Nestled near the West Branch of the Sacandaga River, The Balsam Inn offers a tranquil retreat with continental breakfast and an art gallery. With free WiFi, guests can unwind by the firepit or explore nearby attractions like Kane Mountain Fire Tower and Canada Lake.
The Balsam Inn is a great choice for a stay in Caroga Lake. Guests can keep active with on-site hiking/biking trails, kayaking and rowing/canoeing, and free perks include self-parking and continental breakfast daily between 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
Languages
English
At a glance
Hotel size
9 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
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 checkout, or pay an additional cleaning fee of USD 15 at checkout
Required at check-in
Cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs only, up to 18 kg per pet)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply*
Pets must be supervised
Food and water bowls and off-lead area available
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Parking
Free uncovered on-site self-parking
Free on-site motorhome/coach/lorry parking
On-site parking includes off-street options
Other information
Designated smoking area (fines apply)
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free continental breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–10:30 AM
Shared microwave
Shared fridge
What to do
Archery
Hiking/biking trails
Kayaking
Canoeing
Boat tours
Paddle boating
Cross-country skiing
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Ski area nearby
Water tubing nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Services
Bike hire
Water sports equipment
Romance packages
Facilities
Built in 1895
Picnic area
Television in common areas
Communal living room
Art gallery on-site
Firepit
Traditional architecture
Accessibility
Visual alarms in hallways
Handrails in stairwells
Room amenities
Home comfort
Heating (climate-controlled)
Sleep well
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Individually furnished and decorated
Freshen up
Private bathroom (not in room)
Shower/bath combination
Hydromassage shower head
Towels
More
Housekeeping (on request)
Mobile key entry
Guidebooks/recommendations
Local maps
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
A damage deposit of USD 50 will be collected before check-in
Optional extras
Firewood is available for an extra charge of USD 15 per day
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pet deposit: USD 50 per stay
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet, per night
Policies
This property does not have lifts.
This property only accepts cash.
Also known as
The Balsam Inn Lodge
The Balsam Inn Caroga Lake
The Balsam Inn Lodge Caroga Lake
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at The Balsam Inn?
Yes, dogs are welcome, with a maximum weight of 18 kg per pet. There's a charge of USD 50 per pet, per night, and there's also a deposit of USD 50 per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Dog exercise areas and food and water bowls are available.
Is parking offered on site at The Balsam Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking. Free motorhome/bus/lorry parking is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Balsam Inn?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Contactless social distancing and check-out are available.
What is there to do at The Balsam Inn and nearby?
During the winter, enjoy on-site recreation such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and return when the snow melts for kayaking and rowing. Additional recreation on-site includes hunting. The Balsam Inn also has a picnic area.
What's the area around The Balsam Inn like?
The Balsam Inn is located a short 3-minute walk from West Branch of the Sacandaga River.
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The Balsam Inn Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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.More informationOpens in a new window
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
9.4/10
Amenities
9.6/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
8/10 Very good
9 Oct 2024
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Dan
Dan, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
9 Feb 2024
The owner provided outstanding hospitality, liked the atmosphere of the inn, location was great, rooms were clean and very comfortable
Ron
Ron, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
25 July 2024
Very friendly and accommodating proprietor
Jean
Jean, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
30 July 2024
Very friendly owner.
Joan
Joan, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
28 Aug 2024
Property owner was very hospitable. Clean property. Nice friendly staff. Good food.
Gregory
Gregory, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 Oct 2024
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!
Sandra
Sandra, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 Mar 2024
The spirit of hospitality is alive in this place.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
6 Oct 2024
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.
Danielle
Danielle, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
22 Aug 2024
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
Glen
Glen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
20 Aug 2024
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
Glen
Glen, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
4 Aug 2024
Balssan inn is TOPS
All aspects of my stay was excellent. accomodations were excellent and the host Jenny was superb.She was alocal who has built her busirss reputationon hard work and her guests enjoying a good tay. She is a PRO!!!!!
jjohn
jjohn, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
8 Jan 2023
We felt like we were home away from home. Can’t wait to stay again.
lisa
lisa, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
10 Oct 2024
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.
Chris
Chris, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
20 Sept 2023
Had a wonderful stay at the Balsam Inn. Jenny, the owner, is top notch and has created a real gem of a place to stay. Will certainly return.
David
David, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
3 Sept 2023
Loved the the place - clean, great vibe and Jenny is a star of the the place. Would recommend!
Dovydas
Dovydas, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
4 Aug 2023
Amazing food in the cafe. Such great people running the place. A hidden gem
LAURA
LAURA, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
15 June 2023
Great location. So many trails and fishing spots closeby. Jenn is super nice and makes the best waffles for breakfast on the planet. I can't wait to get back again.
Dirk
Dirk, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
19 Apr 2024
Loved the property! So unique and beautiful. Be prepared for one bathroom- but it is clean and nicely done- lots of character and charm
karen
karen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
1 Sept 2023
The Country charm of the Balsam Inn is invigorating. The grounds around the inn are delectable. Jenn is a top notch host and all around wonderful person. Prepare to relax, enjoy nature at its fullest, and be transported to absolute paradise. Squishy beds too.
Cortney
Cortney, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
9 Aug 2024
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.
Tim
Tim, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
6 Sept 2022
what a Gem
found this place and so glad we did! Jenny was super cool and very friendly. the place was spotless .Looking forward to staying again.Had the best time
wendy
wendy, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
16 Aug 2022
The very best!
The very best weekend I could have had. Women owned. So cozy! I look forward to coming back!
Natasha
Natasha, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
28 Aug 2022
Jenny was so charming and went out of her way to make us feel welcome. I needed wine for a present and she helped with that and also provided a gift bag. The upstairs floors are not even but still the rooms evokes charm on many levels. She is a new buisness owner and I Am so glad we stayed to get her buisness off the ground.
and
Nelson
Nelson, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
21 Nov 2022
We will be back!
My friends and I stayed here while in town for a wedding. It was a great place! The whole vibe was very laid back - I think this is the kind of place people reminisce about when they talk about the good old days. It didn't feel like we were walking into a glossy magazine ad, but more like we were spending the weekend at a friend's place - a very cool friend at that! Jenny was very personable it was easy to swap stories with her and tell jokes while we killed time at the bar (on the first floor).
I was so excited about this little Inn and the vibe and how much fun it was to hang out there that I immediately came home and told my husband and friends about the place and now we're hoping to get a whole group of friends out there for a weekend. We hope to rent out the whole inn and spend the weekend enjoying the rivers and forests that surround the inn. 11 out of 10 stars!
Molly
Molly, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
19 July 2022
Hidden Gem
What a hidden gem! Jenny is the innkeeper and is a bundle of joy and energy. If you are expecting a "Four Seasons" cookie cutter kind of experience, you will be severely disappointed. If you are looking for an authentic Adirondack experience with super friendly locals and an easy going vibe, you will LOVE it! The rooms are small, but well appointed with comfortable beds. In the downstairs bar, there is a sitting area and no shortage of drinks and snacks. Beers and snacks are on the honor system! Take one from the fridge and leave a couple $$. Jenny makes great cocktails and there are lovely locals to chat to and get to know. Cell signal is limited at best. Internet is only available via satellite and can also be slow. This is Upstate NY - its for unwinding and relaxing. Give the Balsam Inn a try if this sounds like your kind off place. You will not regret it and leave with new friends!!