Town House Motel

2231 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, Chico, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 2.2 / 5

Overview

Town House Motel is a single-story, budget-class 3-star motel located on Esplanade, a main commercial road in Chico, California, just four blocks off Highway 99 (the Golden State Freeway). It's set among strip malls and chain restaurants, reflecting its no-frills roadside-motel character. Public reviews (2.2 from 224 reviews) indicate significant inconsistency in upkeep and service, so travelers should set expectations accordingly.

Rooms

Rooms have a basic, contemporary decor and open directly onto the parking lot in classic motor-lodge style. Each room includes a coffeemaker, air conditioning, a cable TV, and free WiFi. Guest feedback describes considerable variability in room condition, with some travelers reporting maintenance and cleanliness issues.

Amenities & Recreation

On-site facilities include an outdoor pool, a picnic area, and vending machines. Parking is free, which is a practical plus for road-trippers and drivers passing through on Highway 99.

Location

The motel sits about 1.5 miles from historic Bidwell Mansion, 2 miles from California State University at Chico, and roughly 4 miles from Bidwell Park. It is also within a few miles of Chico's downtown museum cluster, including the Gateway Science Museum, Chico History Museum, National Yo-Yo Museum, and Chico Children's Museum, plus City Plaza and the Downtown Chico Business Association area. The Chico Amtrak station is about 2.5 miles away and the municipal airport about 4.5 miles away, with Sacramento roughly 92 miles to the south.

Best for

This motel best suits budget-conscious road travelers and drivers passing through on Highway 99 who need a basic, no-frills place to sleep with free parking and an outdoor pool. It may also appeal to visitors attending events at Chico State or downtown Chico's museums who prioritize proximity and price over amenities or polish. It is not well suited to travelers seeking reliable comfort, cleanliness, or upscale service, given the very low guest rating.

Travel tips

Given its location off Highway 99 on a commercial strip, a car is the most practical way to reach downtown Chico's attractions, Bidwell Park, and Chico State, all a few miles away. The Chico Amtrak station (about 2.5 miles) and municipal airport (about 4.5 miles) are close enough for a short drive or rideshare if arriving by train or plane. Because guest reviews describe inconsistent room conditions, it's worth inspecting the room at check-in before settling in.

What guests say

Reviews are sharply mixed, with an overall low rating reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. Recurring negative themes include pest problems such as bed bugs and roaches, unclean or unwashed towels, broken fixtures like unattached toilets and mold in refrigerators, non-functioning electrical outlets, and complaints that prices are too high for the actual room condition. At the same time, a number of guests specifically praised the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and management, describing pleasant service interactions despite the property's rougher physical condition.

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