El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93103-2176
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US$1,136
US$730
Free cancellation until 23-02-09
US$1,136
US$730
Free cancellation until 23-02-09
Reserve now, pay at stay
US$1,136
US$730
Free cancellation until 23-02-09
PricelineUS$730
TripadvisorUS$730
AlgotelsUS$1,136
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About
#12 of 55 hotels in Santa Barbara
Location
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Travellers' Choice
Nestled above the Pacific Ocean in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, is a legendary Santa Barbara retreat. Since opening in 1918, this sensorial oasis has attracted artists and Hollywood stars to its seven lush acres and sweeping views. Today, it finds a new harmony with creative California, through fascinating cuisine, bold modern art, stirring literature and uplifting wellness experiences. Accommodation is spread across inviting rooms, suites and Spanish Revival bungalows, many with fireplaces and rainforest showers. The lush gardens promote Southern California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Onsite events include painting masterclasses, alfresco movies, wine tastings and a book club.
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Property amenities
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Babysitting
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Sauna
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Poolside bar
Kids club
Free shuttle or taxi services
Shuttle bus service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Massage
Concierge
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Iron
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Business
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Location
Contact
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93103-2176
Getting there
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1458Reviews9Q+A100Room tips
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Our tenth time staying at Belmond's amazing El Encanto property in the Santa Barbara hills (and my more than 70th trip to the Golden State), this visit was perhaps the most special yet. This 100+ year old property, containing unique, one-of-a-kind rooms in mission and bungalow styles, sits serenely above the city's downtown, nestled among gorgeous homes overlooking the bay. A true getaway, it's small enough to feel the privacy while offering the kind of luxury level customer service that comes with the most exclusive properties. The rooms are quiet, cozy, and "historical California." The food has gotten much better over the last two years, and for those with a finely tuned sweet tooth, there are now a few deserts--the Goleta Lemon and the Riviera Pear-- that are world-class. Customer service is king here, as it should be, and a surprising number of employees qualify as true "brand ambassadors" for the property, as well as for the city. This level of engagement helps make you feel as if you are more than just a "valued guest" but also a member of the Encanto family. All hail El Encanto...one of California's truly magical experiences. …
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded yesterday
Dear Mr. Kinsinger, We are delighted to learn that El Encanto was able to provide a place of reset and nurture at this time. It was a pleasure to host you and your family! We loved nothing more than taking care of you and await your return. Wishing you many, many more years of travel and adventure together. Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This has been the most memorable hotel for our trip down the pacific coast. After staying a few days at the pebble beach, we were very pleasantly surprised by the most friendly and fine level of services at this place. It has such beautiful grounds and charming rooms. But above all, such a welcoming place for pets and a fine level of attention to details. All the staff went above and beyond to please. This will be our go to hotel in the Santa Barbara area and we’ll spend more days in town with such a wonderful place as a base.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded yesterday
Dear M W, Thank you for the gift of your feedback! It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments! We hope to welcome you back in a near future! Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Where to begin. The location of the property is perfect. The grounds are gorgeous. The suite we were blessed to stay in was amazing. However, the best part of our stay was the staff. Every team member we met was professional, courteous, and kind. I could not recommend El Encanto any more highly if you are in the Santa Barbara area.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded 1 week ago
Dear blairp2018, Thank you for the gift of your feedback! It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments! We hope to welcome you back in a near future! Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our visit was simply fantastic. The whole team looked after us perfectly and could not recommend this resort more highly. Given we arrived the day the storm hit, it wasn't clear how the trip would go, but even in such a serious situation the team were still able to offee the full 5 star service and went out of their way to make everyone feel safe and comfortable.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Mr. Quintin K. Thank you for your review and for graciously noting your experience highlights. It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments! We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I were THOROUGHLY impressed with EVERYTHING about El Encanto (Belmond)!! Service and food and amenities were ALL beyond our expectations. Santa Barbara is a quaint little community and the Concierge at El Encanto went out of his way to make sure we saw the best of the best!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Jeffj829, Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place! We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From the moment we pulled up, it was a 5-star experience. The valets made us feel like rock stars. My 5-yo daughter, especially. This place is a hidden gem up in the heights of Santa Barbara. Rooms: Our room in the back corner made us feel like we were really in a private villa getaway. The beds and pillows are butter-soft and wonderfully fluffy. More than once, I'm pretty sure I was asleep within 5 seconds of laying down. The rollaway my daughter slept in was also the most comfortable I've ever felt. They very sweetly gave us a kids'pack of toiletries, which made her feel so special. The bathrooms have heated floors, which is so divine. Tubs are large and can fit 6'2" men. Loved the rain shower. We did find our room was a dead zone for our cell reception, but the wifi covered it and so we didn't find the lack of reception to be a problem. Restaurant Food is tasty. For breakfast, the huevos rancheros were our favorite. They make their own granola, and the valets usually have some at the front. My daughter never missed a chance to ask for more. Their catering is very good. The cake was my favorite part of dinner. Pool It's heated! The gal tending the pool was so kind and sweet. They had noodles to float on, which was really nice because we weren't going to pack our own for a cross-country trip. Fire pits dot the property, especially between the pool and main building. I didn't get to enjoy any of these, but some of our traveling companions did. Grab a glass of wine at night and stay warm by one! Parking. Valet only; there is a parking charge. Parking is covered (not such a big deal in Santa Barbara, but it's a perk) Turtles. Do you like wildlife? There are 4 turtles in the pond. We only found 2, but they move around. The staff will give you turtle pellets or bananas. The turtles know that close-up humans mean food and will come to investigate you. Overall, this place is amazing. Certainly worth the high price. …
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Tigerkarebear We are delighted to learn that El Encanto was able to provide a place of reset and nurture at this time. It was a pleasure to host you and your family! We loved nothing more than taking care of you and await your return. Wishing you many, many more years of travel and adventure together. Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel's name El Encanto, in English "The Charm", says it all. My wife and I have stayed at El Encanto many times over the past thirty years and have always had a marvelous experience. From the nicely manicured grounds to the well appointed cottages the atmosphere is conducive to the relaxation one would expect at a secluded retreat, while only a few minutes away from central Santa Barbara . I cannot express how attentive the entire staff is, from the valet who is first contact upon arrival, to the front desk personnel and others who make one's stay not only enjoyable but memorable. The restaurant is first class with a fantastic array of menu items, cocktails and wines. Is there room for improvement? I really can't think of anything! We will be coming back on a regular basis to enjoy the tranquility the resort provides.…
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded Dec. 1, 2022
Dear PalosVerdesAviator, Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place! We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We travel extensively and have never been so disappointed in a hotel. The staff is very kind and helpful, but the hotel needs updating inside and out. From the moment you arrive, you can see the need for some TLC, as the signage is so old and weathered you almost drive past the place. The check in area is dark and uninviting and the gardens are in need of fresh plants, mulch and trimming. Oh well, I told myself- the rooms are the most important thing. However, after seeing several rooms we were amazed to see how dated they were; old, chipped furniture, dingy rugs and saggy mattresses ( how is this possible?) This is a very special trip, as we are celebrating a big anniversary and this is our first Thanksgiving without family. We were looking forward to a luxury 5 star experience but are so sad we made this choice and the fact we are paying over $5000 for 3 nights makes me want to cry. I truly don’t understand it, when beautiful places like Rosewood Miramar are similarly priced. We pre-payed thru Amex Platinum, but I’m hoping we can just check out and move on and can try to save our trip.…
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded Nov. 24, 2022
Dear Ms. Sara L, Thank you for your feedback; it is indeed a gift to us. We are sorry to know that we did not attend your expectation in terms of the decor. We understand your travel frustrations. We wish you a great anniversary celebration and Happy Thanksgiving. Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicely situated resort in the hills of Santa Barbara. Pleasant and cordial staff, excellent service, clean suite and resort, and fine room amenities. They have daily activities, but we didn't participate as we wanted to do our own thing. My wife and I will mostly definitely come back.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded Nov. 24, 2022
Dear Franco S, We loved having you at El Encanto for your memorable celebration! We can not wait to welcome you back. Sincerely, Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Everything at the Belmond was over the top luxury. The staff is personable and attentive. The rooms, cottages are nicely decorated, sweet little welcome gifts and wine upon arrival. The views are over the top incredible. Their complimentary shuttle service is very efficient. The food was excellent as well as the beautiful presentation. The grounds are exquisite and well kept. Such a relaxing and beautiful resort!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Fernanda Pita, Guest Services / Front Office at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Responded Nov. 20, 2022
Dear Wanderer61635830969, Thank you for the gift of your feedback! It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments! We hope to welcome you back in a near future! Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$834 - US$1,212 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
el encanto hotel and garden villas
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSanta Barbara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
92
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Frequently Asked Questions about El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Which popular attractions are close to El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara?
Nearby attractions include Jamie Slone Wines (2.1 km), Chaucer's Bookstore (2.8 km), and Santa Barbara Art Glass (2.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara?
Yes, parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara?
Conveniently located restaurants include East Beach Tacos, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams, and Handlebar Coffee Roasters.
Are there opportunities to exercise at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and a sauna during their stay.
Does El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara have an airport shuttle?
Yes, El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.