Belmond El Encanto

800 Alvarado Place | Santa Barbara, CA 93103 [SEE MAP]Santa Barbara, CA [SEE ADDRESS]

#2 in Best Santa Barbara Hotels

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Courtesy of Belmond El Encanto

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at the Belmond El Encanto

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Overview

Travelers say hotel enjoys a gorgeous setting overlooking Santa Barbara

Expensive rates

Although it doesn't hug the Santa Barbara coast – you'll find this hotel on the northern fringes of the city – Belmond El Encanto earns praise for its beautiful setting and excellent views. The property's suites all feature private terraces or patios looking out toward the ocean, along with hardwood floors, marble bathrooms and, in some cases, fireplaces. Although the outpost's homey accommodations may be hard to leave, the property houses a number of amenities worth checking out, such as The Spa at El Encanto, an infinity-edge swimming pool and 7 acres of gardens to explore. And recent guests sing the praises of the California cuisine served at the Dining Room. Visitors can also opt for light American fare at The Lounge.

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Location: Santa Barbara, CA

Hotel Class: 5.0-star

Property Type: Boutique hotel, 92 rooms

Primary View: Neighborhood

Style: Traditional, Opulent, Historic

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Scorecard

5.0Hotel Class

Rankings

U.S. News analyzed more than 30,000 hotels to find the best in the USA, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, based on reputation among travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings.

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Critic Reviews

Forbes

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Brick pathways lead you around the grounds, and mature cypress, palm and eucalyptus trees flank the numerous bungalows, which sit far from the madding crowd.

Oyster.com

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It underwent a long, expensive renovation that preserved its character while adding modern perks to luxury bungalows, like automatic espresso machines and bathrooms with heated floors.

Frommer's

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A romantic retreat perched above the city, this seven-acre historic property once hosted stars of Hollywood's golden age.

Fodor's

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The clublike lobby and bar hosts afternoon tea and live music at night, but the heart of the place is the dining terrace, which has panoramic views of city and ocean.

Guest Reviews

A hotel's guest rating is calculated using data provided under license by Tripadvisor. A total of 1298 have reviewed the Belmond El Encanto, giving it a rating of 4.5, on a scale of 1-5.

Tripadvisor Travel Rating:

4.5 (based on 1298 reviews)

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Guest Rooms

There are two types of bungalow-style accommodations – Suites and Specialty Bungalows. Historical details were preserved during the renovation and all rooms have king-sized or double beds, writing desks, widescreen TVs and minibars. There are marble bathrooms with soaking or free-standing tubs and heated stone floors.

Rooms have garden views; upgraded rooms have ocean and city views

Nightly resort fee: $35

Standard room size: 350 square feet

Premium channels
Workspace/desk
Minifridge
Bathrobes/slippers
Minibar
Shower/tub combo
Separate shower
Separate tub
Internet
Wireless internet
Free internet
Fee for internet usage
Guest rooms with patios and balconies
Adjoining rooms available

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Location & Parking

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The Belmond El Encanto is perched on the hillside above Santa Barbara and offers a secluded bungalow-style retreat in the Riviera District. Built in 1915, the hotel is set on 7 acres of meandering pathways and lush gardens and has hosted Hollywood royals and U.S. presidents. Less than 1 mile from the Old Mission Santa Barbara and just 2 miles from the shops, restaurants and cafes of downtown, the hotel is an ideal home base for leisure travelers relaxing or discovering the area.

Located 10 miles east of Santa Barbara Airport

24-hour valet parking ($40)
24-hour self-parking
Airport shuttle
Car service (free)

Within walking distance of:

Bus stop
Restaurants
Movie theater
Train station
Beach
Theater
Subway/metro stop
Grocery store
Shopping

Dining

The property’s dining options feature seasonal produce from local suppliers, including herbs from the chef’s garden and homemade cheese. The Dining Room and Terrace serves California coastal cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, as well as outdoor seating with ocean views. The Lounge serves a classic afternoon tea along with small plates. The Bar offers wines, beers and handcrafted cocktails along with appetizer. The Wine Room is a private dining space with custom menus and wine pairings.

Number of restaurants: 2

Cuisine Types: American

Fine dining
Casual dining
Quick service cafe/coffee shop/marketplace
Bar/lounge
Room service
24-hour room service
free breakfast

Pool

Perched on a hilltop, the property’s infinity pool offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Barbara. The pool is surrounded by a sun deck with lounge chairs and umbrellas, and provides a relaxed setting for enjoying the region's pleasant weather.

Open year-round
Saline pool

Lap pool
Wading pool
Lazy river
Family pool
Infinity pool
Whirlpool/hot tub
Adults-only pool
Lifeguard on duty
Poolside service
Waterslide
Deck chairs or cabanas
Pool bar

See more pool hotels in Santa Barbara »

Spa

The full-service Spa at El Encanto offers a variety of services including water therapies, massages, facials, oxygen treatments and waxing services. There are seven treatment rooms and services feature local and organic ingredients. Private lockers, showers and steam rooms are available.

Couples treatments

Services offered:

Massage
Facial
Body Treatments (i.e. scrubs, wraps)
Salon services
Outdoor treatment area
Steam room
Sauna

See more spa hotels in Santa Barbara »

Fitness

The property offers a fitness studio with Technogym treadmills, stationary bikes and ellipticals, along with Kinesis Stations for strength training. There is a rotating schedule of fitness classes offered, such as yoga and core routines.

Exercise bikes available overlooking the gardens

Weight equipment
Cardio equipment
Yoga mats
Free fitness classes
Premium fitness classes (with fee)

See more fitness hotels in Santa Barbara »

Business

The Belmond El Encanto houses 9,820 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for business meetings and events. The boardroom features ocean views and the 3,000-square-foot ballroom can be split into two separate rooms. There are four indoor meeting rooms, along with an outdoor patio and garden locations.

Full-service catering
Videoconferencing technology
Group room rates

Number of meeting rooms: 8

Business center
Meeting rooms
Meeting and event planners available

See more business hotels in Santa Barbara »

Pets

Cats and dogs are welcome at the hotel for $40 per pet per night. The hotel offers pet beds, food and water bowls and a pet menu.

No size or breed restrictions

Pets allowed (with fee)
Dog walking
Pet-sitting

See more pet-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara »

Wedding

Featuring panoramic views of Santa Barbara and a secluded setting, the Belmond El Encanto is equipped to host wedding ceremonies and receptions. The property offers multiple event spaces, including the Arbor and Lily Pond garden ceremony space and the Riviera Ballroom and patio that has a covered, heated patio and garden views. Locally sourced California cuisine and customizable catering options are available.

The property can host weddings for up to 200 guests
Private dining spaces for rehearsal dinners and brunches

Maximum wedding guest capacity: 200

Hotel hosts weddings
Outdoor space for weddings
Wedding planners available

See more wedding hotels in Santa Barbara »

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Editor’s note: Hotel information is updated periodically. If this is your property and you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know.

Find the Best Price

at the Belmond El Encanto

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