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Best Budget Inn

Property class: 2

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Best Budget Inn

A covered outdoor area with columns, potted plants, and a view of a lake.
A two-story motel with a sign reading "BEST BUDGET INN" in front.
A covered outdoor area with picnic tables and benches, a view of a lake, and a paved path.
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.
A compact kitchenette with a microwave and a refrigerator, a coffee maker on the microwave, and a vent on the refrigerator.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • 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, Precious Moments Chapel
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Downstream Casino Resort
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Airport, Joplin, MO (JLN-Joplin Regional)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

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

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

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.
View more Motels in CarthageOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Civil War Museum - 3 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Precious Moments Chapel - 17 min drive - 12.1 miles
  • Downstream Casino Resort - 30 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
  • ‪Taco Town - ‬7 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 a picnic area.
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

A swimming pool with a reflection of lights, a building with a unique facade, and a bar area.
Downstream Casino Resort
Quapaw
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Spa
  • Parking included
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 92 reviews
$117 nightly
The price is $124
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Downstream Casino Resort

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

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 Sep 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Best Budget Inn on Sep 29, 2026 start from $90, 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 Civil War Museum, Red Oak II Museum and Art Community, and 66 Drive-In Theatre. You'll also find Battle of Carthage State Park and Jasper County Courthouse within a short drive.

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.

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.

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).

Best Budget Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 363 out of 533 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 124 out of 533 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 533 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 533 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 533 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is next to Kellogg Lake, just a beautiful place for reflection, walking or fishing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 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
Very clean, very friendly very reasonable price
Stayed 1 night in Jun 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
Cute place and it was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 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

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean, good location, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Feb 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
The room was clean and the decor cool.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 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, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a fun place to stay. They have kept the Route 66 theme with fun retro decorations. There is a nice park across the street to enjoy. The pool is hidden in the back of the property. We had breakfast at Maple Leaf Coffee shop and Crepery, which is a cozy coffee shop just down the road.
Stayed 1 night in May 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

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The hotel needs updated
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic motel that has changed its name from the historic "Lake Shore Motel" (very fitting) to Best Budget Inn....not so attractive! Other than this name change, place is very nice with Route 66 period correct themes in the rooms. Very nice place to stay when traveling Route 66!!.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 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, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay and appreciated the easy parking.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place
Stayed 1 night in Jun 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, 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
I just love this little retro motel it's my favorite United States
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025