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Best Budget Inn

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for Best Budget Inn

A covered outdoor area with columns, potted plants, and a view of a lake. - Best Budget Inn (Carthage)
A two-story motel with a sign reading "BEST BUDGET INN" in front. - Best Budget Inn (Carthage)
A swimming pool with a curved edge, surrounded by a concrete deck. There are outdoor chairs and umbrellas, and a house is visible in the background. - Best Budget Inn (Carthage)
A covered outdoor area with picnic tables and benches, a view of a lake, and a paved path. - Best Budget Inn (Carthage)
A compact kitchenette with a microwave and a refrigerator, a coffee maker on the microwave, and a vent on the refrigerator. - Best Budget Inn (Carthage)
At Best Budget Inn, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, a garden, and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

A bedroom with a wooden bed, two bedside tables, a nightstand, a hanging clothes rack, and a window with curtains.

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(33 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a microwave, and a nightstand with a lamp.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Basic Single Room, 1 King Bed

A neatly made bed with a colorful quilt, two bedside lamps, and a framed picture on the wall.

Basic Single Room, 1 King Bed

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(21 reviews)
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Carthage, Best Budget Inn is in a regional park. Battle of Carthage State Park and Noah Brown's Prairie reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Lazer Force Lazer Tag Zone and George A. Spiva Center for the Arts. Candy House Chocolate Factory and Joplin History & Mineral Museum are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails. Visit our Carthage travel guide
View more Motels in Carthage
Map
13008 State Hwy. 96, Carthage, MO, 64836

What's nearby

  • A cannon in a grassy field with a barn and trees in the background.
    Civil War Museum
    3 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Precious Moments Chapel
    17 min drive - 12.1 miles
  • Downstream Casino Resort
    29 min drive - 35.0 miles
  • Kansas Crossing Casiona + Hotel
    36 min drive - 41.9 miles
  • Pittsburg State University
    40 min drive - 46.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Casey's
    4 min drive
  • SONIC Drive In
    4 min drive
  • Arby's
    6 min drive
  • Iggy's Diner
    7 min drive
  • McDonald's
    5 min drive

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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: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in fee for check-in between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
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 - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

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

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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-in fee for check-in between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
  • 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

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?

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: midnight. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability). Late check-in is available from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM for a fee.

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.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Best Budget Inn Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

9.6

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 369 out of 540 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 125 out of 540 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 540 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 540 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 540 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Retro theme, all really cute cute and quiet Very nice people.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean, the bed was comfortable, the stay was wonderfully quiet, the towels were soft, smelled terrific, and amazingly absorbent. The absolutely best part I almost overlooked in my hurry to travel further down the road: the coffee service in the room was absolutely fantastic! It was thd best self-brewed room service coffee I have had anywhere! I felt completely safe as a solo female traveler, and I would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the nostalgic feel, the decor and the surrounding area. We only stayed overnight and did not have breakfast so I cannot speak for that but the owner did come tell me while I was enjoying the scenery outside with my morning coffee. Very nice place and people.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place if traveling with dogs! The park is right next to motel to walk them.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great motor lodge on the original Route 66. Clean and comfortable, professional staff.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was close and convenient, staff was very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very quiet old motel off Route 66 with a lake and park right next door. The rooms have been renovated but managed to keep that nostalgic feeling! Having a fridge with an actual freezer was amazing, and access to the laundry room was very convenient. We loved having our car right outside our room door for loading and unloading.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute place and it was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean, good location, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good retro motel with comfy bed. Next to city fishing park. If in area, will stay again!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel is an older Route 66 property. If you are a Route66 traveler, you will enjoy this motel. The owners, Kevin and Paula, are very friendly and helpful. The motel is clean and you park right in front of your room. We walked around Kel Lake and enjoy this area.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
was cool old style room with great staff. clean and comfort ale. I was worried about non chain hotel but this was better!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean and absolutely perfect. Lady with the dark hair at the front desk was also very friendly. I could not have picked a more perfect place to stay after a long day on the road. What a blessing this place was. Thank you so much five stars.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location next to a lake. Staff were friendly and helpful. Room was clean and everything worked. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This quaint motel was comfortable and the owner was friendly and helpful. It has a very cozy feel with almost family style continental and small but nice rooms with lots of retro touches. It appeared clean and well-maintained though somewhat dated in the decor (the parts that were not retro). The pool was nice for a cool off after walking around town. We also walked around the lake by the motel in the morning which was peaceful. Parking was easy and the short drive to town was no trouble to keep us out of any noisy area.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you're looking for a resort, keep looking. If you're looking for a small, independent property that gives that nostalgic 1960's, Route 66 vibe: this is it. The room we stayed in, 103, was clean, comfortable, and decorated true to the period with what appeared to be original tile and bathroom fixtures. We'd stay again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Retro style, clean and comfortable stay on Route 66.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic hotel kept in good shape. Nothing amazing but good enough. Great value.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Check in was easy and everyone was friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was amazing, friendly, and so helpful! They had information on everything going on in town and different things we could do in Carthage! They shared history with us! Everything was so clean and a very affordable stay! We will definitely stay here again if we make our way back to Carthage!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean room friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Amenities
Very nice area with beautiful park right across the street. Staff was very helpful and friendly. I would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean room. Softest sheets I've ever had at a hotel. Easy access to highway and city of Carthage. Shower was a little small but nice hot water. Parking right infront of your room. Nice small lake next door to walk around or fish at.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such warm and friendly folks! Clean and quiet. Our little dog slept like a log too.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The retro feel is nice. The room was clean. The staff was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026