How far is El Encanto Santa Barbara from Santa Barbara Airport?
El Encanto Santa Barbara is 20 km from Santa Barbara Airport, approximately a 25-minute drive.
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El Encanto Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara
474US$
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Key details
About the Hotel
800 Alvarado Place,
Santa Barbara,
California,
United States,
93103,
California
- Close to the surf-lapped cliffs
Perfect
9.4
9.7
4.6
4.5
Loved by guests
"Dining al fresco on the patio overlooking Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands would make lousy food taste good."
"The rooms are fantastic and surrounded by fantastic view."
"The food, arbor and pond, ballroom and reception areas were outstanding and it was truly magical when decorated!"
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara, a five-star property rated 9.2/10 on Booking.com, offers 90 luxurious suites, bungalows, and rooms within a beautifully restored 1920s setting. The hotel features an outdoor zero-edge pool, a spa, and lush terraced gardens spanning seven acres.
Rooms & Amenities
Guest accommodations at El Encanto include
Dining & Options
Dining options include a restaurant and a lounge serving sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy outdoor dining on the terrace with Pacific views or partake in afternoon tea and artisan-crafted cocktails.
Leisure & Activities
El Encanto's leisure facilities feature a spa offering nature-inspired treatments and a fitness center equipped with Technogym equipment. The expansive gardens encourage quiet walks, while the hotel provides bicycles for local exploration.
Services & Local Area
Located within easy reach of local attractions like the
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Choose 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
2 persons
38 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Garden Bungalow
2 persons
61 m²
1 King-size bed
Garden view
Shower
Fireplace
room details
Premier King Room Terrace
2 persons
50 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
room details
Superior Suite Hummingbird
2 persons
74 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
room details
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Price and Room Availability
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- 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
- 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
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite
The Dining Room at El Encanto Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of American cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere. With both indoor elegance and a spacious outdoor terrace, guests can savor meals in style while enjoying the charming surroundings.
Location
800 Alvarado Place,
Santa Barbara,
California,
United States,
93103,
California
Map view
800 Alvarado Place,
Santa Barbara,
California,
United States,
93103,
California
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
Landmark
Peabody Stadium
1.9
km
Landmark
Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum
2.2
km
Park
Mission Rose Garden
630 m
Park
Alameda Park
1.2
km
Zoo
Santa Barbara Zoo
4.0
km
Museum
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
2.0
km
Museum
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
3.1
km
Landmark
St Francis Medical Center
730 m
Landmark
Santa Barbara Bowl
1.2
km
Landmark
Santa Barbara Parks Dept
840 m
Landmark
Andalucia Building
850 m
Landmark
I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival
860 m
Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
2.3
km
Landmark
Temple Bnai Brith
980 m
Church
Unity Church of Santa Barbara
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
Belmond El Encanto
220 m
800 Alvarado Pl
Explore Santa Barbara
Explore Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
10 minutes walking
Natural history exhibits and astronomy shows await at this nearby museum, perfect for families and curious minds.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
15 minutes' walk
Historic Spanish mission with stunning architecture, gardens, and guided tours showcasing its rich history.
Santa Barbara Zoo
45 minutes walking
Home to over 500 animals, this family-friendly zoo offers educational programs and a scenic train ride.
Franceschi Park
14 minutes' walk
A scenic park known for its beautiful views of the city and Santa Barbara Channel, great for picnics and strolls.
Belmond El Encanto
3 minutes' walk
Elegant dining featuring local dishes with a twist, plus stunning views from the terrace. Reservations recommended.
Santa Barbara Bowl
15 minutes' walk
Outdoor venue hosting major concerts and events, offering a lively atmosphere for music lovers of all ages.
Getting around
Reviews and Ratings
Reviews from guests about their experience.
Kelly
United States,
February
2025
6.2/10
My experience at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, was enchanting overall. The amazing views of Santa Barbara and the luxurious accommodations truly made my stay special. I did face a few issues, particularly with the dining service on my anniversary dinner, which felt below the hotel's usual standards. Although the outdoor space needed more attention, the overall charm and comfort of the hotel still captured my heart.
Rooms
9.0
The bungalow-style room was spacious, well-equipped, and offered a feeling of privacy. Elegant touches enhanced the comfort of my stay.
Service
9.0
The staff's attention to detail was impressive, often going above and beyond to make me feel valued. Their friendly and personalized approach made me feel right at home.
Location
10.0
The hotel's hillside location offered lovely views of the coastline, a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Being tucked away from the bustling downtown added a serene atmosphere.
Dining
7.0
While the food was delicious and still met high expectations, I experienced service hiccups during my anniversary dinner. The dining area's atmosphere was a bit too chilly for comfort.
Facilities
8.0
The beautifully landscaped grounds provided a tranquil setting. However, I noticed that some outdoor areas were not as well-maintained as I expected.
John
United States,
February
2025
6.2/10
My stay at El Encanto had some amazing moments, especially with the fantastic service and the beautiful grounds that truly felt enchanting. However, I was a bit let down by the pool area, which felt a little cramped and not very kid-friendly. Overall, the blend of great service and stunning views made it nice, despite some areas needing improvement.
Rooms
7.0
My room was beautiful with a comfy bed, but I did notice some dated furniture and wear in other rooms. I was hoping for a more luxurious feel given the cost of the stay.
Service
9.0
The service was great, especially from staff like Hugo and Mario, who went out of their way to ensure I was comfortable. They really made an effort to create a personalized experience for me.
Location
10.0
The views from the hotel were absolutely stunning, with amazing panoramas of Santa Barbara and the ocean. The gardens were beautifully landscaped, which added to the peaceful atmosphere.
Dining
8.0
Dining options were quite good, and I truly enjoyed the breakfasts, though I felt the lunch and dinner menus could be improved. The food quality was generally high, which kept me wanting to eat on-site.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities were well-maintained, but the pool area was a bit small and could use more shade. Other aspects, like the valet and housekeeping, were very efficient, enhancing the overall experience.
William
United States,
October
2024
7.2/10
My recent stay at El Encanto was a mixed bag. The views and luxurious accommodations were amazing, but I faced some challenges with service that fell short of expectations for a high-end hotel. While the atmosphere and dining options were lovely, consistency in service seemed to fluctuate throughout my visit.
Rooms
9.0
I was impressed with my room, which was stunning and offered a great view of the ocean. The comfort and amenities provided were great.
Service
6.0
Unfortunately, the service was a bit erratic during my stay. From the delayed check-in to slow breakfast service, it felt less polished than expected for a Belmond hotel.
Location
10.0
Perched high above Santa Barbara, the hotel's location offered amazing views and a serene environment away from the busyness of downtown.
Dining
7.0
While I had a great first dinner on-site, the menu lacked variety for a longer stay. Breakfast service, however, left something to be desired.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel grounds were beautifully landscaped and featured a stunning infinity pool. However, there were some delays in order fulfillment that detracted from the overall experience.
George
United States,
October
2024
7.4/10
I had a fantastic experience at El Encanto. everything was exquisite, from the stunning ocean views to the incredibly relaxing accommodations. The staff were truly really good, making sure my friend's birthday celebration was lovely with thoughtful touches like champagne and fresh fruit. The only thing I noticed was that the pool area could occasionally get a bit crowded with kids. but overall, it didn't detract from our amazing stay.
Rooms
10.0
My cottage-like room was beautifully furnished, featuring a cozy fireplace and an ocean view that made lounging there a joy. I felt like I was in a peaceful retreat, perfect for relaxing and catching up with my friend.
Service
10.0
The staff were incredibly attentive. they went above and beyond to ensure we felt special throughout our stay. Macy, in particular, made everything happen seamlessly. I really appreciated how the team made my friend's birthday nice.
Location
10.0
This hotel is perched on the Santa Barbara hills, providing amazing views of the ocean. it felt like a slice of paradise, even with some rain during our visit. The grounds were enchanting, making it perfect for morning walks.
Dining
10.0
Dining on the covered terrace was a highlight. the food was really good, with delicious breakfasts that included perfectly prepared eggs and crispy bacon. I found myself wanting to indulge in every meal at the hotel, and the service was consistently excellent.
Facilities
10.0
The entire hotel was immaculately maintained, making it a lovely space to unwind. from the pool area to the exercise facilities, everything was inviting and comfortable. I also enjoyed the thoughtful welcome amenities that added a touch of luxury to my stay.
Russ
United States,
October
2024
5.8/10
El Encanto is a beautiful haven tucked into the Santa Barbara hills with stunning views and elegant grounds. Unfortunately, my experience included some hiccups at check-in and room readiness that added stress. I appreciated the gourmet dining and cozy atmosphere, but the service quality did not fully meet my expectations, especially upon arrival.
Rooms
8.0
My room was luxurious and spacious, but I'd be cautious with room upgrades, as not every room matches the stunning offerings of the hotel. Some rooms may have noise issues from HVAC systems and neighbors.
Service
6.0
While the staff was generally friendly and attentive, my experience was marred by a lack of communication regarding my room readiness. I had to reach out multiple times, which detracted from the overall service experience.
Location
9.0
The location is perfect, offering amazing panoramas of Santa Barbara and the ocean, creating a peaceful retreat. However, the convenience of access can be misleading if service levels fall short.
Dining
8.0
Dining options were good, especially breakfast with perfectly prepared items, but some of the lunch and dinner selections lacked the same quality. It's worth dining on-site at least once to enjoy the views.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel amenities were impressive, including the spa services, but the pool area was a bit small and could get crowded. I enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and overall well-maintained facilities.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:30
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at USD 45 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
Number of rooms:
94
Former name
El Encanto by Orient-Express
FAQs
About El Encanto Santa Barbara
What are the check-in and check-out times at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Check-in is at 16:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
What dining options are available at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel features a full-service restaurant with outdoor dining and a lounge bar offering crafted cocktails and light bites.
Is there parking available at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Private parking is available on-site for 45 USD per day, and a reservation is not needed.
Does El Encanto Santa Barbara offer any wellness facilities?
Guests can enjoy a full-service spa with a range of treatments, including massages and facials, as well as a modern fitness center.
What is the distance of El Encanto Santa Barbara from downtown Santa Barbara?
El Encanto Santa Barbara is approximately 4 km from downtown Santa Barbara.
What room amenities can guests expect at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, fireplace, and a sitting area overlooking lush gardens.
Are any recreational activities offered at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel provides hiking, cycling, and offers complimentary use of electric bicycles for exploring local attractions.
Is there a swimming pool at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Yes, El Encanto Santa Barbara features a saltwater pool that is open year-round.
What languages do the staff speak at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Staff at El Encanto Santa Barbara are fluent in English and Spanish.
What is the nearest landmark to El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The nearest landmark is the Santa Barbara Mission, located less than 1 km away.
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