Puppy may need to be left alone during work

I may need to leave my 2.5 month old puppy at home when I get back to work. I work from 7:30-330. My neighbor was supposed to come take her out and feed her twice during the day but now she got a job. Pet hotels are too expensive and I won’t pay 350 or more a month. Would it be an issue to leave her with an open crate, water and toys in an enclosed area of the house for the entire time? I can also leave two pee pads out. Or should I keep her in a closed crate? What have people done on this situation? She is crate trained. Sleeps almost through the night. I wake up once to take her out. I currently leave her alone 2-4 hours a day to get her used to it. What’s my best solution?