See all properties

The Balsam Inn

Property class: 2
Lodge near West Branch of the Sacandaga River in Caroga Lake

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Balsam Inn

A rustic interior with wooden walls, leather sofas, and a mounted deer head.
A wooden floor hallway with a door at the end.
A neatly made bed with a striped blanket, a folded towel, and two pillows with a star pattern.
A row of motorcycles parked outside a building with a sign that reads "Arietta Hotel Restaurant."
A dining table with a bowl of pinecones and a potted plant, set against a window with a snowy view.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included

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
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Oak Mountain Ski Center
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Basic Double or Twin Room 1

A neatly made bed with a folded towel and a small gift box on a woven blanket.

Basic Double or Twin Room 1

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

View all photos for Basic Room 2

A bedroom with a bed, pillows, a blanket, and a nightstand with a lamp.

Basic Room 2

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 3

A bed with a patterned bedspread, two pillows, and a pair of slippers on the side.

Basic Room 3

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 4

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, plaid bedding, and pinecone pillows.

Basic Room 4

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

View all photos for Basic Room 5

A neatly made bed with a yellow throw blanket, pillows, and a small stack of books.

Basic Room 5

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 6

A wooden cabin-style bedroom with a bed, dresser, and window.

Basic Room 6

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

View all photos for Basic Room 7

A bed with a wooden headboard, multiple pillows, and a bedside table with a lamp and pine cones.

Basic Room 7

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Basic Room 8

A dimly lit room with a bed against a wall, a window with curtains, and a view of trees outside.

Basic Room 8

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Basic Room 9

A bed with a striped blanket, pillows with geometric patterns, and a tray with books and a bottle.

Basic Room 9

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

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 Kane Mountain Fire Tower. Also within 9 miles (15 km) are Canada Lake and Wheelerville Bike Trails Access.
View more Lodges in AriettaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • West Branch of the Sacandaga River - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Canada Lake - 6 min drive - 7.3 miles
  • Piseco Lake - 14 min drive - 16.2 miles
  • Oak Mountain Ski Center - 32 min drive - 31.8 miles
  • Herkimer Diamond Mines - 34 min drive - 37.1 miles

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Balsam Inn

Lodge near West Branch of the Sacandaga River in Caroga Lake
The Balsam Inn offers its guests a picnic area, a communal living room, and a microwave in a common area. WiFi is free in public spaces. Self parking is free. 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
  • 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. Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations with hydromassage showerheads. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

A room with a bed, a desk, and a chair.
Adirondack Lodge Old Forge
Thendara
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.1 out of 5, Very good, 1,004 reviews
$107 nightly
The price is $116
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Adirondack Lodge Old Forge

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

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

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Detached shared bathroom
  • Hydromassage showerhead
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Mobile key entry

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 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 planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; your host will greet you
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: 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
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Weight limit: 5 lbs per pet
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach 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 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 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

  • To make arrangements to bring your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Does The Balsam Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Balsam Inn.

How much does it cost to stay at The Balsam Inn?

As of Nov 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Balsam Inn on Nov 9, 2026 start from $135, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Balsam Inn offer free breakfast?

The Balsam Inn does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Balsam Inn?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at The Balsam Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Balsam Inn?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does The Balsam Inn have a pool?

The Balsam Inn does not have a pool.

Does The Balsam Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this lodge.

How close is The Balsam Inn to downtown Caroga Lake?

The Balsam Inn is 0.2 mi away from Arietta.

The Balsam Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 68 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 68 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 68 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 68 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 68 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Terrific little inn near Caroga Lake.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a wonderful place! Jenny is great We loved spending time at the tavern We will definitely be going back
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As always Jenny and her staff amazing !! The late night potato chips really hit the spot!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing space, run by an amazing person! Room was lovely, bed comfortable, easy check-in and had everything we needed. Jenny is beyond accommodating, even offering to transport us for a kayaking excursion! Her restoration of this unique site is definitely a labor of love, and you can see her care and style in every detail. Would absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a real treat to stay at the Balsam Inn! The Inn is off the beaten path like I wanted and very very quite. Jenny is a warm welcoming host. She even upgraded my room just because it was available. The room itself was beautiful! It felt like I was a guest in someones Adirondack mountain home. Antique furniture, pines cones, snowshoes, layered bedding...like in an LLBean catalog. The bed was super comfy. I had a large screen TV and mini fridge in the room. Although there is a shared bathroom, it was not a problem. The Inn also has 2 half baths downstairs in the cafe.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We felt like we were home away from home. Can’t wait to stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Immaculately clean property with very comfortable bed. Owner was helpful and easy to communicate with!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love this place and the owner Jenn! We are coming back, hopefully soon! We had fun in the tavern down stairs and slept like babies all weekend in our room. This place is one of a kind! We’ve stayed at dozens of places throughout the Adirondacks and this one is by far, our favorite!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Explore More Ways to Travel with Travelocity