Best Budget Inn

2.0 star property
Georgian motel with free breakfast and a seasonal outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Best Budget Inn

Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, sun loungers
Front of property
Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
View from property
View from property
Best Budget Inn, surrounded by state park beauty, offers a refreshing escape. Enjoy continental breakfast, relax in the garden, and stay connected with in-room WiFi. The seasonal outdoor pool and convenient laundry facilities complete the amenities.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Laundry
  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(20 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Basic Single Room, 1 King Bed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
13008 State Hwy. 96, Carthage, MO, 64836

What's nearby

  • Civil War Museum - 4 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Red Oak II Museum and Art Community - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Mercy Hospital Carthage - 9 min drive - 6.7 miles
  • 66 Drive-In Theatre - 11 min drive - 6.3 miles
  • Precious Moments Chapel - 20 min drive - 9.4 miles

Getting around

  • Joplin, MO (JLN-Joplin Regional) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪SONIC Drive In - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Casey's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Uskana - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Maple Leaf Coffee - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Town - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Best Budget Inn

Motel in a state park
At Best Budget Inn, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, a garden, and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • A seasonal outdoor pool along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • RV/bus/truck parking, express check-out, and charcoal grills
  • Outdoor furniture and a vending machine
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Best Budget Inn feature perks such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and desk chairs.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • TVs with cable channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In a regional park
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Built in 1955
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Georgian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laundry detergent
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:30 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 10.00 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 10 per day
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total (up to 35 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 available for USD 10.00 per day
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet deposit: USD 10 per day
  • Pet fee: USD 10.00 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per day

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; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
The seasonal pool will be open from June to September
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Property is also known as

Best Budget Carthage
Best Budget Inn Motel
Best Budget inn Carthage
Best Budget Inn Carthage
Best Budget Inn Motel Carthage

Frequently asked questions

Does Best Budget Inn have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool access is from 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Is Best Budget Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, this motel allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 35 lbs per pet. There's a deposit of USD 10 per day and a fee of USD 10.00 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Best Budget Inn?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Best Budget Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:30 PM. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability). After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Best Budget Inn?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is Best Budget Inn located?

Situated in a state park, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Civil War Museum, Battle of Carthage State Park, and Jasper County Courthouse. Red Oak II Museum and Art Community is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Best Budget Inn Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.2

Eco-friendliness

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 300 out of 453 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 111 out of 453 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 453 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 453 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 453 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Walter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A clean stay. A step back in time with the decor. The staff was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tarrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Laundry close nice machines. Very clean. Quite. Kind staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the old school vibes, great attention to detail. Pool was refreshing and rooms were comfy
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

donald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice area. Quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jack

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

Highly Recommend and Hope To Be Back Soon!

Charming nostalgic hotel on old historic Route 66. Very much enjoyed our stay! Our room was clean, fresh, and retro themed. Staff was great, very helpful with info about the area. Beautiful little lake right across the street with a scenic 0.8 mile walk around which was great for our fur babies. Would highly recommend and hope to be back through and stay again soon. Thank you!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great place great all around
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing service. Easy check in. Very clean and neat. My go to place to stay in Carthage.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle

Liked: Amenities
Very well kept up but stayed true to the original Route 66 vibe. Extremely clean and the staff were super friendly!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Brent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room had a bad, dank odor. I think it was the old air conditioner.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly management, quiet location well away from the interstate, retro Route 66 motel vibe. A little heavy on floral scent for those sensitive to odors, but most people wouldn't mind. A fair value for the price vs. quality in that location. If you're looking for that classic highway motel experience, this should satisfy you.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a gem! Loved that this was a Route 66 original, and the owners have maintained the quaintness. The room was spotless, and we had all the conveniences we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ma Benita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Owner/staff was very kind and friendly!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Salah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Adorable! We loved it.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This charming retro hotel is a gem and worth a short drive off the interstate. Fun decor, very clean, friendly hosts and a lovely park next door.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorene

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

Clean with Retro Decor

If I could rate this better than excellent I would. Great price, great hostess, great retro decor, great comfortable bed. Great location. Just GREAT!
Soft memory foam bed; extra pillows in closet.
Retro refrigerator and microwave
Kuerig style coffee pot with select coffee and real coffee cups!
Special touches
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Debra

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

Home

It was more like an at home feel, rather than just a room at a hotel chain. Nice decor. Real coffee mugs.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was probably the cleanest hotel that I have ever stayed in.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenna

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

Quaint Motel and friendly staff

A very quaint motel right next to a beautiful lake. Our kids loved the pool too.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary

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

Perfect stop over

Clean room. Quiet area by a lake. Great price.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chester

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and home like atmosphere
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darcie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great price, customer service, location and room was very clean. A shower I actually did not take with my flip flops on. Would stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean, very efficient and easy to get into. Very helpful and kind staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

Route 66 Gem

Room was comfortable and clean. Owners were amazingly nice. Along old Route 66, motel is of the era and gives the vibe. If you want a clean, quiet room for a good price this is the place. Kellogg Lake across the road, walking trail and park.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

JERRY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Good folks in charge
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024