El Encanto by Orient-Express

Also Known As:: El Encanto Hotel And Garden Villas

Address: 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Formerly El Encanto Hotel & Garden Villas)

Phone Number:

Region: United States > California > Santa Barbara

Amenities:

Bar/Lounge Fitness Centre Free High-Speed Internet Children Activities Kitchenette Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access

Hotel Style:

#3 Luxury Hotels in Santa Barbara

#4 Family Hotels in Santa Barbara

Price Range: $$$$

Hotel Class:5 star (5*)

Official Description (provided by the hotel):: This iconic hotel has been meticulously restored to capture all the romance and glamour that has spanned nearly 100 years. 92 California-styled bungalows dot the lush grounds which feature seven-acres of landscaped gardens with sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Modern additions like the expansive outdoor swimming pool and a boutique spa will enhance the El Encanto journey for today’s luxury-seeking guest. El Encanto’s charming setting atop a commanding hilltop perch offers the ultimate secluded retreat, creating an eclectic and authentic ambiance for romance and rediscovery. ... more less

Reservation Options:: TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Travelocity, EasyToBook, Expedia, Venere, Priceline, Hotels.com, Tingo and HotelsClick so you can book your El Encanto by Orient-Express reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

busyflying

Los Angeles

Top Contributor

111 reviews

39 hotel reviews

Reviews in 41 cities

111 helpful votes

“Wonderful, but it's just overpriced”

Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

I was here in May. The hotel is beautiful. It is perched on a hill overlooking the town and on to the ocean. The massive redo of the hotel is evident because the grounds and bungalows and main building are all perfect in California beach styling. My bungalow was generously large with a big bathroom. There was a push button... More

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Dear busyflying, Thank you for staying with us and providing such a lovely and descriptive review of our attributes and amenities. We really do hope you will visit again and hope that we can earn a five star next time! Best wishes, Laura M More

Stoney89

Contributor

12 reviews

6 hotel reviews

Reviews in 6 cities

12 helpful votes

“Nice place”

Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

Spent the weekend and found the new improved El Encanto as very comfortable. Rooms were nice but poorly laid out. Spa was nice but hard to find. Massage was very good. Overall thought bar and food were over priced. Lots of staff in restaurant who were mostly warm and capable but senior management we experienced had attitude. Food was ok,... More

Dear Stoney89, So glad you were able to experience our spa and restaurant during your stay. We do believe we have a fair price in keeping with other establishments of our caliber and the type of cuisine we are offering. We certainly will keep an eye on our prices so as not to be unrealistic. Thank you for your feedback,... More

MsWG

Lompoc, California

1 review

1 helpful vote

“Just OK”

Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

Grounds are small but beautiful, swimming pool area is very small as well, and no hot tub to enjoy at night which was a bummer. Service at the pool was not up to par with 5 Star. We requested water in which case was never delivered nor was an apology offered. Our highlight was utilizing the bikes the hotel offers... More

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Dear MsWG, Thank you for your feedback, it is wonderful to hear your overall experience was so good! We have added staff at our very popular pool to make sure we are accommodating all needs there, I do apologize that you did not receive water in a timely manner during your stay. With a little over 7 acres of gardens... More

Aussietraveller11

newtown

Senior Contributor

36 reviews

17 hotel reviews

Reviews in 14 cities

20 helpful votes

“A great restaurant and bar”

Reviewed 12 May 2013

We only came here with friends for pre dinner drinks but the service and the great view up high over Santa Barbara was one of those moments that you never forget, maybe on our next visit to Santa Barbara we will stay in this hotel.

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See 4 more reviews by Aussietraveller11 for Santa Barbara

WineAndBacon

28 reviews

16 hotel reviews

Reviews in 12 cities

19 helpful votes

“5 Star Wonderful Hotel Terrible 2 Star Restaurant Service”

Reviewed 11 May 2013

Hotel is a 5 star the grounds are beautiful, the bungalow we had was nice, relaxing. And then there is the dining....... These 2 stars are for the restaurant only.... We spent 3 times going to the the restaurant. The first time just for some drinks after checking in to relax, the second for drinks again and some light fare... More

See 2 more reviews by WineAndBacon for Santa Barbara

Dear WineAndBacon, Thank you for your review. I am very pleased to hear that your experience with our resort accommodations and grounds was positive. I do apologize that your restaurant and lounge experience was less so. We are constantly striving to make every guest experience wonderful and it is disappointing to see that we failed to do this in an... More

Polichou

Los Angeles, California

“A real treat!”

Just spent 2 nights in this beautiful property. It is the perfect hotel for an escapade from the city. Not only the view is out of this world, but the service and the care, the ambiance of the hotel and the quality of the food is exceptional. Not to miss the piano bar for cocktails! The position of the Restaurant... More

Andrew B

Woodland Hills, CA

2 reviews

“What an escape”

My wife and I needed a 3 day trip to get away from the doldrums and repetition of everyday life. We love Santa Barbara and had heard of the restoration of the famed El Encanto. Suffice it to say, this is the perfect place to decompress and forget how busy the world has now become. It's nicely nestled in the... More

Shannon C

Topanga, California, United States

“Best hotel in California!”

Reviewed 10 May 2013

The El Encanto Hotel is Fabulous! The property, views, cottages, food, staff, art program and everything else about this hotel are the VERY BEST. The drive to the hotel is very nice from Los Angeles up the coast. It only took an hour and a half. Go out to the terrace and have a very relaxing time with a glass... More

John S

Cusco

Reviewer

3 reviews

3 hotel reviews

Reviews in 3 cities

3 helpful votes

“Charming”

My wife and I just spent a beautiful weekend at the new El Encanto. What a special place. The recent renovation was meticulously done and the setting is second to none. There is still some tweaking to service, but if you didn't know that they just reopened it would be hard to tell. Food was great. Spa was intimate and... More

Dear John S., Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! I am thrilled that you were able to experience all of the magic of El Encanto - The Spa, The Romance and The Cuisine! I look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best wishes, Laura M More

Snob2

richmond, ca.

5 reviews

4 hotel reviews

“Serene”

Reviewed 9 May 2013

This serene hill setting with glimpses of the city and Pacific Ocean is a hide-away refuge. As most rooms differ, I suggest one asks to preview room before transfering belongings. The pool itself is worth the stay, No tacky enclosures or pool signs. Just exclusive sensibility and comfort. Moreover, outdoor breakfast included was a real outdoor treat away from home.... More

See 2 more reviews by Snob2 for Santa Barbara

1-10 of 37 reviews

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El Encanto by Orient-Express Hotel Reviews, Santa Barbara

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