Hotel in Sylva with spa services and coffee shop/cafe
This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include spa services, concierge services and a library. Housekeeping is available on request.
Balsam Mountain Inn offers 50 accommodations with a hairdryer. 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 on-site spa services. Services include massages.
During your stay at Balsam Mountain Inn, you're just a quick walk from Nantahala National Forest. You'll find features such as free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking.
Free continental breakfast served daily
Free Wi-Fi (speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices))
Free self-parking
Drinking and dining options include a coffee shop, a restaurant and a bar/lounge
Services include a concierge, tour or ticket assistance and wedding services
On-site recreation includes hiking/biking trails
Steps from Nantahala National Forest and a 2-minute drive from Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance
Dogs welcome for a fee (restrictions apply)
Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.
Spa services, a library, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at Balsam Mountain Inn. Self parking is free.
This Sylva hotel is smoke free.
Guests are served a free continental breakfast daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Spirit of The Inn – On-site restaurant. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Spirit of The Inn Bar – This bar specialises in American cuisine. Open daily.
Coffee Shop – On-site 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
Limited on-site self parking
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay, plus a deposit of USD 250 per stay
Only dogs are allowed
Weight limit: 50 lb per pet
Pets cannot be left unattended
Certain rooms only
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.
Payment types at the property
Important information
Optional extras
The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.
Pet deposit: USD 250 per stay
Pet fee: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
Service animals are exempt from fees
This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
The front desk at this property is open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Guests arriving after 9:00 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
We should mention
Reservations are needed for massage services. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
Balsam Mountain Inn Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Chris
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
Dee
7 Sept 2025
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.
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.
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
Janet
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
6/10 Okay
Lisa
Travelled with family
23 Aug 2025
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.
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.