Road trips rack up bills fast. Gas, snacks, tolls—it hits the wallet hard before you even book a place to sleep. If you’re crisscrossing the US, pulling heavy mileage, and just need a clean bed, a hot shower, and a safe spot to park without paying absurd resort fees, budget motels are your best friend.
You’ve probably seen a Bestway Inn or similar budget properties flashing their vacancy signs right off the highway exits. But are they worth pulling over for? We did the heavy lifting to evaluate several popular Bestway Inn locations across the country, alongside a few comparable budget stops that fit the same travel style.
Whether you’re exploring the Pacific Northwest, driving through the Midwest, or heading down to the Gulf Coast, here is the honest breakdown of where to crash, what to expect, and how to stretch your travel budget.
Bestway Inn – Muncie, Indiana
Why We Recommend It
If you are visiting Ball State University or passing through eastern Indiana on I-69, the Bestway Inn in Muncie is a solid, no-nonsense basecamp. It skips the inflated prices of downtown hotels while putting you just a quick drive from campus and local dining. For road-trippers carrying leftovers, the in-room utilities make this a highly practical overnight stop.
The Highlights (Pros)
- Essential Utilities: Every room comes equipped with a microwave and a mini-fridge.
- Free Parking: Plenty of space for oversized vehicles or moving trucks.
- Campus Proximity: Less than 10 minutes from Ball State University.
- Reliable Wi-Fi: Fast enough to stream Netflix or map out your next driving route.
Things to Note (Cons)
The property shows its age. The decor is dated, and you shouldn’t expect luxury bedding. It’s a purely functional stay—clean and cheap, but entirely devoid of modern aesthetics.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/madison-700-clifty-drive.html
Bestway Inn – Cleburne, Texas
Why We Recommend It
Located just south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this Texas outpost is perfect for travelers hitting the Chisholm Trail or exploring Lake Pat Cleburne. It offers a quiet reprieve from the chaotic DFW traffic while keeping your lodging costs aggressively low. The air conditioning here works overtime, which is an absolute non-negotiable for Texas summers.
The Highlights (Pros)
- Climate Control: Powerful AC units that actually keep the Texas heat out.
- Pet-Friendly Options: You don’t have to leave the dog at home (call ahead for specific room availability).
- Quiet Location: Set back far enough from major noise to guarantee a decent night’s sleep.
- Easy Check-In: Staff is known for getting tired drivers their room keys fast.
Things to Note (Cons)
Breakfast is virtually non-existent, usually maxing out at basic lobby coffee and maybe a packaged pastry. Plan to hit a local diner or drive-thru on your way out of town.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/bestway-inn-muncie.html
Bestway Inn – Grants Pass, Oregon
Why We Recommend It
Grants Pass is the gateway to the stunning Rogue River, making this Bestway Inn an excellent jumping-off point for Pacific Northwest outdoor adventures. Staying here means you can save your cash for guided rafting tours or hiking gear rather than blowing it all on a boutique lodge. It sits right off Interstate 5, making it an effortless pit stop for West Coast road trips.
The Highlights (Pros)
- Prime Access: Immediate access to I-5 and the Rogue River area.
- Spacious Rooms: Surprisingly roomy layouts that give you space to unpack your gear.
- Walkability: You can comfortably walk to a few fast-food chains and local diners.
- Customer Service: Frequently praised for friendly, accommodating front desk staff.
Things to Note (Cons)
Because it sits right by the interstate, you will catch some highway hum. Light sleepers should request a room at the back of the property or pack earplugs.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/bestway-inn.html
Americas Best Value Inn – Middletown/Newport, Rhode Island
Why We Recommend It
Newport, Rhode Island, is notoriously expensive. Mansions, yachts, and luxury price tags dominate the area. We included this property because it functions exactly like a Bestway Inn—a total budget lifesaver. Sitting right over the line in Middletown, it puts you minutes away from the famous Cliff Walk and Easton’s Beach for a fraction of the cost of downtown Newport hotels.
The Highlights (Pros)
- Unbeatable Value: Unlocks access to Newport without the jaw-dropping nightly rates.
- Location: Only a 5-minute drive to prime beaches and downtown attractions.
- Free Breakfast: A rare find at this price point in New England.
- Clean and Tidy: Housekeeping keeps the rooms impressively spotless.
Things to Note (Cons)
The parking lot is notoriously tight. If you are driving an oversized SUV or an RV, maneuvering in and out during peak summer weekends will test your patience.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/americas-best-value-inn-middletowm.html
Best Way Inn – Madison, Indiana
Why We Recommend It
Madison is a hidden gem of a historic town along the Ohio River, and the Best Way Inn (a close cousin in the budget space) puts you right near the action. It is heavily favored by hikers and nature lovers heading into Clifty Falls State Park. It gives you immediate access to nature trails while keeping a roof over your head for less than the cost of some premium campsites.
The Highlights (Pros)
- Nature Adjacent: Literally minutes from the waterfalls and hiking trails of Clifty Falls.
- Ground Floor Access: Park directly in front of your door for easy unloading.
- Consistent Hot Water: High pressure and plenty of hot water after a long day of hiking.
- Mom-and-Pop Vibe: Locally managed with a bit more personal care than massive chains.
Things to Note (Cons)
It sits on the commercial strip (Clifty Drive) rather than in the charming historic downtown area. You’ll need to drive 5-10 minutes to reach the scenic riverfront and boutique shops.
👉https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/riviera-motel-new-orleans.html
Riviera Motel – New Orleans, Louisiana
Why We Recommend It
New Orleans is an incredible city, but staying in the French Quarter will bleed your wallet dry. The Riviera Motel makes the list as a heavy-duty budget alternative. Located on Chef Menteur Highway, it is geared toward the hardcore budget traveler who has a vehicle and simply wants a place to crash after eating their weight in po’boys and beignets.
The Highlights (Pros)
- Extreme Budget Pricing: Some of the lowest nightly rates you will find anywhere near NOLA.
- Free Parking: Avoiding paying $40+ a night for French Quarter parking garages is a massive win.
- Fridge & Microwave: Great for storing leftover Cajun food.
- No Frills Efficiency: You get exactly what you pay for—a bed, a door that locks, and AC.
Things to Note (Cons)
This is strictly a commuter motel. It is far outside the main tourist zones, the neighborhood is heavily industrial/commercial, and you absolutely cannot walk to any major New Orleans attractions from here.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/madison-700-clifty-drive.html
How the Properties Stack Up
Need to make a quick decision? Here is a rapid-fire comparison of all the properties we reviewed.
| Hotel Name | State | Standout Feature | Ideal For |
| Bestway Inn Muncie | Indiana | Campus Proximity | Visiting Ball State on a budget |
| Bestway Inn Cleburne | Texas | High-Powered AC & Pet-Friendly | Texas road-trippers and workers |
| Bestway Inn Grants Pass | Oregon | I-5 Highway Access | PNW explorers and river rafters |
| Americas Best Value Inn | Rhode Island | Astonishing Local Value | Doing Newport without going broke |
| Best Way Inn Madison | Indiana | Clifty Falls Access | Hikers and weekend nature seekers |
| Riviera Motel | Louisiana | Extreme Budget Rates | NOLA tourists with their own car |
Road Trip Pro-Tips for Budget Travelers
Booking a budget motel is just phase one of saving cash on the road. Here is how to maximize your trip:
- Always Check the AC and Heat First: The minute you walk into a budget motel room, turn on the climate control. If it’s rattling or failing, you want to ask the front desk for a room swap before you unpack your bags.
- Pack a Power Strip: Older motels (built in the 80s and 90s) are notorious for hiding their few power outlets behind heavy beds or dressers. A cheap power strip ensures you can charge your phone, laptop, and camera all at once.
- Upgrade Your Ride: Putting 2,000 miles on your personal vehicle adds wear, tear, and depreciation fast. For major state-to-state road trips, renting a high-MPG vehicle often pays for itself in gas savings and maintenance avoidance
- Use the Room Appliances: That in-room microwave and mini-fridge are your best tools for cutting food costs. Hit a local grocery store for breakfast items and sandwich materials instead of eating out three times a day.
The Bottom Line
Staying at a bestway inn (or a similarly tiered budget motel) is all about managing expectations. You aren’t booking these rooms for high-thread-count sheets or a lobby bar. You are booking them because you are a smart traveler who knows that spending less on sleep means spending more on experiences, food, and adventure.
Stick to the properties that nail the basics—cleanliness, safety, and a hot shower—and your road trip budget will thank you.
Safe travels out there on the highway.