History

In the 1940’s the Town House Motel (THM) was actually a small 5 unit apartment building with a used car lot in front. In the 1950’s, the property was known as The Wrights Motel, and an additional twelve units were added in place of the used parking lot. As Americans began their love affair with the “horseless carriage”, the development of the automobile caused an increase in family road trips with the development of newly built freeways and in tail-finned cars. American families enjoyed taking in the sights and scenes of the country; eating at roadside diners, and overnighting at roadside “mom-and-pop” owned motels.

On a more personal level, the name “Town House Motel” was born sometime in the 1960’s but truly earned it’s glory in1977, when the current owners, the Natha family, migrated from South Africa in hopes of putting the political issues in their home country behind them. They purchased the THM and were renting roomsfor $5 a night, which offered a modest bed, rotary phone usage for 25 cents per local call, and a rather small 19 inch television offering twelve channels. The property was known for the true roadside Motel experience of its time.

As the motel industry was vastly changing in the 1960’s and 70’s, MOTELS began slowly evolving closer and closer to the HOTELS of today with vast amenities such as pools, spas and cocktail lounges. In 1962, only 2% of motels were franchises and by 1987, franchises accounted for 64% of the industry. Americans accepted that corporate America could offer the security and standardization needed while traveling to unknown places. This appeal spelled the demise of the mom-and-pop establishments along the highway. However, the Natha Family was determined even in the downfalls of the 1980’s and 1990’s to keep the motel experience alive and stay true to the Historic Old Town district.

For the next few decades, the family made vast improvements to the building while still keeping the classic architectural appeal of the structure. The motel still boasts of rich old growth redwood both interior and exterior, an interior covered courtyard which can be enjoyed from the majority of our rooms, as well as architectural features of an industrial age hotel which are an extinct feature in today’s modern hotel.

Although rooms now cost more than $5 a night, the motel still offers affordable accommodations and friendly service decades later. The Natha family team has grown into a wonderful team creates an inviting atmosphere for long-standing and first-time guests. The hotel offers a unique educational motel experience in order to teach its guests what traveling during the mid 19 th century was like. Being a part of the Historic Old Town district, the Town House Motel allows guests to freely enjoy the gems in our “backyard” and also learn about them while visiting our property.

Whether you’re on a business trip or relaxing vacation, THM welcomes you to Eureka. Our revitalizing guestrooms, helpful staff and unrivaled locale create a vibrant hub for all visitors looking for adventure in a victoriancity with charm…and yes, the same couple that checked you into your room in 1978, will check you in again even today (unless they are visiting the grandkids).