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Best Budget Inn

Property class: 2
Enjoy the outdoor pool at this Georgian Carthage motel

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 covered outdoor area with picnic tables and benches, a view of a lake, and a paved path.
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.
A two-story motel with a sign reading "BEST BUDGET INN" in front.

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
(18 reviews)
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the area

Carthage

In state park.Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Carthage motel, you'll find Civil War Museum and Battle of Carthage State Park. Jasper County Courthouse and Red Oak II Museum and Art Community are also within 3 miles (5 km).
View more Motels in CarthageOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Civil War Museum - 3 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Precious Moments Chapel - 17 min drive - 19.4 km
  • Route 66 Carousel Park - 27 min drive - 39.6 km
  • Downstream Casino Resort - 30 min drive - 56.4 km
  • Pittsburg State University - 40 min drive - 74.1 km

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
  • ‪Taco Town - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Iggy's Diner - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Best Budget Inn

Enjoy the outdoor pool at this Georgian Carthage motel
Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi. An outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and a vending machine are also featured at the business-friendly Best Budget Inn. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Georgian Carthage motel.

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • 18 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1955
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
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.

Similar properties

Exterior
Downstream Casino Resort
Quapaw
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Spa
  • Parking included
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 70 reviews
The price is CA $148
CA $186 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 3 - Sep 4
Downstream Casino Resort

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

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: USD 10.00 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 10 per day
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 35 lbs per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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

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

  • 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 may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open in June and close in September.
  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

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

How close is Best Budget Inn to the airport?

Best Budget Inn is 15.3 mi (22-min drive) away from the Joplin, MO (JLN-Joplin Regional) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Sept 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Best Budget Inn on Sept 3, 2026 start from CA $114, excluding 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.

Does Best Budget Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Best Budget Inn.

Does Best Budget Inn offer free breakfast?

Best Budget Inn offers free continental breakfast every day from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Best Budget Inn?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

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.

Is there free parking at Best Budget Inn?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Best Budget Inn have a pool?

Best Budget Inn features an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Does Best Budget Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Best Budget Inn to downtown Carthage?

Best Budget Inn is 1.4 mi away from Carthage.

Best Budget Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 360 out of 530 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 124 out of 530 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 530 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 530 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 530 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

marina

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

David

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

Jared

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

8/10 Good

Todd

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

Patricia

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

Rodney

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

10/10 Excellent

james

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and the decor cool.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Patricia

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

William

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

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

TIMOTHY

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

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

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

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 review

10/10 Excellent

David

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

Charley

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

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Love the retro look. Everything great but the bed was too soft.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chrystal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love it
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For what it is and where it is I would stay here again in a heartbeat! Yes it's dated but that's part of the charm of this place. It's vintage vibe was great and was reminiscent of the good ol days of Route 66! The staff was great, the location was great for us! There was a lake that was close enough to walk to and fish in. The early fireflies were so cool to watch as well! We'll return to The Best Budget Inn every single time we are in the area!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026