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From896US$ /night
Check-in
10Mar2026Select date
Check-out
11Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
-
Close to the surf-lapped cliffs
Perfect
9.2
9.6
/10
4.5
4.5
/5

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 spacious rooms and suites featuring marble bathrooms, heated stone floors, and private terraces. The blend of Spanish Colonial and California Craftsman styles is complemented by modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access.

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 Santa Barbara Mission and the Urban Wine Trail, El Encanto offers a courtesy car service for transportation. Additionally, guests can access nearby public transport options, including bus routes within a short walk.

“This historic Santa Barbara hotel, nestled amid lush gardens with Pacific views, strikes me as a tranquil retreat; its blend of Spanish Colonial and Craftsman styles, combined with bespoke culinary experiences, creates a distinctive atmosphere. The commitment to wellness, underscored by sound bath meditation and personalized programs, elevates the experience. A stay here promises a blend of relaxed luxury and intimate charm.”
Hotel logo
Sophia TurnerEditorial Director at Spahotels
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Choose your room type

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
King Room Terrace
2 persons
410 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
King Suite Terrace
2 persons
540 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Garden Bungalow
2 persons
660 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
Premier King Room Terrace
2 persons
540 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
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Price and Room Availability

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • 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

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • 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.

The Dining Room

American cuisine with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients
Ambiance
Elegant indoor dining room or spacious outdoor terrace, complete with heaters and blankets for cooler evenings
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include smoked salmon mousse with lemon-zested crème fraiche and fresh rosemary scones with strawberry basil jam. Gourmet picnic baskets are available for outdoor enjoyment, paired with local wine or bubbly, all in a family-friendly environment.
Reservation
Recommended
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour are served throughout the day.

El Encanto Santa Barbara Location

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
Map view
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
Nearby
Riviera Theatre
1000 ft
Mall
San Marcos Building Courtyard
700 ft
Restaurants
Belmond El Encanto
800 ft
800 Alvarado Pl
Explore Santa Barbara
Explore Santa Barbara
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
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
Old Mission Santa Barbara
15 minutes' walk
Historic Spanish mission with stunning architecture, gardens, and guided tours showcasing its rich history.
Santa Barbara Zoo
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
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.
Hiking at Seven Falls
10 minutes driving
Hiking trails lead to stunning waterfalls, perfect for thrill-seekers. Reservations recommended for guided tours.
Yoga at Salt Cave Santa Barbara
10 minutes driving
Relaxing yoga classes in a unique salt cave setting offer wellness and tranquility for guests seeking rejuvenation.
Belmond El Encanto
Belmond El Encanto
3 minutes' walk
Elegant dining featuring local dishes with a twist, plus stunning views from the terrace. Reservations recommended.
The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach
10 minutes driving
Casual beachfront dining known for fresh seafood and stunning ocean views, suitable for families and friends.
Riviera Theatre
4 minutes' walk
Charming venue showcasing indie films, live music, and special events. A great spot for an evening out.
Santa Barbara Bowl
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
City Centre
Santa Barbara22 min  ·  1.1 mi
Airports
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)30 min  ·  12.3 mi
Presidente Itamar Franco Airport (iza)70 min  ·  28.9 mi
Train
Santa Barbara Amtrak5 min  ·  1.9 mi
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station5 min  ·  1.9 mi
Access exclusive early booking discounts.
Choose your spa escape today!
Check Rates
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
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms 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

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 56 verified reviews
9.5/10
Perfect
97%
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.7/10
Comfort
9.7/10
Facilities
9.5/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Location
9.7/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Delicious breakfast
Fantastic service
Beautiful location
Comfortable stay
Spacious room
Cons
Small pool area
Dated furniture
Guest reviews
based on 78 reviews
9.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About El Encanto Santa Barbara
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.
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.
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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10Mar2026Select date
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11Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room