The Balsam Inn

2.0 star property
Lodge near West Branch of the Sacandaga River in Caroga Lake

Choose dates to view prices

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Balsam Inn

Basic Room 8
Exterior
Basic Room 8
Front of property
Bar (on property)

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
140 NY-10, Caroga Lake, NY, 12032
  • West Branch of the Sacandaga River
    3 min walk
  • Canada Lake
    9 min drive
  • Amsterdam Station
    43 min drive
  • Herkimer Bus Station
    52 min drive

Room options

Basic Room 2

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Double or Twin Room 1

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Basic Room 7

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Basic Room 4

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Room 9

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Basic Room 5

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Basic Room 8

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Basic Room 3

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Basic Room 6

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Arietta

In state park.Stay at this Caroga Lake lodge and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of West Branch of the Sacandaga River and 9 miles (15 km) of Canada Lake. Also within 9 miles (15 km) are Kane Mountain Fire Tower and Wheelerville Bike Trails Access.

What's nearby

  • Kane Mountain Fire Tower - 8 min drive
  • Canada Lake - 9 min drive
  • Royal Mountain - 18 min drive
  • Pleasant Lake - 18 min drive
  • Piseco Lake - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pinnacle Restaurant and Motel - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Lake Front Pizza - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Balsams Inn & Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • The Forever Wild Tavern

About this property

The Balsam Inn

Lodge near West Branch of the Sacandaga River in Caroga Lake
Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. The Balsam Inn also features a picnic area, a communal living room, and a microwave in a common area. Free self parking is available. A complete renovation of The Balsam Inn was completed in February 2022.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Caroga Lake lodge.

  • 9 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1895
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
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.

Languages

English

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

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM–10:30 AM

Things to do

  • Archery
  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Boat tours
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Hunting
  • Kayaking
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • This property does not have elevators
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Visual alarms in hallways

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Down comforter
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hydromassage showerhead
  • Private bathroom (not in room)
  • Shower/tub combination
  • Towels

More

  • Guidebooks/recommendations
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Local maps
  • 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

  • Pets: USD 50 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 50 per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Weight limit: 40 lbs per pet
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Food and water bowls and an off-leash area are available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

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

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Pet deposit: USD 50 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Firewood fee: USD 15 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

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. 34 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Travelled 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

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The spirit of hospitality is alive in this place.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julien

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

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owner provided outstanding hospitality, liked the atmosphere of the inn, location was great, rooms were clean and very comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cedric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elvin

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dovydas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved the the place - clean, great vibe and Jenny is a star of the the place. Would recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cortney

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

LAURA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Amazing food in the cafe. Such great people running the place. A hidden gem
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023