El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara ∞ Discover spa retreats, reviews & deals for 2025

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About Resort

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara is a 5-star luxury hotel with a Booking.com rating of 9.2/10. It features seven acres of landscaped gardens, a zero-edge swimming pool, and a full-service spa offering various treatments. This Santa Barbara hotel embodies the elegance of Spanish colonial architecture blended with modern artistry.

Rooms & Amenities

Accommodations at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel include 90 rooms, bungalows, and suites, each featuring marble bathrooms, underfloor heating, and private terraces. The rooms are designed in a blend of California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial styles while incorporating local furnishings and modern conveniences.

Dining & Leisure

Dining options include the terrace restaurant offering coastal-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy light bites at The Lounge, which features crafted cocktails and views of the Pacific.

Activities & Local Area

Leisure amenities comprise a well-equipped fitness center, destination spa with various treatments, and outdoor fitness classes. Local attractions include the Santa Barbara Mission, just half a mile away, and over 270 wineries in Santa Ynez Valley, 30 minutes away.

Services & Events

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel offers complimentary transportation within a five-mile radius and guidance for local activities such as hiking and biking excursions. The hotel features event spaces for corporate meetings and weddings, providing a serene backdrop complemented by views of the Pacific Ocean.

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Select 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

Max:

2 persons

410 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Deluxe Double Room

Max:

4 persons

520 sq. feet

Bed options:

2 Double beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Premier King Room Terrace

Max:

3 persons

540 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Fireplace

room details

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Getting around

Explore a range of transportation options for your spa getaway

City Centre

Santa Barbara 1.1 mi

Airports

Santa Barbara (SBA) 12.3 mi

Presidente Itamar Franco (iza) 28.9 mi

Train

Santa Barbara Amtrak 1.9 mi

Santa Barbara Amtrak Station 1.9 mi

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in rooms

Parking

USD 45 per day

Luggage storage

Locker room

24-hour services

24-hour reception

24-hour security

General

No smoking on site
Paid 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
Shoe shine service
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
Rollaway beds

Bathroom

Separate tub and shower
Free toiletries
Bathroom telephone

Self-catering

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
HBO available
AM/FM alarm clock

Location

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103

Map view

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103

City landmarks

Church

Old Mission Santa Barbara

4100 ft

Park

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

1.5 mi

Harbour

Stearns Wharf

2.2 mi

Museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

2600 ft

Park

Franceschi Park

3600 ft

Museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

1.5 mi

Park

Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden

4900 ft

Garden

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

2.0 mi

Peabody Stadium

1.2 mi

122 W Canon Perdido St # 122

Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum

1.4 mi

Park

Mission Rose Garden

2200 ft

Zoo

Santa Barbara Zoo

2.5 mi

Park

Alameda Park

4000 ft

Museum

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

1.3 mi

Museum

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

1.9 mi

St Francis Medical Center

2400 ft

1122 N Milpas St

Santa Barbara Bowl

3900 ft

Santa Barbara Parks Dept

2900 ft

316-324 State Street

Andalucia Building

3000 ft

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

3000 ft

Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

1.4 mi

Skofield Park

1.4 mi

Temple Bnai Brith

3400 ft

Theatre

Granada Theatre

1.4 mi

Park

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

1.6 mi

Amusement Park

Kids World

1.1 mi

Park

Rocky Nook Park

1.5 mi

Mall

The Historic La Arcada Courtyard

1.8 mi

Nearby

Riviera Theatre

1000 ft

Mall

San Marcos Building Courtyard

700 ft

Restaurants

The Dining Room and Terrace

100 ft

800 Alvarado Pl El Encanto

Reviews and Ratings <br />

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

58%

loved the resort and would return for another relaxing stay

5.8/10

Guest rating

Rooms

9.6

Location

9.6

Service

7.8

Dining

8.2

Bill

United States, March 2025

7.0/10

I just had the most very nice stay at El Encanto! The service was great, with every staff member going above and beyond to make me feel welcome. The only downside was the pool area wasn’t very spacious, making it a little noisy at times. Overall, I left feeling pampered and completely relaxed.

Rooms

10.0

My room was immaculate and beautifully furnished. I loved the fully stocked minibar and the special touches like the complimentary wine and unique tea.

Service

10.0

The staff was amazing! They were not just attentive but truly invested in making my experience nice, from the valet to the restaurant service. I especially appreciated how friendly and helpful everyone was.

Location

10.0

The hotel is nestled in the hills above Santa Barbara with stunning views of the ocean and city. The landscaping is amazing and creates such a peaceful atmosphere.

Dining

10.0

Dining here was a delight! The breakfast spread was amazing, with perfectly cooked eggs and delicious pastries. The dinner options were equally impressive, making it hard to want to eat anywhere else.

Facilities

10.0

The hotel’s facilities were well-maintained and offered everything I could need, including room service and a lovely spa. The serene ambiance added to the overall experience.

Philip

United States, February 2025

5.6/10

I had a truly wonderful stay at El Encanto, with its stunning views and cozy ambiance. While the restaurant service could have been quicker and friendlier, the very nice accommodations and the beautiful grounds made it worthwhile. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway with an intimate atmosphere that’s ideal for special occasions.

Rooms

10.0

My room was beautifully furnished and spacious, with luxury details like a fireplace and heated bathroom floors. It was a comfortable and elegant retreat.

Service

8.0

The staff was attentive and welcoming, enhancing my experience overall. However, the restaurant service was a bit slow, which was disappointing given the high expectations.

Location

10.0

Perched in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara, the location provided amazing scenic views. The tranquil surroundings made my stay even more enjoyable.

Dining

8.0

Dining here was a treat, especially brunch, which was really good. The dishes were well-prepared, but the service pace during dinner could use improvement.

Facilities

10.0

The hotel's amenities were impressive, from the luxurious spa services to the beautifully landscaped grounds, creating a serene escape.

Jeff

United States, January 2025

5.2/10

My stay at El Encanto was largely enjoyable, highlighted by the stunning views and well-appointed room. However, the pool service was quite disappointing, which detracted from the overall experience.

Rooms

10.0

My room was spacious, stylish, and elegant, sitting atop one of the bungalows surrounded by beautiful gardens. The furnishings were luxurious, and I appreciated the modern conveniences.

Service

6.0

While the overall service was friendly, it fell short at the pool. I noticed that the staff seemed overwhelmed, leading to long waits for service and missed opportunities for orders.

Location

10.0

The hotel’s mountainside location offered amazing views of Santa Barbara and felt like a serene escape. A complimentary shuttle made it easy to explore downtown as well.

Dining

8.0

Dining on the patio was a treat, especially with such magical views. However, I did experience slower service than expected during breakfast, which was a bit disappointing.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were well-maintained, although the pool area didn't seem large enough during busier times. I hoped for better service at the pool to make full use of the lovely surroundings.

Laura

United States, December 2024

5.8/10

I had a nice stay at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, with amazing views and luxurious accommodations, though there were a few hiccups. My room was a bit small, and I found the bathroom layout challenging. Additionally, the breakfast did not impress me, but dinner was a substantial improvement.

Rooms

8.0

My room, while cozy, featured a lovely patio with an ocean view. though the bathroom setup felt cramped. The closet being in the bathroom was less than ideal, as my clothes ended up damp after a shower.

Service

9.0

The staff was attentive and friendly, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere throughout my visit. Their personalized service truly made me feel valued.

Location

8.0

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Santa Barbara, the hotel's location is perfect for morning walks to soak in the stunning views. Though the pool area could have been cleaner and better maintained.

Dining

7.0

While breakfast fell short in flavor and creativity, dinner exceeded my expectations with delicious options. I found the food at the hotel's restaurant noteworthy.

Facilities

6.0

The grounds were beautifully landscaped, enhancing the hotel's charm. however, I did notice some areas that needed maintenance, including the pool area.

Joan

United States, November 2024

5.8/10

My stay at El Encanto was beautiful, marked by stunning landscapes and luxurious accommodations. However, I encountered some service hiccups that affected my overall experience. The pool, which I was particularly looking forward to, was disappointingly cold due to a broken heater. Despite these issues, the room was magnificent, and the picturesque views made my stay worthwhile. 🌊🌺

Rooms

10.0

My bungalow was incredibly spacious with elegant decor and high-end amenities. The large bathroom and cozy fireplace added a touch of luxury that made my relaxation time even more enjoyable.

Service

6.0

While the staff were friendly and attentive, service at times felt unhurried. It took a while to receive assistance at the pool and during meals, which I felt could be improved.

Location

10.0

Perched on a hill, the location offers amazing views of Santa Barbara that truly enhance the experience. It's a tranquil spot, making it a perfect getaway from the city's hustle and bustle.

Dining

8.0

The dining experiences were good, with gourmet dishes that pleased my palate. However, I experienced delays in service, especially at breakfast, which was a bit frustrating.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were well-maintained, and I enjoyed the lush landscaping surrounding the hotel. While the amenities were great, the pool area was a letdown due to its cold water.