El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara, rated 9.2/10 on Booking.com, is a luxurious five-star retreat known for its Spanish Colonial and Californian craftsman architectural styles. This Santa Barbara hotel features a zero-edge outdoor pool, a boutique spa, and seven acres of elegantly landscaped gardens that provide a tranquil escape.

Rooms & Amenities

Contemporary accommodations at El Encanto include 90 suites, bungalows, and rooms featuring private terraces, marble bathrooms with heated stone floors, and premium bedding. Each space is designed for tranquillity, with air conditioning and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs. Dog-friendly options are available, with gourmet meals for canine guests.

Dining Options

Dining experiences feature sustainable seafood paired with homegrown herbs, with options like the Dining Room and an ocean-facing terrace available for meals. El Encanto also offers a Lounge for light dining and crafted cocktails along with live music on select evenings, enhancing the culinary experience.

Leisure & Activities

Leisure facilities include a well-equipped fitness center and The Spa, which offers a variety of treatments inspired by nature. Outdoor activities range from guided hikes to local wineries and the hotel's swimming pool. Complimentary bicycles are available for exploring nearby attractions such as the Santa Barbara Mission and State Street.

Services & Local Area

El Encanto provides a courtesy car service for local transportation within a five-mile radius. Events can be hosted in both indoor and outdoor spaces, including scenic views of the Pacific. Nearby attractions include the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and contemporary art museums, ideal for both personal and corporate gatherings.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

King Room Terrace

Max:

2 persons

38 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Deluxe Double Room

Max:

4 persons

48 m²

Bed options:

2 Double beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Premier King Room Terrace

Max:

3 persons

50 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Fireplace

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Santa Barbara 1.8 km

Airports

Santa Barbara (SBA) 19.8 km

Presidente Itamar Franco (iza) 46.5 km

Train

Santa Barbara Amtrak 3.0 km

Santa Barbara Amtrak Station 3.0 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in rooms

Parking

USD 45 per day

Luggage storage

Locker room

24-hour services

24-hour reception

24-hour security

General

No smoking on site
Paid parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Hiking
Cycling
Yoga class
Sports trainer
Aerobics

Guest Parking

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Valet parking
Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Shoe shine service
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Board games

Spa & Leisure

Saltwater pool
Heated swimming pool
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Make up services

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Rollaway beds

Bathroom

Separate tub and shower
Free toiletries
Bathroom telephone

Self-catering

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
HBO available
AM/FM alarm clock

Location

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103

Map view

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103

City landmarks

Church

Old Mission Santa Barbara

1.2 km

Park

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

2.4 km

Harbour

Stearns Wharf

3.5 km

Museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

790 m

Park

Franceschi Park

1.1 km

Museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

2.4 km

Park

Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden

1.5 km

Garden

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

3.2 km

Peabody Stadium

1.9 km

122 W Canon Perdido St # 122

Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum

2.2 km

Park

Mission Rose Garden

670 m

Zoo

Santa Barbara Zoo

4.0 km

Park

Alameda Park

1.2 km

Museum

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

2.0 km

Museum

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

3.1 km

St Francis Medical Center

730 m

1122 N Milpas St

Santa Barbara Bowl

1.2 km

Santa Barbara Parks Dept

880 m

316-324 State Street

Andalucia Building

900 m

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

900 m

Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

2.3 km

Skofield Park

2.2 km

Temple Bnai Brith

1.0 km

Theatre

Granada Theatre

2.3 km

Park

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

2.6 km

Amusement Park

Kids World

1.8 km

Park

Rocky Nook Park

2.5 km

Mall

The Historic La Arcada Courtyard

2.9 km

Nearby

Riviera Theatre

290 m

Mall

San Marcos Building Courtyard

210 m

Restaurants

The Dining Room and Terrace

10 m

800 Alvarado Pl El Encanto

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

70%

liked the resort and would come back again

Luxurious accommodations

Tranquil location

Room availability issues

Mediocre dining experience

7.0/10

Very good

Rooms

8.8

Location

9.3

Service

7.6

Dining

6.6

Karl

United States, January 2025

6.6/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

Sawyer

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.2/10

My stay at El Encanto was absolutely delightful, offering a beautiful and tranquil setting that truly felt like a retreat. The rooms were luxuriously furnished and came with an intimate atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. While the dining at the restaurant was enjoyable with great food, the service at the pool left much to be desired, which was a bit disappointing considering the hotel's overall quality. Nevertheless, the stunning grounds and exceptional spa services made my experience memorable.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are beautifully designed with a luxurious touch and offer a great deal of privacy. I felt completely relaxed during my stay.

Service

7.0

The spa services were top-notch, but the pool service was lacking; it felt a bit chaotic and inattentive at times.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location in the hills above Santa Barbara provided breathtaking views of the bay, making for a serene getaway.

Dining

8.0

Dining at the restaurant was quite enjoyable with delicious food, although there were moments of slow service during busy times.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were well-maintained, with lovely grounds to explore, but the pool area felt a bit cramped and could use more lounging space.

Emily

United Kingdom, December 2024

7.2/10

While the hotel boasts luxurious accommodations and picturesque gardens, my overall experience didn't quite meet my expectations for the price paid. The service, though friendly, had a few hiccups, particularly with room availability. Dining options were adequate but not exceptional, which was disappointing considering the emphasis on gourmet experiences. The location offers a tranquil retreat, but accessibility to downtown Santa Barbara did pose some challenges.

Rooms

8.0

I was initially excited about staying in what was supposed to be an ocean view room. The accommodations were indeed relaxing and the beds were incredibly comfortable, but the expectations set were a bit higher than reality overall.

Service

7.0

Service was a mix of professional and friendly, with some staff members, like Hugo, standing out. However, there was a frustrating delay in getting our room ready, which added unnecessary stress to my stay.

Location

8.0

The hotel is nestled in the scenic hills of Santa Barbara, providing a lovely sense of privacy and retreat. However, it is a bit removed from downtown, making access to various attractions a bit of a trek.

Dining

6.0

Dining was decent but didn't wow us. The food we had was alright, far from what I expected for a hotel of this caliber, and we experienced longer wait times which impacted our experience.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were well-maintained yet lacked some of the exceptional touches I anticipated given the price point. The gardens were lovely, but the integration with the amentities could have offered a more unique experience.

Luxurious accommodations

Room availability issues

Steven

United States, December 2024

6.8/10

I had high hopes for my 50th birthday celebration at this hotel, but unfortunately, it didn't quite meet my expectations. While the location is excellent and the room was spacious and well-kept, the dining service was severely lacking, making the experience frustrating. On a brighter note, I loved the beautiful amenities and attentive pool staff. Overall, I felt let down by the inconsistency in service, especially for such a special occasion.

Rooms

9.0

The room was very clean, spacious, and tastefully designed, providing a great feeling of comfort.

Service

5.0

Service at the bar and restaurant was disappointingly slow and lacking in warmth, which was surprising given the hotel's luxury status.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location is fantastic, set in a quiet and picturesque neighborhood with great access to Santa Barbara's attractions.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was a letdown, with incredibly slow service at the bar that made us skip dinner altogether.

Facilities

8.0

Amenities like the pool were nice and well-maintained, enhancing the overall experience despite the dining issues.

Dave

United States, December 2024

5.6/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

Marty

United States, November 2024

7.0/10

I stayed at the hotel for a special occasion, and while the location and accommodations were lovely, the service left a lot to be desired. The room was clean and beautifully designed, but I faced significant delays and poor attitudes at the bar and restaurant. Overall, it was disappointing, especially considering the occasion we were celebrating.

Rooms

9.0

The room was very clean, spacious, and had a tasteful design.

Service

5.0

Service at the bar and restaurant was extremely poor in terms of timeliness and attitude, which was disappointing.

Location

10.0

The location of the hotel was excellent, making it convenient for exploring nearby attractions.

Dining

5.0

Dining experiences were poor, with long waits and unsatisfactory service, leading us to skip dinner after a disappointing lunch.

Facilities

8.0

The amenities, including the pool area, were nice and well-maintained.

Mia

United Kingdom, August 2024

8.0/10

Our stay at El Encanto was truly delightful. The bungalows are beautifully designed and provide an inviting atmosphere for relaxation. However, the dining experience didn't quite meet the high expectations set by the hotel's luxurious ambiance. The location offers stunning views, but returning to the hotel after a long day can be a bit of a hike.

Rooms

9.0

The bungalows are spacious and elegantly furnished, providing a comfortable retreat.

Service

9.0

The staff was attentive and made us feel special during our stay.

Location

8.0

Nestled in the hills above Santa Barbara, the hotel offers beautiful views, although getting back can be a challenge due to the steep hills.

Dining

6.0

While the breakfast and lunch were nice, the overall dining experience didn't live up to our expectations.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel features lovely gardens and a relaxing pool area, perfect for unwinding.

Chris

United Kingdom, August 2024

8.8/10

My stay at Belmond El Encanto was quite memorable, but it had its ups and downs. The view from my room was simply stunning, and the grounds were beautifully landscaped. However, I had a few issues with my room, including noise from the nearby laundry facilities and a shower drain that didn’t work well. Overall, the atmosphere was serene, making it a nice retreat, but I would suggest avoiding certain rooms for a more peaceful experience.

Rooms

7.0

While the room was beautifully redone and offered an amazing view, I unfortunately faced issues with noise from the laundry facilities and a problematic shower drain.

Service

10.0

The service was fantastic, with attentive staff who knew my name and were incredibly helpful throughout my stay.

Location

9.0

Nestled in the hills, the hotel offers a peaceful setting with breathtaking views of Santa Barbara and the ocean, creating a sense of privacy away from the downtown hustle.

Dining

9.0

The dining experiences were exceptional with delicious food, especially the dinner on the terrace, which provided a magical view.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were immaculate with well-maintained grounds that enhanced the overall tranquil experience.

Jamie

United Kingdom, August 2024

9.4/10

Our stay at El Encanto was truly unforgettable! The attentive and personalized service from the staff made us feel completely pampered. The stunning views and luxurious ambiance created a perfect romantic getaway. However, we did encounter a few challenges with the noise from weddings taking place during our visit and some unexpected resort fees that were a bit frustrating. Overall, we can't wait to return for another relaxing experience.

Rooms

9.0

The bungalow-style accommodations were incredibly private, offering a serene retreat with all the modern comforts we needed.

Service

10.0

The staff went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed every aspect of our stay, providing thoughtful recommendations and personal touches throughout.

Location

10.0

Nestled in the hills above Santa Barbara, the hotel's location provided breathtaking views and a tranquil setting, perfect for unwinding.

Dining

9.0

We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and creativity of the dishes offered at the hotel's restaurant, making dining in a memorable experience.

Facilities

9.0

The beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with lush gardens and cozy spots to relax, made our stay even more enjoyable.

Justin

United States, August 2024

9.4/10

I had a fantastic experience at the hotel overall, with nearly everything being perfect during my stay. I appreciated the stylish and spacious terrace suite that we had, which really felt luxurious without being overly extravagant. The service was professional and attentive, but the added $40 parking fee felt a bit excessive. Dining was a highlight with exquisite food, although the prices were on the higher side. Overall, it was a memorable stay, though some costs were a little annoying.

Rooms

10.0

Our terrace suite was gorgeous and spacious, stylishly furnished and very comfortable. It felt luxurious and inviting.

Service

10.0

The staff were amazing—always professional, attentive, and very friendly, which really enhanced our experience.

Location

9.0

The hotel is set on 7 acres, providing a lovely, tranquil setting, though the parking fee was a minor downside.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience was a real highlight, with the food being creatively delicious, though it was definitely on the pricier side.