Located in Caroga Lake, The Balsam Inn is in a state park, a 1-minute drive from West Branch of the Sacandaga River and 8 minutes from Kane Mountain Fire Tower. .This lodge is 6.2 mi (10 km) from Canada Lake and 7.8 mi (12.5 km) from Wheelerville Bike Trails Access.
West Branch of the Sacandaga River - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
Canada Lake - 7 min drive - 7.3 miles
Royal Mountain - 15 min drive - 15.7 miles
Oak Mountain Ski Center - 30 min drive - 31.4 miles
Herkimer Diamond Mines - 33 min drive - 36.2 miles
Restaurants
The Forever Wild Tavern
Balsams Inn & Cafe - 1 min walk
Pinnacle Restaurant and Motel - 10 min drive
Lake Front Pizza - 6 min drive
Pine Lake Lodge - 5 min drive
About this property
The Balsam Inn
Lodge with free parking, 3-minute walk to West Branch of the Sacandaga River
The Balsam Inn offers 9 accommodations with blackout drapes/curtains. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. Rooms have detached private bathrooms. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations with hydromassage showerheads. Housekeeping is provided on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Make yourself at home in one of the 9 individually decorated guestrooms. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations are provided. Conveniences include blackout drapes/curtains, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as bicycles to rent, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and a communal living room.
Featured amenities include microwave in a common area and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Free uncovered self parking on site
Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
Onsite parking includes off-street options
Things to do
Archery
Art gallery
Bicycle rentals
Boat and paddles
Boat tours
Cross-country skiing
Hiking/biking trails
Hunting
Kayaking
Rowing/canoeing
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
TV in common areas
Water sports equipment
Conveniences
Guidebooks
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
Guest services
Housekeeping (on request)
Proposal/romance packages
Outdoors
Firepit
In a state park
In the mountains
Picnic area
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Handrails in stairways
No elevator
Visual alarms in hallways
More
2 floors
Built in 1895
Communal living room
Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
Renovated entire property - February 2022
Traditional architecture
Room amenities
Bedroom
Blackout drapes
Down comforter
Premium bedding
Bathroom
Detached private bathroom
Hydromassage showerhead
Shower/bathtub combination
Towels provided
More
Heating (climate-controlled)
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Mobile key entry
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; your host will greet you
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests can choose to either self-clean the property prior to check-out, or pay an additional cleaning fee of USD 15 at check-out
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Host will greet you, lockbox
Pets
Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 1000 per pet (varies based on length of stay), plus a one-time cleaning fee of USD 100 and a deposit of USD 1000 per day
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 5 lbs per pet
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A damage deposit of USD 50 will be collected before check-in.
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Pet deposit: USD 1000 per day
Pet fee: USD 1000 per pet (varies based on length of stay) plus USD 100 one-time cleaning fee
Service animals are exempt from fees
Firewood fee: USD 15 per day
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property only accepts cash
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Property is also known as
The Balsam Inn Lodge
The Balsam Inn Caroga Lake
The Balsam Inn Lodge Caroga Lake
The Balsam Inn Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
My son and I stayed here because we were driving from Pittsburgh to University of Vermont to move him in to college. This place was right in the route. Jenny greeted us and showed us around. My son wanted to fish in the nearby lakes, so we did fished, and then went to a nearby pub for dinner. Jenny had called the pub for us to make sure they were open. Each room of the Inn is unique and feels so luxurious. All the linens, pillows, towels are just top notch. My son wants to stop here every trip to college.
It was definitely different. You have to share a bathroom with other inn guests. We were the only ones who were at the Inn for our 1 night. So it wasn't an issue but guess I got to read the fine print better. And there was no A/C. You could open the window, but there was no screen to let the cool air in. So we just opened the window & gambled that we wouldn't let in the bugs along with the cooler air. It wasn't that hot of a day, but I can only imagine that place on a typical warm summer day/evening. On the positive, the host was nice, the wifi worked and, outside of the A/C, the room was nice. Given the stellar reviews and the price we paid (it was over $150 for a Monday night), I guess I was expecting something a bit nicer.
The hosts were both pleasant and welcoming. We were met with an explanation and a quick tour of the Inn. Jenny provided recommendations for a local restaurant nearby, and it was great.
The owner is simply amazing such a sweetheart her energy and charisma are the greatest treat to stay in the hotel she did everything possible to keep me comfortable and she was available for anything that I could need I was there to be part of a race in the area she made sure to help me with anything that I needed .. the place is neat and clean and well taken care of. The restaurant in the first floor is very cute and the food is really good too I ended up having a salad she made herself and it was delicious
We had a great stay at the Balsam Inn! Everyone put their hearts into giving folks a great experience. My husband says the dinner was the finest he ever had, and I appreciated all the little things that made our travel easier (ice for coolers, a shared frig, absolutely lovely and plentiful bedding). We would definitely stay there again!
What a great stay. My travel was disrupted, and Jenny was kind, understanding, and communicative. The Inn is cute and authentic. The location is stunning. I only regret being able to stay just one night (cancelled flight), it was a warm and I felt welcomed.
The hospitality of the staff especially Ginny the owner of this fine establishment was very helpful and were great to chat with regarding the region of the Adirondacks. Let me not forget to mention the rooms are cozy, impeccable and lovely decorated by Ginny who is true artist. I do plan on visiting this area of the Adirondacks again and the Balsams will be base camp when exploring this beautiful area.
Rustic meets adorable! So warm and comfortable. The beds (we had twins) were to die for. Great.having the bar below. Nice selection of beverages, great continental breakfast. Jenny and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Shared bath not a problem. Wonderful place!
Jenny and crew are awesome and have a sincere dedication to making guests happy. Cozy, rustic, bar downstairs with great wings and beer selection. Note: shared bathroom but I had no issues.
Will definitely start again. Everyone was very friendly, welcome and accommodating. Parking is easy, the rooms and bathrooms are clean and cozy, we had excellent drinks and pie downstairs in the bar/restaurant, and free breakfast (milk juice, coffee, muffins, breakfast bars, fruit and cereal) in the morning.
Incredible place to stay. It is an older building, that is what makes it so unique. Each and every room is a little different. We were welcomed and made to feel truly at home. Great food and ambiance. I will definitely recommend to our friends and family if the are traveling
Incredible place to stay. It is an older building, that is what makes it so unique. Each and every room is a little different. We were welcomed and made to feel truly at home. Great food and ambiance. I will definitely recommend to our friends and family if the are traveling
I didn't know what to expect, and upon arrival it looked just like an old bar. But inside it had the warm feel of an old-country tavern and inn—which it was. The proprietor is personable, attentive, and concerned about your needs. For being a tavern, it is surprisingly quiet. The bed was very comfortable, and they serve hearty food. A very relaxed, informal feel with good wifi (which is important as your cell signal may not reach this remote spot). If you're looking for a bargain, this is with the (gorgeous) drive up NY Hwy 10.