Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site. However, parking is limited.

Does the hotel allow pets?

Yes, pets are allowed in specific rooms for a fee of USD 15 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00, and check-out is until 11:00. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request, but additional charges may apply.

What is the hotel's location in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is centrally located in Helena, within a 10-minute walk of the Cathedral of St. Helena and Helena Civic Center. Other nearby attractions include the Holter Museum of Art (0.4 km), the Great Northern Carousel (0.7 km), and the nearest major airport, Helena Regional (5.9 km).

What are the hotel's policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, but specific age policies regarding free stays for children are not provided.

Budget Inn Express Helena - Comfortable Stay

Average nightly price at Budget Inn Express Helena by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$60
February	$59
March	$62
April	$64
May	$73
June	$91
July	$102
August	$103
September	$86
October	$74
November	$68
December	$62

What guests think

At Budget Inn Express Helena, travellers describe a basic budget stay with generally clean rooms and comfortable beds, but dated interiors, noticeable wear, and recurring maintenance issues, especially with bathrooms, showers, and doors.

The location is praised for being walkable to downtown restaurants and shops, but multiple reviews mention a rougher feel with homeless activity nearby that made some travellers uncomfortable. Service is often friendly and helpful, yet a few guests reported rude encounters or long waits at check‑in, especially late at night. Expect a no‑frills, good‑value stopover if you prioritize price and access over modern finishes and polish.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are limited for a budget motel; notable mentions include complimentary morning coffee and a guest laundry. Parking can be tight, and snow removal in the lot was lacking during one stay.

Related guest reviews

8

Jill

Jun 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

it has the cutest little lobby. I could smell smoke from other guests that were smoking outside.

6

Jackie

Aug 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I wasn’t expecting a motel style experience with a lobby I needed to be buzzed into. But it was clean and conveniently located in Helena’s downtown area. It was nicer than I expected from my initial impression.

6

Jeannie

Aug 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

In this case, budget equals sketchy, especially if you are traveling with a child. Property is dated/run down. Bedding & bathroom were basically clean, but mildew in the grout & on the ceiling of the bathroom. Bedroom furniture old & beat up. Big gap at the base of our door, easily a half inch of daylight showing through. People were sitting on the benches & on the stairs smoking cigarettes, weed, and drinking (both at night & in the morning) and barely would shift a little to let us by as they glared at us. The complimentary coffee offered in the morning at the office was good.

8

Sara

Jul 24, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location and access to downtown. Parking was tight at night but that didn’t affect me. Staff was attentive to my needs- mainly a used lightbulb. The room lacked a sheer curtain which would have been nice since I was on the lower level and many people passed by. Also bathroom door stuck.

8

Graham

May 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A good spot with easy access from the highway. A good breakfast, and well priced when we stayed.

8

Stephen

Aug 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The property and its amenities were good to very good.

4

Savannah

Jul 12, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Had to change rooms when I arrived because mine had stuff on the sheets and the fridge was warm and wet. The next room had one bed that was more clean, but I was surprised at the state of these rooms with the high ratings it got. Staff were nice. Good laundry room. At least a mile from food and grocery store unless all you want is a bar.

6

Douglas

Nov 4, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

They did not clear snow from the parking lot. It was very dangerous moving to and from the vehicle.

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Cleanliness

Many guests found rooms clean with fresh bedding, but several reported dirty rooms, lingering odors or mildew, and one bedbug incident. Overall upkeep feels worn, especially in bathrooms.

Related guest reviews

10

Jody

May 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I honestly was expecting a half clean room or worse based on the immediate look, but was pleasantly surprised by how clean my room was! No dust, no ring around the toilet and fresh bedding. They can definitely use a remodel, but everything else was great. Awesome staff as well! Would absolutely stay again!

10

Joel

Jun 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a clean quiet budget motel. Good value.

6

kirk

Aug 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a perfectly serviceable hotel. Nothing fancy. A little on the run down side, but clean

4

Tyler

Aug 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room wasnt clean, but at least the bed was. Just needed a place to crash, atleast it was decent for that. Beds werent super comfy but the clean white sheets made it nice. The tv didn't work and neither did the wifi. Room came with soaps, 2x shampoo but not conditioner. Fridge and microwave.

2

Naomi

Jul 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was a sketchy neighborhood. A run down suite. We were checked in for 2 hours before I was bitten by a bedbug. The service was great. She immediately gave me a refund, and we headed out.

10

Brent

Sep 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean

4

Shannon

Jul 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was dirty . For $139 dollars find somewhere else

6

Jeannie

Aug 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

In this case, budget equals sketchy, especially if you are traveling with a child. Property is dated/run down. Bedding & bathroom were basically clean, but mildew in the grout & on the ceiling of the bathroom. Bedroom furniture old & beat up. Big gap at the base of our door, easily a half inch of daylight showing through. People were sitting on the benches & on the stairs smoking cigarettes, weed, and drinking (both at night & in the morning) and barely would shift a little to let us by as they glared at us. The complimentary coffee offered in the morning at the office was good.

6

Phil

Aug 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room is dated but clean . The bathroom needs some work . Could use new tile around the shower and caulking needs to be replaced .

8

Jamie

Jun 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel is older, but the beds were very comfortable and the room was clean. The service was friendly and helpful.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are dated and basic with comfortable beds, but recurring issues include weak or fluctuating shower temperature and pressure, dripping or running plumbing, stuck doors or hard‑to‑use locks, noise from walls, and occasional odors; one guest noted a smaller‑than‑advertised bed.

Related guest reviews

6

Edwin

Sep 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The door lock is really hard to open.

6

John

Sep 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Dated property. Shower switched from boiling hot to cold every 30 seconds.

6

Darwin

Sep 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Bed was comfortable. Shower water pressure was very low. We couldn’t set the water temperature properly. It was either too hot or too cold.

8

Karen

Oct 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable bed. Good value. Badly dripping bath faucet.

6

Jeannie

Aug 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

In this case, budget equals sketchy, especially if you are traveling with a child. Property is dated/run down. Bedding & bathroom were basically clean, but mildew in the grout & on the ceiling of the bathroom. Bedroom furniture old & beat up. Big gap at the base of our door, easily a half inch of daylight showing through. People were sitting on the benches & on the stairs smoking cigarettes, weed, and drinking (both at night & in the morning) and barely would shift a little to let us by as they glared at us. The complimentary coffee offered in the morning at the office was good.

6

Neil

Oct 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The motel is tired and needs a refit.

6

Phil

Aug 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room is dated but clean . The bathroom needs some work . Could use new tile around the shower and caulking needs to be replaced .

8

Erica

Jun 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was wonderful and helpful. I’d give her 10 stars if possible. Room was disappointing. Toilet barely flushed, very run down feeling. Wouldn’t recommend but better than some places I’ve stayed.

8

Michael

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice property. Falsely advertised a Queen bed for a full.

8

DONALD

May 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wonderful staff, pleasant place to stay. My room had a funny noise coming from within the wall all night? Bother me that much, but I’m sure it would bother somebody else.

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Service

Service sentiment is mixed: many praise friendly, helpful staff and thoughtful assistance, including after‑hours help, while others encountered rude interactions, long waits, or no attendant at check‑in/out.

Related guest reviews

10

Salli

Jul 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Cute property. Would be neat to see it fully restore to vintage style. It’s dated but clean. The staff was wonderful.

2

Jonah

Sep 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

When I arrived to check in for my reservation, just after 7 pm, there was a sign on the door saying ‘15 minutes.’ I stood around for a bit and then realized the sign was up before I got there, and it had to be getting on about fifteen minutes, so I rang the bell. Another five minutes or so later, the person working the desk emerged from the bathroom, or whatever, and they were profoundly high. They started right in bawling me out that the sign said fifteen minutes. I even apologized at first, but they kept on, “*mumbles something* fifteen minutes for a reason *mumble, mumble*,” so I said I’d changed my mind, and I hoped the desk attendant would have a better night. I hope we all have a better night.

10

Kurt

May 13, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great spot for safe, clean, economical lodging. Great staff, friendly and knowledgeable

10

STEVE

Sep 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Just there for one night. Room was clean and comfortable. I had reserved two rooms but when I checked in she only had a record for one and no other empty spaces. I was in the parking lot kind of grumpy and looked for another place on my phone and she burst out of the office to say she found a listing from the same area code and realized it was my phone number but with another persons name. I forgot that I had reserved the second room under my friends name so there were actually two rooms reserved. The mix up was totally my fault but she was a great detective and figured it out and saved us from finding a different hotel. Kudos to that young lady. Very pleased!

2

Terry

Aug 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Arrived at 2am ready to check on and go to bed- instructions were followed - 30 min later got someone on the phone and had to wait 10 more minutes…

10

Michelle

Jul 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I loved the frint desk attendant Jo. Our vehicle broke down while on a road trip and she was so welcoming. We only stayed one night but as she saw me tge next morning she asked if our vehicle was now ok and offered us some coffee before we left. She was great to talk tp. The reception area is quaint and smells so great with whatever scents they use.

10

Thomas

Sep 1, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

It’s a Budget Inn. It’s a bit worm & dated BUT it’s clean & safe and worth the money - staff polite and welcoming. 3rd or 4th time we’ve stayed here

8

Erica

Jun 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was wonderful and helpful. I’d give her 10 stars if possible. Room was disappointing. Toilet barely flushed, very run down feeling. Wouldn’t recommend but better than some places I’ve stayed.

2

Kelly

Oct 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Well, since I was refused a room, I dont know what the rooms are like. After careful research about which motels allow cats and dogs, I was told they only allow dogs. I looked it up, and the motel's ad on Hotels.com stated that pets were allowed, so I called to confirm it was okay to bring my cat. I was told it was fine. So, I went ahead and made the reservation. And had the person at the front desk been at least nice about it I could accept that we're all human and mistakes were made but nice she was not nice. She was snotty about it. She told me that according to their website, it says dogs, I said I didn't go to their website and explained once again how I came about my belief. She said that wasn't even possible. Hahaha I have to pay the cost of the room but I think I'm ok with that once I see the area and parking lot. It was all very sketchy. And if the room is a reflection of how they take care of the property it's a whatever. $95 lesson learned.

10

Jason

Sep 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was clean and functional, and the staff came to the front desk after hours to check us in. We visited several nearby shops and had a great breakfast across the street.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Central, walkable location near downtown shops, restaurants, and breweries. However, multiple reviews note visible homelessness and a rough feel around the property that affected perceived safety for some.

Related guest reviews

4

Jackson

Mar 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Cheap room lots of homeless ppl around

6

Susan

Sep 5, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The location is great to walk the gulch area with all its shops, restaurants and stores. The hotel had multiple men standing outside smoking. It didn’t feel safe. You get what you pay for. The woman who checked us in was great. No one was there at check out.

10

Douglas

Feb 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a regular, no frills stay for me. Worth the money. Easy in and out Great downtown location.

2

Riley

Aug 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Everyone there was on so many drugs and there were literal drug deals in the parking lot in broad daylight. It was disgusting. Didn’t even end up staying there and I felt so unsafe and gross.

8

Sara

Jul 24, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location and access to downtown. Parking was tight at night but that didn’t affect me. Staff was attentive to my needs- mainly a used lightbulb. The room lacked a sheer curtain which would have been nice since I was on the lower level and many people passed by. Also bathroom door stuck.

4

David

Jun 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is old, rundown, and poorly maintained. The room smelled of old cigarette smoke. The area has a significant homeless population.

4

Terry

Jun 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lots of homeless people hanging out in the park across the street. The room smelled. The plumbing badly needed maintenance. It barely made 2 stars, probably more like 1 1/2 stars.

8

andrew

Aug 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Quiet, right in the center of town

10

Steve

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very close to downtown restaurants, I especially liked the Parrot Candy and Ice Cream Shop on Last Chance Gulch, and the Windbag restaurant for dinner.

8

Jan

Sep 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really quite safe though it initially doesn’t look so. Very quiet all night! Liked it all & it’s walkable location to busy downtown breweries & restaurants.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Not enough information in reviews.

Related guest reviews

6

Jeannie

Aug 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

In this case, budget equals sketchy, especially if you are traveling with a child. Property is dated/run down. Bedding & bathroom were basically clean, but mildew in the grout & on the ceiling of the bathroom. Bedroom furniture old & beat up. Big gap at the base of our door, easily a half inch of daylight showing through. People were sitting on the benches & on the stairs smoking cigarettes, weed, and drinking (both at night & in the morning) and barely would shift a little to let us by as they glared at us. The complimentary coffee offered in the morning at the office was good.

8

Graham

May 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A good spot with easy access from the highway. A good breakfast, and well priced when we stayed.

10

Jason

Sep 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was clean and functional, and the staff came to the front desk after hours to check us in. We visited several nearby shops and had a great breakfast across the street.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8 $74	9 $75	10 $75	11 $75	12 $75	13 $93	14 $93
15 $81	16 $81	17 $81	18 $81	19 $81	20 $87	21 $99
22 $87	23 $87	24 $87	25 $87	26 $87	27 $99	28 $99
29 $87	30 $87

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1 $87	2 $87	3 $87	4 $99	5 $99
6 $87	7 $87	8 $87	9 $87	10 $87	11 $99	12 $99
13 $87	14 $87	15 $87	16 $87	17 $87	18 $99	19 $99
20 $88	21 $87	22 $87	23 $87	24 $87	25 $99	26 $99
27 $87	28 $87	29 $87	30 $87	31 $87

Budget Inn Express Helena

Prices for Budget Inn Express Helena

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave

Guest reviews of Budget Inn Express Helena

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Budget Inn Express Helena

Prices for upcoming dates