Balsam Mountain Inn

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Balsam Mountain Inn

Lobby
Front of property
Exterior
Front of property
Free daily continental breakfast

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
68 7 Springs Dr, Sylva, NC, 28707
  • Place, Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Wheels Through Time Museum
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
    ‪60 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room

  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room

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

Standard Room

  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Sylva

With a stay at Balsam Mountain Inn in Sylva, you'll be near the airport, just steps from Nantahala National Forest and a 2-minute drive from Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance. .This hotel is 23.9 mi (38.5 km) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and 25.4 mi (40.8 km) from Harrahs Cherokee Casino.

What's nearby

  • Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Waterrock Knob - 14 min drive - 10.4 km
  • Wheels Through Time Museum - 24 min drive - 22.9 km
  • Maggie Valley Festival Grounds - 24 min drive - 23.2 km
  • Cataloochee Ski Area - 34 min drive - 32.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Maggie Valley Restaurant - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Maggie's Galley - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Cookout - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Balsam Mountain Inn

Hotel in Sylva with free breakfast and spa services
Balsam Mountain Inn offers 50 accommodations with hair dryers. Each accommodation is individually decorated. This Sylva hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices). In-room massages, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include massages.
Make yourself at home in one of the 50 individually decorated guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include in-room massages, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or take in the view from a garden. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and shopping on site.
Satisfy your appetite at Spirit of The Inn, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge. Dining is also available at the coffee shop/cafe. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Spirit of The Inn - Onsite restaurant. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Spirit of The Inn Bar - This bar specializes in American cuisine. Open daily.
Coffee Shop - Onsite coffee shop. Open daily.

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 transport

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 11:00 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
  • Shopping

Family friendly

  • Children's books
  • Children's games

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No lift

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Champagne service

More

  • Electrical adapters
  • Heating
  • Individual decor

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 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 - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

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
Up to 50 lbs per pet
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Reviews

Balsam Mountain Inn Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 29 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

almena

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

William

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

10/10 Excellent

Todd

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Travelled with partner
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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

George Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast was delicious!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Ernest

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Connie

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

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

Travelled with partner
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

2/10 Terrible

Chris

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Do not recommend, will never stay

This place is absolutely horrible. No AC that was never mentioned, requested a refund due to health reasons and would not give a refund. Asked to speak to a manager and would not be called by a manager! Photos do not match what is seen in person! Do not recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Travelled with family
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

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The staff are all friendly, a plus, but disorganized. Our room had no sink stopper and no hangers in the closet. Had to ask. We were not given enough towels--had to ask. The weekend breakfast was good, but we didn't know about the breakfast sandwiches on other days till our 5th day there. Coffee was served late. Okay, we're early risers. If one looks at the lovely rooms online and then sees our room, it was very different. Our room was all right. The bed was comfortable. It's a good thing we are not obese, could not have used the toilet. We found the Inn relaxing. We loved sitting on the front porch reading. Bar prices were reasonable, bartenders were very friendly. It took us a day or so to relax and the Inn did that. We loved the history too.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The restaurant wasn't open due to staffing, but the building was beautiful and the staff was very welcoming and friendly. The inn has wonderful character you don't find most hotels these days.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shana

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

Historical Charm

What a great stay at this historical inn! If you are looking for a relaxing place to stay this is it. It's quaint and charming. While there is no air conditioning, the fans were plenty to keep the room cool (mid August visit). It's the perfect spot to get away from the stress of everyday life.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Enrique, North Dinwiddie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historical stories of area and the Inn itself were interesting. Staff and fellow guest were nice. Comfortable beds and delicious breakfast. Will recommend to friends and family.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
After a crazy week of travel and stuff, we ended our vacation here. It was so laid back and quiet. We didn’t eat in their restaurant for supper because we wanted to try other local businesses, but the breakfast was amazing. This place is full of history and it's peaceful and pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025