The Balsam Inn

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Balsam Inn

Living area
Exterior
Living area
Basic Room 9 | Premium bedding, down comforters, individually decorated
Hallway

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
$135
$125 nightly
$135 total
Total with taxes and fees
Dec 16 - Dec 17

Explore the area

View in a map
140 NY-10, Caroga Lake, NY, 12032
  • Place, West Branch of the Sacandaga River
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Canada Lake
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Oak Mountain Ski Center
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

Basic Double or Twin Room 1

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Basic Room 2

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Room 3

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Basic Room 4

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Room 5

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Basic Room 6

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Basic Room 7

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Basic Room 8

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Basic Room 9

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Arietta

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.

What's nearby

  • 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

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 57 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A smiley day!

We found our stay to be warm and friendly, it was like staying with your family.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence, Atlanta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Balsam Inn is a gem perfectly situated in the Adirondack Park. Super clean and quiet, with a great bar and good food!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Duncan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Douglas

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Warm and excellent stay

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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Guillermo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Home away from home!

Great discovery.. extremely friendly and hospitable. Felt like home away from home! Hope to come back during snowmobile season!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reed

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Authentic, warm, and friendly.

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness
Jenny is very friendly person
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ken

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Dan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property owner was very hospitable. Clean property. Nice friendly staff. Good food.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hidden Gem

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
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hidden Gem

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
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

nice bargain

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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024