I was hosted by Salted Roots during my Alaska trip. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Known as the gateway to the Kenai Fjords, Seward is by far one of the most popular places to visit in Southcentral Alaska. It’s easy to see why – in addition to the bustling cruise port, Seward is home to exquisite waterways, abundant marine life, epic hiking, easy glacier spotting, and a historic downtown. I’ve been to Seward twice now, and while my first visit was just a quick day trip from Anchorage, I’m so glad I got to slow down and spend more time here on my return!
If you’re planning your own visit and wondering where to stay in Seward, you’re in luck! My obsession with finding unique, unforgettable places to stay led me to learn about Salted Roots, one of Seward’s newest boutique properties. This inn is part hotel, part refuge – an escape from the noise of the everyday, or at least that’s what it felt like to me. Picture uninterrupted solace, lapping waves at your window, and a cozy vantage point for postcard-worthy views.
Read on for everything you need to know about staying at Salted Roots!
Location: Lowell Point in Seward, Alaska
Seward is a prime example of what Southcentral Alaska has to offer, packing a punch when it comes to endless adventures and things to do. With its ideal location at the foot of the Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is known today as a jumping-off point for exploration and expeditions throughout the Kenai peninsula both by land and sea. This is what attracted me to visit – and drag my mom along with me 🙂 – on a day trip from Anchorage during my very first visit to Alaska!
I came to see the humpback whales and explore the national park by boat, and boy, was I rewarded. To this day, I can still remember my shock and awe at seeing the distinct teal color of Resurrection Bay for the first time – a beautiful result of ocean water and glacial runoff combining over time. Turns out, this lighter color makes for a prime whale watching experience, too.
The town of Seward itself is quite small, with just over 2,700 residents year-round. Despite its small size, there’s a rich story here – Seward is actually one of the oldest communities in the entire state. First inhabited by the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Alaska Native peoples (today, the Qutekcak Native Tribe), the region has long been an important trading post and access point connecting Alaska’s Inside Passage with the Interior. Today, not only is Seward an adventure jump-off point, it’s also a beautiful and vibrant town with a hip arts scene (in fact, it’s the Mural Capital of Alaska!), great restaurants, and cool local shops.
The owners of Salted Roots, husband and wife team KellyAnn and Matthew, fell in love with Seward for these exact reasons, and in 2020, despite the odds that year would ultimately bring, their boutique inn was born.
The hotel itself is located in Lowell Point, the ‘end of the road’ found just two bumpy but beautiful miles past Seward. It’s remote and peaceful while still being close to the action. But to get here, just know – you’ll definitely need a car.
The Salted Roots Property: Cozy, Modern Cabins on the Shores of Resurrection Bay
Now, onto where to stay in Seward, and why Salted Roots is one of the coolest Seward hotels around (in my humble opinion!).
Hoping to do something a bit different than your average lodge, owners KellyAnn and Matthew dreamed up a hideaway that’s not only beautiful and modern, but that ‘walks the walk’ when it comes to respecting its surroundings. As you arrive, and before you even let yourself into your chosen accommodation, you might notice the solar panels, the guest garden, and the onsite composting facilities. Inside the rooms, you’ll find eco-friendly products and local treats. There’s a strong sense of sustainability and care here, and it shows – in just a few short years, Salted Roots already received a Green Leader award from Tripadvisor for their environmental commitment.
Salted Roots is comfortably unfussy, and prides itself on feeling intimate and secluded. Guests check themselves in with a personalize key code emailed to you prior to arrival, though you can always send a quick text with any questions during your stay. Once settled in, you can help yourself to the onsite sauna, make your own fire with the provided firewood, check out the small yoga studio, or go for a walk on the private beachfront. The hotel does a great job at offering independent and autonomous travelers the freedom to find their own inspiration and make their own perfect stay.
While here, I found it easy to be unbothered by my inbox or my incessant need to be on the go. I slowed down, I took my time cooking delicious Alaska-inspired dinners (hello salmon cakes!) in the evenings in my cabin’s kitchen, I made tea, I listened to the rain, and I watched otters play in the waves.
Slow? Tea? Free time? It’s like I became an entirely new woman, even if just for two nights. It was bliss.
In addition to being an oasis for couples, families, and friends, Salted Roots also offers buyout options for community events, retreats, and small weddings. As a soon-to-be-bride myself, I could easily see how this place would be a dream for any couple.
The Salted Roots Cabins: Approachable Luxury
Where to stay in Seward was revolutionized in 2020 when Salted Roots entered the scene with their 5 luxurious, quirky accommodations, each with their own unique allure. From their famous A-frames, to a funky converted 1970s bus, the hotel came in strong with bold character and beautifully designed, totally unique spaces fit for any traveler. In the weeks I spent road tripping around Alaska before arriving in Seward, whenever I’d tell people I was staying in Salted Roots, I was instantly met with something akin to “OMG – the A-frames! I’ve been dyingggg to check those out.”
Fast forward to 2024, Salted Roots expanded to their neighbor property, Angel’s Rest, transforming these well-loved cabins into seaside accommodations to add to the Salted portfolio. These new additions, called Rustic Roots, offer a rustic-meets-luxury setting for travelers looking to stay as close as possible to the water.
I had the privilege of staying in these seaside cabins, and absolutely loved their autonomy and proximity to the water. You can literally walk out to your own private beach in just a few short steps!
Each waterfront cabin comes equipped with a kitchenette, an outdoor grill, a fire pit, and a private deck with Adirondack chairs to enjoy the beachfront views. Also (I know, I shouldn’t have checked my emails but I promise it was only once), the WiFi is super reliable in each cabin! I could see this being as great of a place for those looking to get the creative juices flowing and be productive, as it is for those looking for a bit of respite.
Check Out the Salted Roots Lodging Options for Yourself:
Food and Drink at Salted Roots
Salted Roots has no onsite restaurant or breakfast options, but here you’ll find ample opportunities to make your own locally roasted coffee or cook up a quick meal. All rooms, with the exception of the Greenhouse Suites, have their own indoor kitchens or kitchenettes. The Greenhouse Suites come with a coffee bar and outdoor kitchen. In addition, you’ll find propane grills if you want to fire up some burgers and feast around a campfire.
I used my kitchenette to make the most amazing Alaskan salmon cakes and salad, which I enjoyed with a glass of chablis in my cozy mini living room 🙂
For those looking to dine out, you must check out Salted Roots’ sister company, Flamingo Lounge, in downtown Seward. Not only does this place serve up some of the most delicious bites, steaks, and seafood, it’s also the town’s very first craft cocktail lounge, and it’s already known as one of the best places to get a craft cocktail in the entire state. Many of the drinks I sampled during my visit were Hawaii-inspired (and no, I don’t mean tiki), which warmed my heart and made me feel right at home. Pair your cocktail with a halibut po’boy and well, just thank me later.
Tips to Know Before You Go
1. HOW TO GET AROUND IN SEWARD
To best experience all that Seward (and Alaska!) have to offer, I highly recommend renting a car. Especially when it comes to getting to Salted Roots, which is about two miles outside of town, a car is going to be your most convenient means of transportation.
Haven’t rented a car for your trip yet? Use this link to compare pricing and availability from Anchorage, and use this link to compare pricing from Homer. Both cities are around a two to three hours’ drive from Seward.
On the flip side, you can take the Alaska Railroad train to get to Seward in the summer months, and it’s a really fun way to see the state. If you arrive by train, or even by boat, Seward does have a taxi operator in town that should be able to help take you where you need to go.
2. WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN SEWARD?
So many things! Some of the best things to do in Seward include:
- Exploring Kenai Fjords! This national park is predominantly accessible by boat only, and it’s a spectacular way to see the scenery and get some epic wildlife spotting in while you’re at it. I recommend booking a tour with Kenai Fjords Tours or Seward Ocean Excursions! If visiting outside of the summer months, Seward Ocean Excursions is the only boat tour that runs year-round, and it is well worth it.
- Hike around the Lowell State Recreation Area, which is walking distance from Salted Roots. Caines Head Trail is one of the most popular trails here – just be mindful of the rapidly changing tides.
- Go sea kayaking with Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking, another woman-owned business in Seward running incredible active tours in Resurrection Bay.
- Visit Exit Glacier, the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that’s accessible by car. You can hike here, too. Exit Glacier Trailhead is a flat, easy loop that sets off right from the parking lot.
- Wander around downtown Seward! Admire the many murals, grab coffee at Resurrect Art House, and catch a bite at some of the best restaurants in town, like Flamingo Lounge and the Cookery.
3. WHO IS SALTED ROOTS FOR?
When it comes to places to stay in Seward, Salted Roots is a really well-rounded option for most anyone. Especially those who appreciate a modern-meets-rustic aesthetic and a little bit of solitude. Couples, families, and groups of friends would all equally appreciate this place.
For travelers with accessibility needs, one of the seaside cabins (named Blush) is also ADA accessible!
Ready to pack your bags? Book your stay at Salted Roots here.
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