The Balsam Inn

2.0 star property
Lodge with free parking, 3-minute walk to West Branch of the Sacandaga River

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Photo gallery for The Balsam Inn

Basic Room 8 | Premium bedding, down comforters, individually decorated
Bar (on property)
Exterior
Hallway
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
140 NY-10, Caroga Lake, NY, 12032
  • Place, Canada Lake
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Wheelerville Bike Trails Access
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Kane Mountain Fire Tower
    ‪19 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

About the neighborhood

Arietta

West Branch of the Sacandaga River is a short stroll from The Balsam Inn, and other popular attractions like Kane Mountain Fire Tower are within a 10-minute drive. This 9-room lodge welcomes guests with conveniences like free self parking, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area.

What's nearby

  • Canada Lake - 7 min drive - 7.3 miles
  • Point Breeze - 7 min drive - 7.6 miles
  • Wheelerville Bike Trails Access - 8 min drive - 9.1 miles
  • Pleasant Lake - 9 min drive - 9.4 miles
  • Kane Mountain Fire Tower - 19 min drive - 8.9 miles

Restaurants

  • The Forever Wild Tavern
  • ‪Pine Lake Lodge - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Lake Front Pizza - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Balsams Inn & Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Lake Effect Cafe - ‬8 min drive

About this property

The Balsam Inn

Lodge with free parking, 3-minute walk to West Branch of the Sacandaga River
Guests of The Balsam Inn enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free parking is available if you drive. Additional amenities include a TV in a common area and a picnic area.
Beds are dressed in premium bedding and down comforters, and bathrooms offer hydromassage showers. Private bathrooms are not ensuite; housekeeping is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

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

Access methods

Host will greet you, lockbox

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for 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
  • Dogs only
  • Pet weight must not exceed 5 lbs per pet
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • A damage deposit of USD 50 will be collected before check-in.

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property only accepts cash.
  • Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

The Balsam Inn Lodge
The Balsam Inn Caroga Lake
The Balsam Inn Lodge Caroga Lake

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do near The Balsam Inn?

This lodge is located in Caroga Lake, just steps from West Branch of the Sacandaga River. You'll also find Canada Lake and Pleasant Lake nearby.

Is parking available on site at The Balsam Inn?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the lodge. Free RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Does The Balsam Inn include a casino on the premises?

No, The Balsam Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Balsam Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this lodge.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Balsam Inn?

Couples staying at this lodge will appreciate amenities like premium bedding and a hydromassage showerhead as well as proposal/romance packages.

Does The Balsam Inn have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this lodge.

Does The Balsam Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Balsam Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Balsam Inn allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at The Balsam Inn for a fee of USD 1000 per pet, per day. A deposit of USD 1000 per day is collected.

Does The Balsam Inn have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this lodge.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Balsam Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Balsam Inn.

Reviews

The Balsam Inn Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness
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

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

6/10 Okay

jjohn

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

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!!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

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

8/10 Good

Joan

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

10/10 Excellent

Sheila A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and accommodating proprietor
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

karen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the property! So unique and beautiful. Be prepared for one bathroom- but it is clean and nicely done- lots of character and charm
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eileen

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