I think it unlikely that there’s a budget friendly hotel in Helen. It’s a pretty expensive place except for inner tubing the river and grabbing fast food for a meal.
From what I can tell, GA hotel/motel prices have generally increased 25-50% compared to a year or so ago. Same generally for apartments, rentals and homes. It’s nuts.
I was just thinking of what I know about Baymont Inns.
A generally average, decent, ordrinary family friendly hotel off the interstate with an outdoor pool. A safe bet, not usually found in sketchy areas.