Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Best Budget Inn

2.0 star property
Georgian motel in Carthage with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Best Budget Inn

Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, sun loungers
View from property
Front of property
View from property
Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Laundry
  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 11 - Sep 12
Check availability for tonight Sep 11 - Sep 12

Tomorrow

Sep 12 - Sep 13
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 12 - Sep 13
Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Basic Single Room, 1 King Bed

Basic Single Room, 1 King Bed | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Basic Single Room, 1 King Bed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

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

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

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Casey's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪SONIC Drive In - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Big Ben's BBQ Station - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Best Budget Inn

Motel in a state park
Best Budget Inn provides amenities like 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 a vending machine
  • Barbecue grills and outdoor furniture
  • 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

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

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

9.0

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.2

Eco-friendliness

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 293 out of 441 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 106 out of 441 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 441 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 441 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 441 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Tammy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, vintage motel. Located near Kellogg Lake so it is peaceful. Beds are comfortable. We've stayed here several times.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charley

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

10/10 Excellent

Bryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful lake to walk around by the property, easily accessible. All first floor level or ground level rooms. Just a great place.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a good room for a layover night. Simple, clean accommodations. Bathroom is small; resembles most people have at home.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim St.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute little, retro themed, hotel. Staff was friendly and helpful. Room was clean, grounds were pet friendly. We will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous landscaping and a clean pool!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and clean. Outstanding staff and super friendly. It may be a little older, but well upkept and clean. Much better than many large chain hotels I have stayed at. 9.9 out of 10 all day long.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and cute property
Stayed 1 night in Jun 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

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

8/10 Good

Todd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a nice, clean, well lit older mom and pop motel, decorated with cute, retro-look modern appliances. Staff was very pleasant at check-in.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay and appreciated the easy parking.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This was fun, unique hotel. Their decor is intentionally retro. They had a microwave and Keurig-type coffee machine, but they matched the retro decor. It was fun to see.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

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

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

Tony

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

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay. Beautiful 1950s decor approprite for route 66. Friendly. Frequently checked in to see if we needed anything. Provided raised seat for toilet with rails to make it safe. Also provided shower handles for safety when we asked if they would consider them for future visits. We appreciated their attention to details for our safety. Special place to stay. Would return here to stay in a heartbeat if I come back here to visit. Wish other hotels would be as friendly and attentive to details. We stayed in several hotels in the last 3 weeks and this one ranked #1!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 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

Theresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms are nicely decorated with nostalgic touches. The property borders Lake Kellogg which is lovely. The noise from the parking lot was the only downside.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 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

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean and tastefully decorated. Frig, microwave and coffee maker. Park at the door. Will definitely be staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Best Budget Inn lives up to its name. The staff member who greeted me for my late arrival at 11:00 pm was very friendly and welcoming. Parking five feet from the door of my room was a real treat. The area was well lit and so I felt secure. Yes, rooms are small. But importantly they are clean, well maintained and thoughtfully decorated with “retro” style mini-fridge, microwave and matching phone - all teal in color. The bed was very comfortable. The only downside was a bit truck traffic and loud car/bike noise at the two lane highway intersection where the hotel is located. I definitely will stay here again when I am passing through the area in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Salah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Adorable! We loved it.
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

Donald

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Trip home from our Oklahoma stay

We were traveling back home to Kentucky from a week long stay in Oklahoma. We decided to spend the night here on Route 66 at this Awesome retro vibe, back in time hotel. The lady at the check in office was very friendly & nice offering us a Great place to eat breakfast at the next morning. The room was very clean & peacefully quiet. We really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.