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4.3 out of 5

"The Belmond El Encanto was a beautiful hotel up in the hills of Santa Barbara. The entire staff was exceptionally friendly. So much so that I actually ... " More

By a verified traveler on Thu 27 Apr 2017

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Hotel Description

Family-friendly stay near Santa Barbara Zoo

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. Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Santa Barbara Botanical Garden are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Poolside dining

A full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and an outdoor pool are all featured at this smoke-free hotel. Families will appreciate the picnic area, kid-friendly dining, and in-room childcare. Enjoy the 24-hour gym and perks like free WiFi and a free beach shuttle.

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max
$829* Per night/room Apr 10 - Apr 11

Premier Fireside Suite, 1 Bedroom, Terrace, Fireplace

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 3 Max

Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max

Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Terrace

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 3 Max

Bungalow, 1 King Bed, Fireplace (Garden)

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 3 Max

Premier Fireside Room, 1 King Bed, Terrace, Fireplace

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 3 Max

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara ratings based on 3 Verified Reviews

Review Summary
4.3 out of 5 4.5 out of 5.0
Room cleanliness 4.5 out of 5.0
Service & staff 4.5 out of 5.0
Room comfort 4.5 out of 5.0
Hotel condition 3.5 out of 5.0

Guest reviews for El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

Everyone (2) Couples (1)
5 out of 5

Wonderful Hotel

Pros: Everything
Cons: We would have like to had a Jacuzzi on the property
Location: Wonderful restaurants in Santa Barbara
The Belmond El Encanto was a beautiful hotel up in the hills of Santa Barbara. The entire staff was exceptionally friendly. So much so that I actually told the staff what a nice experience that was. The room was gorgeous, large and very clean. The bed was super comfortable and sheets were amazing. We ate dinner at the restaurant and the food delicious, very unique! The hotel offers gas pedaled bikes that we would like to use on our next visit. We look forward to going back again very soon!

Posted by on Apr 27, 2017

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5 out of 5

Beautiful grounds, quiet, w a GREAT dining porch

Pros: Dining terrace, friendly staff, shuttle to town
This is a lovely, quiet, beautiful, restful hotel. The website doesn't do it justice. Perched inland and up in the hills of Santa Barbara, the hotel has a free shuttle that will take you anywhere within a 5 mile radius - which means all of downtown SB, beaches, parks, the Mission and other sites. The efficient and welcoming staff hums around the campus and is present immediately when needed. The pool is lovely; the workout room is reasonably useful and the grounds and gardens are fabulous. But, the best feature is the terrace off the dining room where everyone wants to eat; guests and locals alike. The breakfast fruit and eggs bene were among the best we've ever had. It was chilly in the mornings this past June and the staff had the heaters cranking and the blankets handy which was a real treat since we really wanted to be outside. We found the salt encrusted meats at dinner time a bit too salty. The rooms were spacious and the staff very accommodating. It's easy to see why El Encanto gets rated so highly - I wasn't fully convinced until we stayed. We'll go back for sure.

Posted by , from New England on Jun 7, 2016

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3 out of 5

Eclectic hotel in beautiful location poor mgmt

Rooms eclectic and spacious and old world vibe with stunning views. Service was a disaster. Room was missing fireplace remote so we couldn't use it even after an hour of dicking around by "engineering". Wifi was either down or < 1Mbit for both days I was there (note that is slower than DSL!). I changed room twice to get better wifi no luck. Room service was slow, late, and often didn't respond when we called. Overall a disaster.

Posted by on Aug 20, 2015

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Comment from Hotel Management

Aug 29, 2015 by Stella Ahn

Thank you for your recent review of Belmond El Encanto and hope to welcome you back should your travels bring you back to Santa Barbara. Please feel free to contact me if you prefer to discuss your visit in further detail. Best regards, Stella Ahn Executive Assistant Manager

About the El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

Location 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Property Features

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, 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. 7 meeting rooms and limo/town car service are available. 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 family-friendly El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara. An area shuttle within 5.00 mi and a beach shuttle are free. 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
  • Car service
  • 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

Family Friendly Amenities

  • Family property
  • Number of outdoor pools - 1
  • Free WiFi
  • Free area shuttle
  • Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
  • In-room childcare (surcharge)
  • Microwave (on request)
  • Free cribs/infant beds

Internet

Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Wireless internet access , High-speed internet access , Internet access (surcharge)

Available in some public areas: Free WiFi , Internet access in public areas - high speed

Parking

Valet parking (surcharge)

Transport

  • Train station: Santa Barbara Station (5.7 km / 3.5 mi)
  • Property shuttles: Free area shuttle within 5.00 mi and beach shuttle
  • Parking: Valet parking available for a surcharge

Room Amenities

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, 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 bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. 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.

  • Minibar
  • IPod dock
  • In-room dining (limited hours)
  • Flat-screen television
  • Cable channels
  • Premium channels
  • Microwave available
  • Espresso maker
  • Coffee maker
  • Luxury bedding
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Down blanket
  • Pillow options
  • Cribs (free)
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Newspapers (free)
  • International calls (free)
  • Long distance calls (free)
  • Local calls (free)
  • Childcare in room (surcharge)
  • Hair dryer
  • Laptop safe
  • Bathrobes
  • Slippers
  • Toiletries (free)
  • Telephone
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Desk
  • Blackout drapes
  • Climate control (air conditioning)
  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Unique furnishings
  • Unique decor
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Desk chair

Food & Drink

For a fee, guests can enjoy full breakfast daily from 7 AM to 10:30 AM.

The Dining Room - Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specializes in Californian cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available.

The Terrace - Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specializes in Californian cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Open daily.

The Lounge - Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specializes in Californian cuisine and serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Open daily.

The Bar - Overlooking the ocean, this bar specializes in Californian cuisine and serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. A children's menu is available. Open daily.

The Pool - This poolside café specializes in Californian cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Open daily.

Late night fare is available from room service (during limited hours).

Nearby Activities

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool, a sauna, a 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary bicycles.

Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

  • Free bicycles on site
  • Golfing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Yoga classes/instruction on site
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Boat tours nearby
  • Fitness classes on site
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Sailing nearby

Spa Services

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.

  • Number of treatment rooms 7
  • Outdoor treatment areas
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Body treatments
  • Body wraps
  • Facial treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Aromatherapy treatments
  • Hydrotherapy treatments
  • Deep tissue massage
  • Minimum age to access spa is 16
  • Reflexology
  • Massages

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 available
  • Braille or raised signage
  • Visual alarms in hallways

Hotel Policies

Check-in

  • Check-in time ends at anytime
  • Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
  • Minimum check-in age is: 21

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.

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.

Check-out

  • Check-out by noon

Payment types

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 39.27 per night.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Pet Policy

  • Pets: USD 175 per pet, per night
  • Maximum 3 pets
  • Food and water bowls and pet-sitting services are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Policies

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

Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds

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. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds. 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. Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

  • One child stays free
  • Sustainability/community reinvestment (10% revenue or more)
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Staff temperature checks are not conducted regularly
  • Temperature checks are available to guests
  • Bed sheets and towels are washed at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F
  • Commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant
  • Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
  • Contactless check-out is available
  • Security system
  • Property does not follow sanitization practices of any association
  • Staffed front desk
  • Events/parties allowed
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Smoke detector
  • Service animals are allowed
  • Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions
  • Property does not offer onsite COVID-19 testing
  • Property does not require health documentation at check-in
  • Guest accommodation is sealed after cleaning
  • Electrostatic spray is used for disinfection
  • Cashless transactions are available
  • Masks are compulsory at the property
  • Contactless food service / room service is available
  • Reservation might be required for some facilities onsite
  • Property is cleaned with disinfectant
  • Staff wears personal protective equipment
  • Protective clothing is available to guests
  • Masks are available to guests
  • Mobile key entry is not available
  • Gloves are available to guests
  • Food service has been amended for enhanced safety
  • Shield between guests and staff in main contact areas
  • Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer
  • Children stay free - maximum age 17
  • Social distancing measures are in place
  • Contactless check-in is available
  • Property does not follow a brand or regulatory agency's sanitization guidelines
  • No elevators
  • Property confirms they are implementing enhanced cleaning measures
  • Children stay free
  • Individually-wrapped food options are not available
  • Debit cards
  • No gap period between guest stays

Fees

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 39.27 per night

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

Hotel Names

  • 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

You should know

  • 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.

Awards & 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.

  • EarthCheck
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Frequently Asked Questions

*Price based on the lowest price found within past 24 hours and based upon one night stay for two adults over the next thirty days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.