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El Encanto Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California

•
8.8|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$474 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
03Nov
Check-out
04Nov
Guests
2 Guests
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
4.6
4.5
/5

5-star historic hillside hotel on seven acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara

Property & Grounds

El Encanto is a 5-star historic hillside hotel set on seven acres of gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Guest rooms are housed in Spanish Colonial and Craftsman-style bungalows. The layout creates a secluded hillside village five minutes from central Santa Barbara.

Outdoor Amenities & Exploration

A signature zero-edge outdoor pool looks out over the Santa Barbara coastline and the ocean. The hotel provides complimentary electric bicycles for trips to the local wine country and the Santa Barbara Mission. A complimentary shuttle service transports guests to attractions within a five-mile radius.

Dining & Experiences

The fine dining restaurant serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients on an outdoor terrace. Expertly crafted cocktails and artisanal picnic baskets are available on the property. The hotel maintains a tradition of afternoon tea service in its dining room and offers special cultural and culinary events.

Accommodations & In-Room Comfort

Guest rooms have underfloor heating in the bathrooms and private outdoor terraces. Rooms include a fireplace, a sitting area, and a pillow menu. Pet-friendly accommodations include gourmet canine meal options, pet bowls, and pet beds.

Wellness & Recreation

The full-service spa has treatment rooms, a fitness center, and steam rooms in both locker rooms. Wellness programs include sound bath meditation sessions and fitness classes. The heated saltwater pool comes with pool towels and sun loungers.

Highlights

Views: Seven-acre hillside estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Rooms: Suites with underfloor heating, fireplaces, and private terraces

Dining: Locally sourced fine dining and traditional afternoon tea

Wellness: Full-service spa, steam rooms, and sound bath meditation

Activities: Complimentary electric bicycles and shuttle service

Pet Policy: Gourmet canine meals and pet-friendly rooms

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.

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
    410 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • King Suite Terrace
    2 persons
    540 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Garden Bungalow
    2 persons
    660 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review 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

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
Show more

El Encanto Santa Barbara Location

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, 93103
Map view
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, planetarium shows, and outdoor gardens offering insight into local wildlife and ecology.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:30
Check-out
until 11 am
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:
95
Former name
El Encanto by Orient-Express

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about El Encanto Santa Barbara from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
8.8/10
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
Guest reviews
based on 100 reviews
8.8/10
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.
Open 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.

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