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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
The current price is $82
$78 nightly
$82 total
Total with taxes and fees
Nov 2 - Nov 3

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
    ‪29 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

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

Similar properties

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a TV, a wall-mounted picture, and a door in the background.
Days Inn by Wyndham Carthage
Carthage
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
3.9 out of 5, Good, 637 reviews
$85 nightly
The price is $96
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Days Inn by Wyndham Carthage

About the neighborhood

Carthage

When you stay at Best Budget Inn in Carthage, you'll be in a state park, within a 5-minute drive of Civil War Museum and Battle of Carthage State Park. .This motel is 27.7 mi (44.6 km) from Downstream Casino Resort and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Jasper County Courthouse.
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 - 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

About this property

Best Budget Inn

Best Budget Inn offers 18 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Cable television is provided. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries.

This Carthage motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

Recreational amenities at the motel include an outdoor pool.

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

Make yourself at home in one of the 18 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, as well as phones with free local calls.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a garden. Additional features at this Georgian motel include complimentary wireless internet access, a picnic area, and charcoal grills.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
Featured amenities include express check-out, laundry facilities, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM.

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

  • Bed sheets 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

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

Best Budget Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 370 out of 541 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 125 out of 541 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 541 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 541 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 541 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
This historic Route 66 motel was a great place to stay. Although rooms were decorated as there would have been during a Route 66 trip, everything was modernized. Staff was especially friendly. Had a great night’s sleep on comfortable beds, and quiet location. Would stay again, Fun time.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 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
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
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, 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 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

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

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

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

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

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
Great place
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
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

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
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, 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
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