Best Budget Inn offers simple lake-view rooms with free Wi-Fi, parking, breakfast, and BBQ area, near Kellogg Lake and Carthage Civil War Museum.
Recent guests highlight the motel’s clean, well-maintained rooms, friendly service, and relaxing outdoor spaces, making it a distinct and welcoming stop along the route. While beds receive mixed reviews, the peaceful environment and lake proximity remain key draws.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Best Budget Inn is a modest motel situated on State Hwy 96 in Carthage, Missouri, offering simple, lake-view rooms with a retro charm appreciated by many guests. The property features a heated outdoor pool and a picnic area with BBQ grills, enhancing its appeal for travelers seeking relaxed, informal accommodation without the frills of a full-service hotel. Each room comes equipped with a kitchen, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, catering to those who prefer self-catering options and staying connected.
Located just across the road from Kellogg Lake and approximately 1.5 miles from the Carthage Civil War Museum, the motel's setting provides a quiet and scenic environment. Visitors often highlight the outdoor sitting areas and the large grassy spaces that are ideal for pets and families. Despite being near the highway, the property is reported to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, which suits guests looking for a calm place to unwind.
Guest reviews frequently mention the friendly, accommodating staff and the property’s nostalgic décor, praising its well-maintained condition and cleanliness. Some highlight the firm beds as a minor drawback, but overall, the motel appeals to travelers who appreciate a unique, homey style rather than a typical cookie-cutter hotel experience. Families, pet owners, and road trippers traveling through the area find Best Budget Inn to be a convenient and comfortable base.
While the motel lacks an on-site restaurant, airport shuttle, and fitness facilities, free parking and pet-friendly policies add to its practical offerings. The check-in time is 3:00 PM with check-out at 11:00 AM, consistently aligning with guest expectations for flexibility and ease. Nearby alternatives include several other motels and inns within a few miles, positioning Best Budget Inn as a competitively rated option for visitors to Carthage.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Really great retro hotel. The attention to detail is obvious...I really would like to know where they found a turquoise rotary dial phone. Extremely clean, nice outdoor sitting areas, large grassy area for the dog, and a really lovely pool area. The lake next door was a surprising plus. The lady who checked us in was very knowledgeable and friendly. It was really nice to stay in a place that wasn't typical cookie cutter hotel. If in the area, you will not be disappointed in this place.
Great family owned motel. Quiet, beautiful lake next door, close to town. I’ve stayed there twice and both times were excellent!
WOW! This place is a real gem for any traveler looking for a clean, quiet and relaxing place to stay. My boyfriend, small dog and I recently traveled Route 66 and had the pleasure of staying here for a few nights. The staff was very friendly and accommodating and had lots of insight on things to do around town and where to stop for dinner. Despite being next to the highway, it was quiet and they had several places around the property where we could relax and enjoy the scenery. The pool was a huge plus as it was hot and sunny during our stay. Overall, the place was very clean and well maintained and we loved the true retro charm they managed to keep all these years without it feeling dingy. Easily one of the best motels we stayed at on Route 66, I hope to stay here again.
Kevin, the owner, was great. Friendly and helpful. He gave us a room towards the lake and the tables. These rooms are really well done. I've stayed in some other "Route 66" motels further west, and this one definitely brought back some good memories. My teen girl also enjoyed the decor. It was very clean and had just enough space for the three of us. If they allow pets, we'll probably stop here on our next overnight trip as well. There are handful of places to eat nearby. We enjoyed a salad from Subway and the cashew chicken from China Taste. We plan to spend some time around the lake next door in the morning as well as checking out the really cool courthouse we drove by as we entered Carthage.
I really want to give this place 5 stars but that bed... it was sooooo hard and tough to sleep on. But the place it's self is perfect with nice quiet outside pool. Good place to have some drinks around the pool and relax!
Okay, I’m not much of a reviewer, and I haven’t even checked out yet lol, but this place was such a beacon on our long road trip that I just had to do it this time. We came in late than expected and I was greeted by the most friendly person at the desk. Our room is clean and has a smell that reminds me of my grandma’s 100 year old house (in a good way! Like wood.) the king bed I’m still laying on is so comfortable and I’m not ready to get up. With the A/C on the room is a comfortable temperature for someone like me who runs hot. Overall, I feel safe and comfortable here and I feel blessed to have found such a gem at such short notice.
Great place! Friendly service, clean rooms, huge shower, and even a heated outdoor pool. Only complaint is that the bed was a little firm for our liking, but other than that, would definitely stay again!
I travel ALOT!!! I only stay at the BEST hotels!!!!!!........ However, This place is honestly one of the most AMAZING place I have stayed. I booked this place off of a recommendation by a local person who lived in the area. I walked into the room and I was impressed by the old time feel that the room gave. The teal paint to the throw back phone, fridge and microwave was amazing. I have stayed here twice now and the charm that this place has GREATLY outweigh the little things I usually pick at. GREAT PLACE TO STAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Set across the road from Kellogg Lake and 1.5 miles from the Carthage Civil War Museum, this low-key hotel is 3.5 miles from Carthage Golf Course.
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