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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
42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV, iPod dock
1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar
Suite, Terrace | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar
2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Californian cuisine

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Parking available
  • Room service

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Oak Tree)

  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Suite (Camellia)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite (Camellia)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Wishing Well)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Vista)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Vista)

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite (Wishing Well)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Suite, Terrace

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite, Terrace

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

View all photos for Premier Suite, Terrace

Premier Suite, Terrace | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Premier Suite, Terrace

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Premier Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Premier Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 King Bed

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premier Room, 1 King Bed

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Premier Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bungalow (Garden)

Bungalow (Garden) | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Bungalow (Garden)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite (Hummingbird)

Suite (Hummingbird) | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite (Hummingbird)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Deluxe Double Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Camellia)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, minibar

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Camellia)

  • 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 - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Santa Barbara Zoo - 6 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 6 min drive - 3.7 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪CAJÉ - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬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 iPod docking stations and minibars. 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 laptop-compatible safes and espresso makers. 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.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in EarthCheck, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

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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.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • 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

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

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 Sep 3, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at El Encanto Santa Barbara on Sep 10, 2025 start from $585.49, 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 deep-tissue massages, hydrotherapy, and reflexology.

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. 419 out of 517 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 50 out of 517 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 29 out of 517 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 517 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 517 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Andreea

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, tranquil property.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Beautiful and peaceful
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josephine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Grounds are beautiful, room is lucxurious but also cozy and of course clean, this place was a relaxing sanctuary, Food is great and valet parking is efficient. However, it was a bit pricey compared to 5 star hotels in major cities like the luxury hotels we stay in Beverly Hills.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marc Aaron

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
staff and service was excellent our dining experience was less than average
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

brian

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thi

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was excellent. Staff and accommodations were great. Would highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location and exceptional service. Wonderful experience! Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Thomas

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Gene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As always, this place is super nice, very attentive staff and very relaxing. Breakfast with a great view of Santa Barbara harbor and channel islands is a great experience. The restaurant has excellent food but I can't say the pricing is justified, normal high end hotel pricing I guess. A couple minor annoyances such as room AC not working to expectations but the room temp was still OK, just not as cool as we like for sleep
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing property!!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eliza

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely in every way
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property exceeds every expectation. The service was exemplary. Everyone, from the front desk staff to room service to the gardeners, is friendly and courteous and helpful. The grounds are exquisitely maintained. The rooms are generously proportioned with upper end amenities. Staying here will spoil you for any other property.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Stephanie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous property and very friendly staff. We came on a holiday weekend so they were at full capacity so it was difficult getting a lounge chair at the pool. I’m sure that’s not always the case. I feel like this property should be no kids under 13. People pay a lot of money to spend their vacations here and no one wants to listen to screaming kids .
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

gavin

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karl

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura, Newport Beach

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
**Title: An Enchanting Stay at Bellwood L Encanto** My recent stay at Bellwood L Encanto in Santa Barbara was nothing short of magical. Perched atop a hill, the property offers breathtaking views and an atmosphere of pure charm. From the moment I arrived, the staff's hospitality was outstanding—they were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure my stay was perfect. The amenities are top-notch. The pool area is an oasis of relaxation, surrounded by lush greenery and offering a serene escape. The food was exquisite, with each meal showcasing fresh, flavorful ingredients. The fitness center had fun group activities making it easy to maintain my workout routine while traveling. The rooms are incredibly comfortable, providing a luxurious and restful retreat after a day of exploring. Every detail, from the elegant decor to the plush bedding, contributed to a sense of comfort and tranquility. Overall, El Encanto is a gem in Santa Barbara. The combination of stunning location, exceptional service and luxurious amenities makes it a destination I highly recommend. I can't wait to return for another unforgettable experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024