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El Encanto Santa Barbara

5.0 star property

Photo gallery for El Encanto Santa Barbara

2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Californian cuisine
Suite, Terrace
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Suite (Vista) | Living area
Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Parking available
  • Room service

Explore the area

View map
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103
  • Place, Mission Santa Barbara
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Bowl
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Camellia)

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Camellia)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bungalow (Garden)

Bungalow (Garden)

Bungalow (Garden)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite (Hummingbird)

Suite (Hummingbird)

Suite (Hummingbird)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premier Room, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Premier Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premier Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

Premier Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

Premier Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premier Suite, Terrace

Premier Suite, Terrace

Premier Suite, Terrace

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Terrace

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, Terrace

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Suite (Vista)

Suite (Vista) | Living area

Suite (Vista)

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite (Wishing Well)

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Suite (Wishing Well)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Wishing Well)

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Wishing Well)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Vista)

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Vista)

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Oak Tree)

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Oak Tree)

  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Suite (Camellia)

Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Suite (Camellia)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Santa Barbara

In the heart of Santa Barbara, El Encanto Santa Barbara is within a 5-minute drive of Mission Santa Barbara and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. .This family-friendly hotel is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Santa Barbara Museum of Art and 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from Santa Barbara Zoo.

What's nearby

  • Mission Santa Barbara - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Upper State Street - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art - 4 min drive - 1.9 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 15 min drive
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪CAJÉ - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪IHOP - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Secret Bao - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant - ‬20 min walk

About this property

El Encanto Santa Barbara

Luxury hotel with 2 restaurants and a full-service spa
El Encanto Santa Barbara offers 92 accommodations with iPod docking stations and minibars. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 42-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 50+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; local, long-distance, and international calls are all complimentary (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include laptop-compatible safes and espresso makers. Microwaves and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool, a sauna, a 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary bicycles.

Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Spa at El Encanto has 7 treatment rooms including rooms for couples and outdoor treatment areas. Services include deep-tissue massages, facials, body wraps, and body scrubs. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and reflexology.

The spa is open daily. Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision. Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Make yourself at home in one of the 92 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring iPod docking stations and flat-screen televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature bathtubs or showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. If you're looking for recreational opportunities, you'll find an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a 24-hour fitness center. This Colonial hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge). Getting to the surf and sand is a breeze with the complimentary beach shuttle.
Enjoy Californian cuisine at The Dining Room, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. Full breakfasts are available daily from 7 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include express check-out, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Santa Barbara? This hotel has 32292 square feet (3000 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and 7 meeting rooms.
Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7 AM and 10:30 AM.
The Dining Room - Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specializes in Californian cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available.
The Terrace - Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specializes in Californian cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Open daily.
The Lounge - Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specializes in Californian cuisine and serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Open daily.
The Bar - Overlooking the ocean, this bar specializes in Californian cuisine and serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. A children's menu is available. Open daily.
The Pool - This poolside café specializes in Californian cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Open daily.
Late night fare is available from room service (during limited hours).

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in EarthCheck, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Free beach shuttle
  • Secured valet parking on site (USD 40 per night; includes in/out privileges)

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: USD 30 per person
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining

Restaurants on site

  • The Bar
  • The Dining Room
  • The Lounge
  • The Pool
  • The Terrace

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Evening entertainment
  • Fitness classes
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Sauna
  • Shopping
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room babysitting
  • In-room cot
  • Microwave on request
  • Outdoor pool
  • Supervised activities for children (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 32,292 square feet of conference space
  • 7 meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a state park
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Full-service spa

  • 7 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Outdoor treatment areas
  • Reflexology
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in room
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No lift
  • Visual fire alarm

More

  • 2 floors
  • 32 buildings
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1918
  • Colonial architecture
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Free cot
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Heated bathroom floor
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels
  • IPod dock
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Late-night room service
  • Microwave on request
  • Minibar
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Free international calls
  • Free local calls
  • Free long-distance calls
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 175 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Food and water bowls and pet-sitting services are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 57.0 per night
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Resort fee: USD 72.80 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Additional inclusions
  • Concierge service
  • Fitness center access
  • Pool access
  • Shuttle service
  • Spa access

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 30 per person
  • Secured valet parking fee: USD 40.00 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 175 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 57.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Parties and events are allowed on site
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property
Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision
Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa, and guests under 18 years old are only allowed with adult supervision

Property is also known as

Belmond El Encanto
Belmond El Encanto Hotel
Belmond El Encanto Hotel Santa Barbara
Belmond El Encanto Santa Barbara
Belmond Encanto
El Encanto
El Encanto Belmond
El Encanto Hotel And Garden Villas
Belmond El Encanto
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara Hotel
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara Hotel Santa Barbara

El Encanto Santa Barbara Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 434 out of 534 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 50 out of 534 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 29 out of 534 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 534 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 534 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Justine

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dounia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kjell

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredible staff - check-in happens in the sitting room while they fetch you a welcome cocktail from the bar. Rooms are gorgeous, quiet, and spaced far apart. The entire surrounding grounds are beautifully manicured gardens. Not cheap but very very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Sarah

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We especially appreciated the handicap access of our room and the pathways.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Victoria, McLean

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Natury and relaxing. Service is great
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Service,ambiance and beautiful rooms and cottages
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff and service was truly remarkable! Loved my stay
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chantal

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The Gem of the Central Coast

El Encanto is my favorite destination. It’s luxurious, friendly and down to earth. My husband and I are celebrating our ten year anniversary. This is where we had stayed when we got married and have made several returns since. The atmosphere and ambience never disappoints. And not to mention, the cuisine is phenomenal. I love this hidden gem nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dwight

Liked: Amenities
.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andreea

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, tranquil property.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Beautiful and peaceful
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josephine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Grounds are beautiful, room is lucxurious but also cozy and of course clean, this place was a relaxing sanctuary, Food is great and valet parking is efficient. However, it was a bit pricey compared to 5 star hotels in major cities like the luxury hotels we stay in Beverly Hills.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marc Aaron

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
staff and service was excellent our dining experience was less than average
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

brian

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thi

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was excellent. Staff and accommodations were great. Would highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location and exceptional service. Wonderful experience! Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Thomas

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Gene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As always, this place is super nice, very attentive staff and very relaxing. Breakfast with a great view of Santa Barbara harbor and channel islands is a great experience. The restaurant has excellent food but I can't say the pricing is justified, normal high end hotel pricing I guess. A couple minor annoyances such as room AC not working to expectations but the room temp was still OK, just not as cool as we like for sleep
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing property!!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024