Best Budget Inn

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Best Budget Inn

A covered outdoor area with picnic tables and benches, a view of a lake, and a paved path.
View from property
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
A two-story motel with a sign reading "BEST BUDGET INN" in front.
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, sun loungers

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
13008 State Hwy. 96, Carthage, MO, 64836
  • Place, Civil War Museum
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Battle of Carthage State Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Jasper County Courthouse
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Joplin, MO (JLN-Joplin Regional)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(30 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Basic Single Room, 1 King Bed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • 230 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Carthage

Best Budget Inn places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Civil War Museum and Battle of Carthage State Park. This 18-room motel welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Civil War Museum - 3 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Battle of Carthage State Park - 3 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Jasper County Courthouse - 3 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Precious Moments Chapel - 17 min drive - 12.1 miles
  • Downstream Casino Resort - 31 min drive - 35.0 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Habaneros Mexican Grill - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Taco Town - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪SONIC Drive In - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Best Budget Inn

At Best Budget Inn, guests have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a seasonal outdoor pool. A stay here includes free parking. Helpful staff is there to provide front-desk service during limited hours, as well as offer insight about the area. Additional amenities include express check-out, laundry facilities, and barbecue grills.
Guests can expect free WiFi and TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.
Recreational amenities at the motel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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: 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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 10.00 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 10 per day
  • 2 total (35 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.00 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from June to September.
  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

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

Is free cancellation available at Best Budget Inn?

Best Budget Inn offers free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Best Budget Inn?

As of Jun 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Best Budget Inn on Jun 30, 2026 start from $87, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do near Best Budget Inn?

This motel is located in Carthage, close to 66 Drive-In Theatre, Civil War Museum, and Battle of Carthage State Park. You'll also find Jasper County Courthouse and Red Oak II Museum and Art Community within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Best Budget Inn?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the motel. RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Does Best Budget Inn feature a casino on the premises?

No, Best Budget Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Best Budget Inn?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have access between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM and the seasonal pool is normally open from June until September.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Best Budget Inn?

Couples will appreciate amenities like an outdoor pool, a free daily breakfast, and a walkway to water at this motel.

Are there hot tubs at Best Budget Inn?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Best Budget Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Best Budget Inn offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does Best Budget Inn allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Best Budget Inn for a fee of USD 10.00 per pet, per night. A deposit of USD 10 per day is collected.

Are there connecting rooms at Best Budget Inn?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Best Budget Inn?

The closest major airport to Best Budget Inn is Joplin, MO (JLN-Joplin Regional), which is 15.3 mi away (22 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Best Budget Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms at Best Budget Inn that offer a balcony.

Best Budget Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 347 out of 512 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 120 out of 512 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 512 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 512 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 512 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Rodney

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

10/10 Excellent

Dave

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

10/10 Excellent

Anita C

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice room, dependable WiFi, convenient laundry, and nice place to sit outside and watch geese and ducks on lake across the road.
Stayed 21 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ian

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

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great little motel. 1950's themed. Cleanest hotel, inside and out, that I think I've ever had the plessure of staying out. If near Joplin, MO it is worth your while to drive over to Carthage for this slice of Americana.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy D

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

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

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I just love this little retro motel it's my favorite United States
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

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

10/10 Excellent

Charley

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

10/10 Excellent

Linda

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

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is the cleanest cutest little motel I’ve ever been to. Staff are super nice. Extremely friendly and quiet atmosphere. If I’m ever in the area again I will definitely come back. I love this little motel
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hallie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a cute place. Very quiet. Very nice owner/operators. I felt safe there, traveling as a solo woman. And the 60s vibe was fun, too.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So cute! Loved this place, would like to return.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony

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

10/10 Excellent

PAUL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Outstanding. Well worth going a few blocks out of the way for this charming place.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We were traveling around Missouri and I found this quaint hotel online. I loved the retro feel of the rooms and how they stuck with the old route 66 theme. It was a very unique place to stay. We took many pictures and would stay there again if we end up in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melody

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very cute decor, friendly service, a pleasant stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room not spotless, but clean. It’s a little out of date, but super comfy. Would stay here again. My dog loved it too.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cute “retro” motel on a little lake. Furnishings were reminiscent of the 60’s. Comfortable and easy to find. Pleasant staff.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

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