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Balsam Mountain Inn

3.0 star property

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Exterior - Balsam Mountain Inn (Sylva)
Front of property - Balsam Mountain Inn (Sylva)
Restaurant - Balsam Mountain Inn (Sylva)
Front of property - Balsam Mountain Inn (Sylva)
Lobby - Balsam Mountain Inn (Sylva)
You can look forward to a free breakfast buffet, shopping on site, and a coffee shop/cafe at Balsam Mountain Inn. Active travelers can enjoy hiking/biking at this hotel. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Spirit of The Inn, the on-site restaurant. Free in-room WiFi, with speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices), is available to all guests, along with a playground and a library.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room

Individually decorated, free WiFi

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Individually decorated, free WiFi

Standard Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Step In Shower Pet Friendly

Individually decorated, free WiFi

Standard Step In Shower Pet Friendly

  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Clawfoot Tub Pet Friendly

Individually decorated, free WiFi

Standard Clawfoot Tub Pet Friendly

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Sylva, Balsam Mountain Inn is in a rural area and near the airport. Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts and LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Shelton House and Jackson County Historic Courthouse. Traveling with kids? Consider Barber Orchard Fruitstand and Waynesville Recreation Center. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and ziplining nearby. Visit our Sylva travel guide
Map
68 7 Springs Dr, Sylva, NC, 28707

What's nearby

  • Sign on Richland Balsam overlook on Blue Ridge mountains parkway in North Carolina with mist fog spruce coniferous trees and highest elevation at 6053 feet
    Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance
    2 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino
    Harrahs Cherokee Casino
    32 min drive - 22.4 miles
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    36 min drive - 25.8 miles
  • Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
    22 min drive - 14.7 miles
  • Cataloochee Ski Area
    31 min drive - 18.3 miles

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
    47 min drive

Restaurants

  • Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits
    8 min drive
  • Taco Bell
    8 min drive
  • Maggie's Galley
    9 min drive
  • Papas & Beer
    8 min drive
  • Beach Mountain Diner
    9 min drive

About this property

Balsam Mountain Inn

Family-friendly hotel in the mountains
At Balsam Mountain Inn, you can look forward to a free breakfast buffet, shopping on site, and a coffee shop/cafe. Active travelers can enjoy hiking/biking at this hotel. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Spirit of The Inn, the on-site restaurant. In addition to a playground and a library, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices).
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • Free self parking
  • A water dispenser, tour/ticket assistance, and wedding services
  • Concierge services, smoke-free premises, and outdoor furniture
Room features
All 50 individually furnished rooms include amenities such as free WiFi.
More amenities include:
  • Highchairs, children's dinnerware, and children's books
  • Bathrooms with shampoo
  • Wardrobes/closets, art supplies, and heating

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available on weekends 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Private picnics

Restaurants on site

  • Coffee Shop
  • Spirit of The Inn
  • Spirit of The Inn Bar

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library
  • Playground
  • Shopping

Family friendly

  • Art supplies
  • Baby toys
  • Children's books
  • Children's dinnerware
  • Children's games
  • Children's toys
  • High chair
  • Playground

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request) (for a fee)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • In the mountains
  • Outdoor furniture
  • 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.
  • 3 accessible parking spaces
  • Elevator (37 inch wide door)
  • Handrails in stairways (30 inches high)
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (30 inches high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Electrical adapters
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Portable fan
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per accommodation, per stay, plus a deposit of USD 250 per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet deposit: USD 250 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Housekeeping fee: USD 12 per day; may vary based on unit size

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 credit card, debit card, or 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 accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed

We should mention

The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation

Frequently asked questions

Is Balsam Mountain Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, Balsam Mountain Inn allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet. There's a deposit of USD 250 per stay and a fee of USD 50 per accommodation, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Balsam Mountain Inn?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Balsam Mountain Inn?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Balsam Mountain Inn located?

This family-friendly Sylva hotel is located near the airport, within 1 mi (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance. Barber Orchard Fruitstand is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) away.

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Reviews

Balsam Mountain Inn Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

8.2

Amenities

9.4

Staff & service

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 60 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Great place for a weekend getaway to disconnect. Breakfast was yummy! We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is an historic hotel deep in the mountains so it does not offer amenities that many hotels would like a pool. That’s not necessary as it offers such beauty and tranquility along with a great breakfast, cafe and a bar. Sit on the 100 footlong porch and rock yourself happy.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean rooms and great food
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Connie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly, excellent staff and breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff and room was perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful historical Inn! The staff were incredibly friendly, the cafe has amazing lattes, and the breakfast was divine!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kristy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a fantastic find! The Inn is gorgeous and the staff is friendly. We slept like babies and woke up to a delicious breakfast with coffee and juice. We absolutely loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Molly

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
This Inn is known as "one of the most haunted places in North Carolina." I didn't even know that until I was there; and imo they are missing a bet by not making a bigger deal out of that status. The building is old and seems original in many aspects, so it has a rustic, Old But Still Perfectly Good unfixed-up vibe. It's spooky! The hallways are lonnnng and really dark at night; if the place _isn't_ haunted, the ghosts themselves are missing a bet.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet

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

Balsam Mountain Inn

The owner made us feel welcome and went out of her way to ensure we had something to eat even though it was late. The rooms were wonderful; it was like stepping back in time, but they had modern comforts. Breakfast was amazing! I am looking forward to returning for a longer stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is a very historical inn that doesn’t have the most current amenities but is charming with an amazing staff. It’s truly more than just a place to stay, it’s an experience itself. Step back in time and visit this grand hotel as she once might have been. Breakfast was delicious. Room was clean. Bed was very comfortable. Staff was beyond friendly and accommodating.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A most interesting old hotel with all its quirks (which are clearly identified in the check in notebook) and historic features. Staff were very helpful and friendly. One bit of advice - ask for room with no one above you, either living or restorng, if possible so you won't hear their footsteps night and day. As the brochure says, sounds carry in this all wood hotel. Definitely worth a visit!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

almena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Take a trip back in time to this charming inn. Don’t expect the Hilton and you’ll love it. The reception area has a two sided fireplace providing plenty of cozy seating in addition to a warm and welcoming library. They even provide a large selection of games. Rocking chairs on the front porch complete the package. The only drawback for me was the bed and pillow.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Learning about the history of the place was interesting and it was so fun to feel we were stepping back in time. We loved the welcoming lobby, old wooden staircases and hallways, library with books and puzzles, big porches, and real working century old water fountain. And breakfast was amazing. The grits were spot on! So was the yogurt and toppings. Big selection, good service for coffee and food. Only ding was that hair dryers were advertised in rooms, and we didn’t realize ours was missing until the morning, and no one was working the desk or answering texts to help us retrieve one. We would definitely go back to explore nearby trails, just with a hair dryer packed next time. Love what you’ve done to keep it restored and running!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

WILLIAM

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

It’s an Old School B&B

The description did not clearly state this was a rustic inn so there were certain normal hotel amenities that were not available. With that being said, the staff were super-helpful, friendly, and engaging. Loved the bar area and the bartender. He was awesome. Glad we tried it. We just weren’t ready for the bed and breakfast experience and lack of heat without a space heater. Otherwise, we had a good stay for a two night visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joy R

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My husband found this property and booked it for me alone to spend a couple of days to unwind. I loved the way the whole property was laid out. The staff was friendly. Initially there was a bit of a hiccup when I was checked into a room of less value than what he paid for. Initially the staff wasn't going to give me the room that was paid for because there wasn't cleaning staff, but the front desk lady managed to clean and prepare the room I wanted. The property is wonderful. Located on top of a mountain, there are walking trails and even farm animals, which I love, and was pleasant surprise. The antique ambiance of the building, the wraparound porch, and the rooms are perfect. It was a great find for me, and you will love it too. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

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

We Found Our Mountain Inn

If you love history and nostalgic places, this is your Inn. The new owners are in the process of restoring the Inn so expect some imperfections. Since the original inn had communal bathrooms when rooms were converted to en-suites, the bathrooms are small. The rooms are large and comfortable. The is no AC but as it sits on Balsam Mountain there is no need. The porch is huge with rocking chairs to enjoy the view and just relax. The weekend breakfast buffet is tasty and substantial. Finally, the staff is very friendly and accommodating. We are so glad we found this hidden gem and plan to stay every time we return. WARNING….if you expect spa-like accommodations you WILL be disappointed but if you like a relaxing spot to unwind this is your spot.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Dee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Mixed emotions.

I have mixed feelings about the Inn. Pretty location with easy access to Sylva and Waynesville. But, if you want amenities you have to look elsewhere. Peace and quiet are great but don’t expect coffee or breakfast early or even on time. If you like sleeping in and no ac, then this place is for you. The staff are all very pleasant! The Inn still needs work. Mold and rot around the tub in the bathroom. I felt guilty taking a shower and adding to the moisture. Not sure I would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really liked staying here. The setting is just beautiful! The inn reminded me of the setting for Dirty Dancing. Our room had a claw foot tub. I loved all the historic aspects of the inn. I would have liked to have more time to explore the property around the inn. Nancy was the lady who greeted us and was there the next day as well. She was super nice. I also enjoyed the breakfast. The grits were top notch! The inn is very quiet-they give you a notebook with info on the site. There is an explanation that the inn is 100 years old, and made of wood, so sound travels. They have quiet hours from 10pm to 7 am. There are no TVs. I did not mind this at all. They have activities scheduled at different nights. I would love to come back for one of their specialty weekends. Highly recommend.
ballroom/restaurant
view from the breakfast area
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marlyn

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

Beautiful Inn with rich history.

Balsam mountain inn is a place for someone who wants to be away from the hassle and busyness of life. If you want peace and quiet with picturesque view, then this is your place. No TV, no AC but since you are at high elevation, it is nice and cool. Has great hot fresh Buffett breakfast on the weekends. Sandwiches on the weekdays. I just wish they can start breakfast promptly at 8 am as advertised for it was about 20 min late the whole weekend we were there. Our bathroom was small with a small walk in shower but they do have rooms with bigger bathroom and you can surely request for that. My husband is over 200 #s and it was an inconvenience for him. People are very cordial and very helpful. The building has a rich history and beautiful antique furnitures. Will definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We have stayed at the inn before several years back, and decided to stay again. We love the historic look of the Balsam mountain Inn, we learned that it changed ownership a few years back and the new owners are looking to preserve the classic look that appeals to everyone so much. They want to keep it as original as possible which is great, the down side of that is they removed the window units from the rooms. This may sound bad to some but for me it was a welcomed trip back to my childhood of sleeping with the window open and a fan blowing which is surprisingly soothing. The property is secure so I felt safe and secure the whole time and the nighttime temperature was in the low 70’s and high 60’s so it was comfortable. After a full nights rest the continental breakfast is waiting for you, it was a full breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, grits and muffins or yogurt if you desired. The staff was friendly and courteous, if you are looking for an escape to unplug this is your place, there are no televisions and they do have WiFi but they also have puzzles and board games to help reconnect with each other and disconnect from technology. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Interesting old hotel. People were great, very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was great. Seems like a really great place to relax.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Staff & service
Breakfast buffet was great with a good variety of items. Staff was kind.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Robert

This is a charming hotel that has a lot of character. It is over 100 years old. Guests need to know there are no tvs or ac, but it makes for a nice place to wind down. If you want to get away, this hotel will do the trick.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great old hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The Balsam Inn is a beautiful old hotel. Antiques everywhere, a cozy little sotting room/library and a cute bar area. Everyone was very nice.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025