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1-star hotel

Best Budget Inn / Hi-Way Liquor

Basic motel with free Wi-Fi, parking, and pet-friendly rooms near Interstate 35 in Owatonna, MN. Close to downtown and local attractions for budget travelers.

1180 Frontage Rd W, Owatonna, MN 55060, United States View on map
5.6/10
Average Based on 71 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Pet-friendly Kid-friendly Golf course
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced budget stay with convenient basics

Recent guests highlight a quiet, clean environment with comfortable beds and useful amenities, especially appreciating the location near the highway and local eateries. Some caution about the motel’s simple facilities and proximity to the road.

Guests often praise

  • Clean rooms and quiet atmosphere promoting restful sleep
  • Comfortable and sturdy beds frequently noted
  • Convenient location near Interstate 35 and several fast food options
  • Helpful and friendly staff along with basic in-room amenities like refrigerators and microwaves
  • Availability of smoking rooms and on-site laundry facilities

Worth knowing

  • Air conditioning may not be very strong in some rooms
  • Showers are small but generally clean
  • Property has no pool, restaurant, or fitness center
  • Location is close to the highway, which may cause some noise or be less ideal for those sensitive to road proximity
  • Quite basic in style and offerings, better suited for short or budget stays

Best for

  • Travelers seeking an affordable and straightforward place to rest
  • Visitors who value proximity to I-35 and quick access to food and shopping
  • Guests wanting pet-friendly and kid-friendly accommodations
  • Those who prefer a quiet environment for sleep despite a roadside location
  • Budget-conscious travelers who appreciate helpful staff and essential amenities
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About this property

Welcome to Best Budget Inn / Hi-Way Liquor

Best Budget Inn / Hi-Way Liquor is a straightforward roadside motel located just off Interstate 35 in Owatonna, Minnesota. The property offers basic accommodations with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, minifridges, and microwaves in each room. Guests will appreciate the convenience of an on-site liquor store and complimentary parking, though there is no pool, restaurant, or fitness center available.

Positioned within walking distance of several fast food options and only a short drive from downtown Owatonna and Rice Lake State Park, the motel is well suited for travelers seeking easy highway access. Nearby attractions include the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum and Steele County Historical Society, offering some local culture within a few miles of the property.

Reviews reflect a mixture of opinions, with many guests noting the clean rooms and comfortable beds as positives, while some mention that the location close to the highway affects noise levels. The motel's affordability and pet-friendly policy appeal to budget-conscious visitors and those traveling with families or pets. Staff members are generally described as friendly and helpful, adding to the practical value of the stay.

Though it does not provide extensive amenities, Best Budget Inn / Hi-Way Liquor offers a simple, no-frills option for those prioritizing cost and convenience near Owatonna’s main roadways. Its combination of basic facilities and strategic location makes it a reasonable choice for short-term stays and travelers needing quick access to the Interstate.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Golf course

Not available at this property

Pool
Restaurant
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

CS
Cassie Shakal Apr 04, 2026
10

They have very clean tiims and it is a very quiet motel at all times of the day. It was very easy to get caught up on some well needed sleep while I was there! Would highly recommend to anyone that is in need of a place to stay in owatonna!

AE
Asa Engstrum Mar 10, 2026
8.0

Decent rooms for decent price. Close to food and other stores. Also not far off the freeway so a convenient location.

DV
Dave villalobo Mar 04, 2026
10

Very recommend place to stay very comfortable and amazing beds !!

HH(
Handsomely Homeless (the Percolator) Feb 19, 2026
8.0

Mike is very helpful, bonus that there are smoking rooms available and a laundry mat. Best price in town.

CH
Cody Halvorson Feb 13, 2026
10

Friendly service, comfy beds, it's a little to close to the highway but right next to a cafe, Perkins, and Wal Mart. Also a quick trip down the road. Room had a fridge cable AC all the basics but was an alright place to stay cheap to.

DE
Dennis Evans Feb 03, 2026
8.0

Staff was very nice, room was clean, beds were amazingly comfortable and sturdy. AC didn’t blow all that cold but wasn’t that hot either. Everything was clean. Showers are small but clean. Would def recommend this hotel to anyone regardless of the location. Don’t judge a book by its cover here.

JH
Jose Hernandez Jan 30, 2026
10

The stay was great. I've been in Owatonna a couple of times, and the rooms were decent, but this room was better than any room I've ever stayed in. I recommend staying here.

KM
Kyle M Jan 05, 2026
10

When youre on a budget and wanna get on the highway, get on down to budget inn/ hi-way liquor and make sure you budget in bail! You'll need it !

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Best Budget Inn / Hi-Way Liquor

Owatonna, Minnesota, USA

A 2-minute drive from Interstate 35 and within walking distance of several fast food restaurants, this budget property with a storefront-style exterior is 2 miles from downtown Owatonna and 10.6 miles from Rice Lake State Park.

  • Walmart 7 min Walk
  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport 56 min Car · 3 hr 23 Transit
  • Rochester International Airport 52 min Car · 1 hr 28 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Minnesota. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum 132 reviews

Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum

540 W Hills Cir, Owatonna, MN 55060, United States

4.6 · Museum
Steele County Historical Society 99 reviews

Steele County Historical Society

1700 Austin Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060, United States

4.7 · Historical Society
River Springs Water Park 296 reviews

River Springs Water Park

3065 St Paul Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060, United States

4.5 · Water Park
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