters
Go bird-watching at Benny Benson Memorial Park
Grab a beer and a quick bite at the Tidewater Taphouse (map)

3. Lowell Point – best place to stay for the outdoors

Coastal house with American flag, wooden deck, and lounge chairs overlooking a pebble beach. Mountains and calm ocean in the background.

As I mentioned earlier, Seward is a paradise for hiking lovers and people who love spending their days exploring the wildlife! Right outside Downtown Seward (a 10-min drive South), you’ll find a small and quiet area called Lowell Point, great for those who aren’t interested in any of the ‘city activities’ and want to discover many hiking trails and unique spots!

This area is pretty chill. I mean, the whole town has a laid-back atmosphere, but Downtown is definitely a bit busier as most tourists book their hotels there. If you’re a fan of tranquility and do not have too many people around you or other travelers, I think Lowell Point will be perfect for you!

Note that you’ll probably need to head to Downtown Seward anytime you want to eat at a restaurant or go shopping, but if you find well-equipped accommodation, you can cut back on eating out. Also, you will probably need to rent a car if you want to stay here as it is a bit more remote!

TIP: If you are planning on driving from Seward to Anchorage, be sure to take the Seward Highway. This route is perfect for a scenic drive, and there are plenty of places along the way where you can stop and enjoy the views. The ride itself takes less than 2 and a half hours, but plan some extra time so you can soak up the beauty along the way.

A boat travels on a body of water with snow-capped mountains in the background.

As I mentioned, this area is ideal for anyone who enjoys hiking, and the Lowell Point State Recreation Site (map) is a popular place to do just that. Another super popular hiking spot is the Caines Head Trail (see trail map), a long beach walk that can only be achieved at low tide; don’t try to walk this trail when the tide is high – it can be dangerous!

Exit Glacier (map) is another popular place for hiking because it allows you to actually hike the ice mass. However, this is for experienced hikers only, and if you do decide to go, I recommend going with an organized group, seeing as the hike is not without risk.

There are also a few campgrounds scattered around Lowell Point; camping is quite popular among people visiting Seward during summer, and if that’s something you’re interested in, you can get some extra info through this link.

Let’s take a look at the best accommodations in Lowell Point!

Luxury hotel

Resurrection Lodge on the Bay

A great atmosphere, Resurrection Bay views, and nature! What can be better than that? Relax after hiking in the comfy chairs on the large deck overlooking the golf course, and enjoy the location within walking distance of the beach. This cozy lodge even offers a garden and family rooms!