El Encanto Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara, California from 474US$/night

120 photos

El Encanto Santa Barbara Amenities photo

Book on our site

up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Property

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, 93103

Close to the surf-lapped cliffs of the Pacific Coast

Great

8.8

9.7

/10

4.5

Guests recommend El Encanto Santa Barbara

Unique Afternoon Tea

Intimate Bungalows

Electric Bikes

Gourmet Dining

Welcome Treats

"Stunning views, great food, lovely staff."

Matthew from United Kingdom

read full review

"The setting is spectacular."

Michael from United States

read full review

"This is the ideal get away if you want a quiet beautiful California hotel with impeccable service, excellent food, a stunning pool set among acres of perfect gardens."

Meander668451 from United States

read full review

"The views are magical and I cannot wait to return to this property."

ClarkFam2024 from United States

read full review

"Beautiful, well maintained grounds."

Sapna P from United States

read full review

5-star historic hillside hotel with Pacific Ocean views in Santa Barbara

Accommodations

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers 94 rooms and suites across 7 acres of landscaped gardens. Each spacious guest room includes a fireplace, a private outdoor terrace, and underfloor heating in the bathroom. Select suites provide panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands.

Dining

The on-site restaurant prepares dishes using locally sourced ingredients and serves them on an outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean. Guests can order artisanal picnic baskets for excursions or enjoy expertly crafted cocktails at the bar. A traditional afternoon tea is offered daily in the lounge.

Wellness & Activities

The full-service spa provides body treatments, facials, and a variety of massage options including couples massage and hot stone therapy. A salt-water zero-edge pool heated year-round sits on the hillside with ocean views, surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas. Wellness programs include sound bath meditation sessions and yoga classes.

Location & Services

The hotel is located 2 miles from the Santa Barbara Mission and within 5 miles of downtown shopping and dining. Complimentary electric bicycles are available for guests to explore the area, and a shuttle service covers destinations within a 5-mile radius. Valet parking and electric vehicle charging stations are provided on-site.

Pet-Friendly & Family

El Encanto Santa Barbara is pet-friendly and offers gourmet canine meal options, pet beds, bowls, and baskets for four-legged guests. Babysitting services and board games are available for families with children. The property's 7 acres of gardens and walking paths provide space for all ages to explore.

Highlights

Rooms: 94 suites with fireplaces and private terraces

Dining: Restaurant with local ingredients and afternoon tea

Wellness: Full-service spa and salt-water zero-edge pool

Activities: Complimentary e-bikes and sound bath sessions

Pet policy: Gourmet canine meals and pet amenities

Location: 2 miles from Santa Barbara Mission

Must-do experiences

Visit the Santa Barbara Mission for stunning architecture and gardens.
Try the fish tacos at Los Agaves for a local culinary delight.
Stroll through the Santa Barbara Courthouse for breathtaking views.
Explore the Funk Zone for unique art galleries and wine tasting.
Don't miss the Santa Barbara Farmers Market on Tuesdays for fresh produce.

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

Room FeaturesCozy Sanctuary

Luxurious rooms featured fireplaces, heated bathroom floors, and spa-like showers for ultimate comfort.

Olivia from United States

Review on

DiningTaste of Heaven

Dinner on the terrace was magical, with excellent food and attentive service, enhanced by live music.

Ethan from Canada

Review on

Guest ParkingEffortless Arrival

The valet team was exceptionally efficient, charging our car without being asked and always ready with an umbrella.

Noah from Australia

Review on

Spa & LeisurePure Bliss

The spa was beautiful, offering wonderful couples massages and access to steam rooms for a truly relaxing experience.

Ava from United Kingdom

Review on

Select 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
38 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
King Suite Terrace
2 persons
50 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Garden Bungalow
2 persons
61 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Garden view
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

September 2026 - September 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

July 2027

August 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.9/10Review 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

Private parking is possible on site at true.

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

El Encanto Santa Barbara Location

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, 93103

Explore Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

10 minutes walking

Natural history exhibits, planetarium shows, and outdoor gardens offering insight into local wildlife and ecology.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

15 minutes walking

Historic Spanish mission known for its beautiful gardens, unique architecture, and rich cultural history.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

30 minutes walking

Iconic landmark featuring stunning architecture, a clock tower, and panoramic views of the city from its upper levels.

Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden

18 minutes walking

Lush park with gardens, ponds, and shaded areas perfect for picnics, offering a peaceful retreat in the city.

Santa Barbara Beach

10 minutes driving

Relaxing beach with volleyball courts and nearby dining options, great for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching.

Seven Falls Hiking Trail

25 minutes driving

Scenic hiking trail leading to waterfalls and stunning views, appealing to those seeking outdoor adventures.

Salt Cave Santa Barbara

10 minutes driving

Unique wellness experience in a Himalayan salt cave, offering relaxation and rejuvenating spa treatments.

Belmond El Encanto

3 minutes walking

Upscale dining featuring California cuisine. Notable for its stunning views and elegant atmosphere; reservations recommended.

Mesa Verde

5 minutes driving

Plant-based eatery with a cozy vibe, specializing in fresh, locally sourced ingredients catering to vegan and vegetarian diets.

Shaker Mill

7 minutes driving

Charming café set in a historic building with an extensive menu of breakfast and lunch items. Welcomes families and groups.

Riviera Theatre

4 minutes walking

Historic theater hosting a variety of shows, including live music and film screenings, with a vintage ambiance.

Santa Barbara Bowl

15 minutes walking

Open-air venue featuring concerts and events. Known for its lively atmosphere and scenic hillside views.

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

35 minutes walking

Interactive museum perfect for families with hands-on exhibits and educational programs focusing on science and innovation.

Getting around California

City Centre
Santa Barbara 22 min · 1.1 mi
Airports
Santa Barbara (SBA) 30 min · 12.3 mi
Presidente Itamar Franco (iza) 70 min · 28.9 mi
Train
Santa Barbara Amtrak 5 min · 1.9 mi
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station 5 min · 1.9 mi

Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?

Get exlusive rates right now!

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 true.

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:

Former name

El Encanto by Orient-Express

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about El Encanto Santa Barbara from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 195 verified reviews

9.2 /10

Perfect

90 %

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Comfort

9.3/10

Facilities

8.9/10

Free Wi-Fi

10.0/10

Location

9.3/10

Staff

9.1/10

Value for money

7.7/10

Pros

Really good service

Fine views

Luxurious accommodations

Beautiful grounds

Gourmet dining

Cons

Room cleanliness concerns

High parking fees

Slow internet

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.

Open reviews

Show more reviews

Questions of the users

About El Encanto Santa Barbara

Can you tell me if outdoor seating options are available for dining at the restaurant?

28 February 2024

Yes, outdoor terrace seating is available. The restaurant follows CDC guidelines with socially distanced tables and no indoor seating.

Are soaking tubs included in the bathrooms of the hotel rooms?

17 March 2024

Yes, all rooms above the Deluxe King category feature a soaking tub in the bathroom.

Is there an age restriction for children checking in? Are kids allowed to stay?

5 April 2024

Children of all ages are welcome to stay, as long as they are accompanied by parents or a responsible adult.

Are there options for rooms that have a fold-out sleeper sofa and a separate bedroom?

21 April 2024

Yes, the Terrace Premier Suite includes a separate bedroom along with a fold-out sleeper sofa in the living space.

Can I expect a swimming pool on the property? Is it currently open for use?

15 May 2024

Yes, the swimming pool is open for guests.

Is the hotel pet-friendly? What is the associated fee?

9 June 2024

Pets are welcome at the hotel for a fee of $40 per pet, per day. They can accompany guests in all room categories, except in the pool, spa, and restaurant areas.

Can guests self-park their vehicles on the property?

30 June 2024

Currently, only valet parking is offered, at a rate of $45 per night. Self-parking is not available.

Is there an airport shuttle service available for guests?

12 July 2024

Airport shuttle service is not available at this hotel.

Are there rooms equipped with a balcony available for booking?

22 August 2024

Yes, there are rooms with balconies at this hotel. Selecting your dates will help confirm availability.

What amenities can guests enjoy at the on-site spa?

19 September 2024

The hotel includes a spa or wellness center for guests to unwind and rejuvenate.