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El Encanto Santa Barbara

5.0 star property
Family-friendly 5-star hotel near Santa Barbara Zoo

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for El Encanto Santa Barbara

2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Californian cuisine
Suite (Vista) | Living area | 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV, iPod dock
Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Suite, Terrace | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103
  • Place, Mission Santa Barbara
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Bowl
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Deluxe Double Room

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Camellia)

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Camellia)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bungalow (Garden)

Bungalow (Garden) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Bungalow (Garden)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite (Hummingbird)

Suite (Hummingbird) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite (Hummingbird)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premier Room, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Premier Room, 1 King Bed

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premier Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

Premier Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Premier Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premier Suite, Terrace

Premier Suite, Terrace | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Premier Suite, Terrace

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Terrace

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, Terrace

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Suite (Vista)

Suite (Vista) | Living area | 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV, iPod dock

Suite (Vista)

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite (Wishing Well)

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite (Wishing Well)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Wishing Well)

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Wishing Well)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Vista)

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Vista)

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Oak Tree)

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Oak Tree)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Suite (Camellia)

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite (Camellia)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

Oceanside stay.Your stay at this Upper Riviera hotel places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Mission Santa Barbara and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. Also, Santa Barbara Museum of Art is within 2 miles (3 km) and Santa Barbara Zoo is within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Mission Santa Barbara - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 6 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art - 6 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Upper State Street - 6 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 15 min drive
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Mission Street Ice Cream and Yogurt - Featuring McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪CAJÉ - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪IHOP - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Shang Hai - ‬4 min drive

About this property

El Encanto Santa Barbara

Family-friendly 5-star hotel near Santa Barbara Zoo
El Encanto Santa Barbara offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a sauna. There are 2 restaurants on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Event space at this hotel measures 32292 square feet (3000 square meters) and includes conference space. A 24-hour fitness center, spa services, and a terrace are also featured at the luxury El Encanto Santa Barbara. For a fee, parking is available.

This Colonial Santa Barbara hotel is smoke free.

  • 92 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 32 buildings
  • 2 dining venues
  • 32292 sq ft of conference space
  • 3000 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1918
  • Supervised childcare (surcharge)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • Onsite shopping
  • Bellhop
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
El Encanto Santa Barbara offers 92 accommodations with minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 42-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 50+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; local, long-distance, and international calls are all complimentary (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include espresso makers and complimentary newspapers. Microwaves and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

Spa at El Encanto has 7 treatment rooms including rooms for couples and outdoor treatment areas. Services include deep-tissue massages, facials, body wraps, and body scrubs. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and reflexology.

The spa is open daily. Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision. Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room crib
  • Microwave on request
  • Outdoor pool
  • Supervised activities for children (surcharge)

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Free beach shuttle
  • Secured valet parking on site (USD 40 per night; includes in/out privileges)

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: USD 30 per person
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Evening entertainment
  • Fitness classes
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Sauna
  • Shopping
  • Yoga classes

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in room
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No elevator
  • Visual fire alarm

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels
  • iPod dock
  • Streaming services

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Heated bathroom floor
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Late-night room service
  • Microwave on request
  • Minibar
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Free international calls
  • Free local calls
  • Free long-distance calls
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 175 per pet, per night
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Food and water bowls and pet-sitting services are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 17 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 57.0 per night.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Resort fee: USD 72.80 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Additional inclusions
  • Concierge service
  • Fitness center access
  • Pool access
  • Shuttle service
  • Spa access

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 30 per person
  • Secured valet parking fee: USD 40.00 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 175 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 57.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Parties and events are allowed on site
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International, debit cards, and cash. Parties and events are allowed on site. 
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • One child 17 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Belmond El Encanto
Belmond El Encanto Hotel
Belmond El Encanto Hotel Santa Barbara
Belmond El Encanto Santa Barbara
Belmond Encanto
El Encanto
El Encanto Belmond
El Encanto Hotel And Garden Villas
Belmond El Encanto
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara Hotel
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara Hotel Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

How close is El Encanto Santa Barbara to the airport?

El Encanto Santa Barbara is 9.8 mi (17-min drive) away from the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at El Encanto Santa Barbara?

As of Feb 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at El Encanto Santa Barbara on Mar 25, 2026 start from 595.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does El Encanto Santa Barbara have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at El Encanto Santa Barbara.

How close is El Encanto Santa Barbara to the beach?

This hotel is 3.4 mi (13-min drive) from East Beach and 4.3 mi (17-min drive) from Leadbetter Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does El Encanto Santa Barbara offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at El Encanto Santa Barbara, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of USD 30 per person. It's available every day from 7 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a casino at El Encanto Santa Barbara?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at El Encanto Santa Barbara?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at El Encanto Santa Barbara?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Valet parking is available for USD 40.00 per night.

Does El Encanto Santa Barbara have a pool?

El Encanto Santa Barbara features an outdoor pool.

Does El Encanto Santa Barbara have a restaurant?

There are 2 onsite restaurants, offering options like Californian cuisine, ocean views, and al fresco dining.

Does El Encanto Santa Barbara have a spa?

Pamper yourself with a day at Spa at El Encanto, where you can enjoy body wraps, massages, and body scrubs.

How close is El Encanto Santa Barbara to downtown Santa Barbara?

El Encanto Santa Barbara is 1.1 mi away from Santa Barbara.

El Encanto Santa Barbara Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 446 out of 551 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 52 out of 551 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 32 out of 551 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 551 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 551 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shelley

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful property! This was my first time here. The only problems were: 1) There was no coffee available in the morning until you were seated. Most hotels I have been to have a coffee station. We were told the person at the front desk could give us a cup of coffee but it would be only black coffee. 2) There was only 1 waiter during breakfast time on Monday morning, so the service was very slow.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Octavio

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raphael

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jehangir

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Celebrating birthday at a favorite location we’ve visited for decades through many phases of our life & the Hotel’s and loved them all. Even in a room ‘without a view,’ the cleanliness, luxe amenities, charm of the architecture and Edenic grounds will delight all of your senses. All of the staff is so friendly and helpful, and with the Restaurant deck with the trees, city and ocean views, your visit will surely be filled with lasting vacation memories that will bring you back for years, at least in your dreams!
View from our front porch of the lovely pool and Santa Barbara and the Pacific beyond.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Madeline

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Valerie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Magnificent property. Wonderful amenities. Would love to stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sofia Dylan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely gorgeous and so tranquil! It is a piece of Heaven on Earth. The views are unbelievable and the rooms are so large, the bed is super luxurious and even the robes are ultra lush!! Love love love it! Stay here without a thought.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Simply beautiful!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, clean and comfortable property. Staff was friendly, courteous and went out of their way to assure our stay was special. A wonderful experience all the way around. 5 stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa, Easton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dounia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kjell

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredible staff - check-in happens in the sitting room while they fetch you a welcome cocktail from the bar. Rooms are gorgeous, quiet, and spaced far apart. The entire surrounding grounds are beautifully manicured gardens. Not cheap but very very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Sarah

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We especially appreciated the handicap access of our room and the pathways.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Victoria, McLean

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Natury and relaxing. Service is great
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Service,ambiance and beautiful rooms and cottages
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff and service was truly remarkable! Loved my stay
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chantal

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The Gem of the Central Coast

El Encanto is my favorite destination. It’s luxurious, friendly and down to earth. My husband and I are celebrating our ten year anniversary. This is where we had stayed when we got married and have made several returns since. The atmosphere and ambience never disappoints. And not to mention, the cuisine is phenomenal. I love this hidden gem nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dwight

Liked: Amenities
.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025