The Nauti Otter in Seward, Alaska

Continuing our trip through Alaska, we stayed two days in Seward, along the southern coast of Alaska.

We’d heard about a place called, “The Nauti Otter Inn” which was a hostel/collection of cabins about 10 minutes outside of downtown. The cost of hotels/motels in downtown Seward were a little more than we were looking to spend, so we decided to try out the Nauti Otter.

The Nauti Otter
13609 Seward Hwy, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 491-2255

The Nauti Otter is owned by Heather Callen, and it’s her regular home. Guest have the option of the hostel experience, a bit more privacy in their own bedroom or one of the outside cabins. There are a few bedrooms on the main level and a large dormitory type room upstairs with about a half dozen beds. Like a hostel, there is a community room with television and computer and group kitchen with food you can take as needed.

If you choose to stay in one of the cabins, you’re definitely going to have more of a rustic Alaskan experience, so keep that in mind when you’re deciding where to stay.

The location is peaceful though about a 10 minute drive from downtown. Not problem at all if you have a car, if not you’ll probably need to take taxis.

Breakfast options were good, though keep in mind, like a hostel it’s do it yourself. Plenty of eggs, milk, and a very nice selection of ingredients for waffles/pancakes were all available, included in the price.

The Nauti Otter has many helpful brochures, notes and guides posted on the wall. Everything from places to eat to adventure spots to visit. They also had a welcome packet waiting (and mint on my pillow!) in my cabin.

If you select one of the cabins, you’ll walk through the house and out the backyard. You’ll see a handful of cabins/trailers, all set up for guests. From the hostel beds to the cabins, the prices are reasonable. The cabins have names such as “The Roughcut Cabin.” and go from between $60-$90 a night.

The bunk bed was a little tough for a grown man to sleep in. I was traveling with my brother so one of us grabbed the bottom bed while the other took the top. It was a tough fit.

The cabins themselves don’t have bathrooms or showers, though is a regular toilet and shower inside the house. In addition there is a wash basin and… wait for it

… flushable outhouse.

For those who are used to camping, or going to hostels or living outside, this doesn’t seem like a big deal. Probably like going to summer sleep away camp. Though for us, it was definitely a change of pace. Needing to get up and go outside to go to the bathroom was a bit of an odd feeling. Just something we’re not used to.

Overall

Jokes about the outhouse aside, I thought this place was great. I’d definitely come back again if I returned to Seward, and I wouldn’t even stay inside, I’d grab another one of the cabins, maybe spend a bit more and upgrade to one of the larger ones to change up the experience. “Camping” in one of the cabins was a fun experience and everyone was very welcoming. The Nauti Otter brands themselves very well, with a large pirate theme. There are even costumes you can put on and take pictures of yourselves to remember your Nauti Otter experience.

If you’re looking for a posh or luxurious place to stay in Seward with all the comforts of home, then the Nauti Otter’s hostel or cabins isn’t going to be what you’re looking for. But if you came to Alaska to get a bit of the wilderness vibe and want a chance to enjoy something new, I’d definitely recommend checking out the Nauti Otter. Open early May through mid September, you’ll be sure to get that rustic Alaskan experience.