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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Safari Inn - Chico

Stay at Safari Inn - Chico, a straightforward motel with kitchenettes and pool. Close to Highway 99 and top attractions like Bidwell Mansion State Park.

2352 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, United States View on map
5.8/10
Average Based on 263 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Outdoor pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort with a friendly, personal touch

Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and affordability of the motel, while noting some wear and varying WiFi reliability. This straightforward property suits travelers seeking basic, clean accommodations close to Chico's main attractions.

Guests often praise

  • The caring and attentive owners and staff who create a homey, welcoming environment.
  • Cleanliness of rooms and the quality of maid service, often described as above expectations for the price.
  • In-room kitchenettes with appliances such as microwaves, fridges, and burners in some rooms.
  • The quiet, relaxing grounds offering a pleasant stay atmosphere.
  • Pet-friendly policies and accommodating staff, especially appreciated during emergency stays.

Worth knowing

  • Internet connection is frequently cited as unreliable and weak, which may impact business travelers.
  • Some rooms and bathrooms show signs of wear and aging, though guests still find them clean.
  • Early check-in may be possible but is not guaranteed; staff are usually accommodating when informed.
  • Not all rooms smell smoke-free; booking a non-smoking room is advisable for sensitive guests.
  • This motel has a straightforward, no-frills style—amenities and decor remain basic.

Best for

  • Budget-conscious travelers looking for affordable, clean lodging with kitchen facilities.
  • Guests seeking a quiet, relaxed base close to Highway 99 and local Chico attractions.
  • Pet owners needing a welcoming place that accommodates animals.
  • Travelers valuing personable service and a home-like atmosphere over luxury.
  • Visitors wanting proximity to Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, Upper Bidwell Park, and local museums.
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About this property

Welcome to Safari Inn - Chico

Safari Inn - Chico is a straightforward motel offering unpretentious rooms, some equipped with kitchenettes, making it suitable for travelers seeking basic accommodations with a touch of convenience. The property features an outdoor pool and emphasizes a clean, homey atmosphere, supported by reviews highlighting attentive staff and a welcoming environment. It is also LGBTQ+ friendly, adding to its inclusive appeal.

Located at 2352 Esplanade, the motel is less than a mile from Highway 99, providing easy access to local attractions such as the National Yo-Yo Museum and Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Guests can also explore nearby Upper Bidwell Park and the Museum of Northern California Art, all within a short drive. The proximity to several well-rated hotels shows the area is well-served, including options like DoubleTree by Hilton and Best Western Heritage Inn, which lie within a mile.

The check-in and check-out times are standard, at 3:00 PM and 11:00 AM respectively. Reviews indicate that while the motel provides good value with well-equipped rooms and a quiet setting, some guests have experienced issues such as inconsistent WiFi performance and slightly worn bathroom surfaces. However, many commend the friendly, personal service and cleanliness maintained by the staff.

Visitors looking for budget accommodations with kitchen facilities in a convenient location may find Safari Inn - Chico a practical choice. It is especially noted for its accommodating and caring staff, making it a fitting option for extended stays or travelers who appreciate a no-frills, pet-friendly environment.

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
Accessible
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Business center
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Kitchens in some rooms

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
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.

MS
Monica Salgado Apr 18, 2026
8.0

Been staying there off and on for about a year... Stayed last Friday and this weekend as well. Always a homey vibe... the owner and his wife are very sweet people.. My room of choice is #32. Thank you for making our stay always welcomed! -Monica and Alejandro

DD
DIrty D Apr 14, 2026
10

They must be reading these reviews because my room had 2 microwaves a fridge, tv, phone, fast wifi. The bathroom was a little worn down on the walls but I'll be damned if it wasn't clean with upscale sink and shower, and that actually gets hot water. I don't smoke and my smoking room doesn't smell of smoke. My single came with a freakin kitchen, as in burners, coffee, fan, lights, sink, cabinets. For the price I got this place is a steal. I came earlier than check-in and without breathing a word the cleaning staff saw me checking out my room and then promptly dropped what they were doing and finished my room. They even apologized, for me coming early... You're crazy if you think you'll find a better experience for this price range

CK
chris knight Mar 07, 2026
10

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I travel alot and the owners went overboard to personally make sure my stay was perfect. I was here 2 days and if I could have stayed 20 I would. The maid service was impeccable for me as I am very picky. The room smelled wonderful and was the cleanest on my whole trip so far! I would drive 20 miles off the freeway JUST to stay here. The grounds are relaxing and quiet too.

A
Albert Mar 06, 2026
8.0

My only criticism is that they had a very bad Internet connection. The worst I've ever experienced at a motel. Don't come here if you need a reliable WiFi connection. I didn't even stay the night because the WiFi connection was so bad.

LD
Lennon Duncan Feb 13, 2026
10

left redding on thursday night to beat traffic in case the town was evacuated due to the carr fire and ended up in chico just as hotels and motels were starting to get booked up. saw that the safari inn was pet-friendly and called to see if they could accommodate my mom, my dog, and myself. a very friendly, exhausted gentleman let me know they were out of pet-friendly rooms, but that we could check in anyway. told us that we could ask if we needed anything. worked with us as the weekend rolled around to make sure we could keep our room and cut us a discounted rate since we had taken it upon ourselves to evacuate. housekeeping staff was incredible too. i wish we had asked their names. lovely, lovely people running a clean, comfortable, affordable, and pet-friendly hotel. can't thank them enough.

MM
Matthew Mitchell Feb 11, 2026
10

The staff are absolutely caring and wonderful. I have absolutely loved my times here at safari inn. The rooms are furnished to my liking and I enjoy staying at safari inn here in Chico. It's a great place to stay!

SW
Seth Waters Jan 16, 2026
8.0

i had to stay in chico for a few weeks and stayed here. the rooms were clean when i arrived. the showers are generous, which is always important to me. very respectable staff. i had a couple issues with the key because of my clumsiness, and they took care of me with understanding. if i have to come back to Chico for a business stay again. ill be staying here.

AI
Aaliyah Iqbal Jan 13, 2026
10

This ain't like a real safari! Thank God whom I don't belive in!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Safari Inn - Chico

Chico, California, USA

This straightforward motel is less than a mile from Highway 99, and 2 miles from both the National Yo-Yo Museum and Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

  • Chico 57 min Walk
  • Esplanade & Mission Ranch 1 min Walk
  • Esplanade & Rio Lindo Ave 4 min Walk
  • Redding Regional Airport 1 hr 10 Car · 3 hr 13 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

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

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park 442 reviews

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park

525 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, United States

4.6 · State Park
Upper Bidwell Park 2,289 reviews

Upper Bidwell Park

Old Chico Canyon Rd, Chico, CA 95928, United States

4.8 · Park
The Museum of Northern California Art 156 reviews

The Museum of Northern California Art

900 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, United States

4.7 · Art Museum
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