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El Encanto Santa Barbara

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Exterior - El Encanto Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara)
Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe - El Encanto Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara)
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers - El Encanto Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara)
Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe - El Encanto Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara)
2 restaurants; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch served - El Encanto Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara)
Luxury
5.0 star property
9.4

Exceptional

Hilltop sanctuary with heated floors

Perched atop a hill, the enchanting pool area creates an oasis of relaxation amid lush greenery and breathtaking harbor views. Exquisite meals showcase fresh ingredients at two ocean-view restaurants. Guests can enjoy the full-service spa or join activities at the 24-hour fitness center.

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 19 of 19 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, 2 Double Beds

Deluxe Double Room, 2 Double Beds | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Deluxe Double Room, 2 Double Beds

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

Suite, 1 Bedroom | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 King Bed

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

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

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

View all photos for Premier Room, 1 King Bed

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

Premier Room, 1 King Bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Premier Suite, Terrace

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

Premier Suite, Terrace

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, Terrace

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

Suite, Terrace

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite (Camellia)

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

Suite (Camellia)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Upper Riviera, a neighborhood in Santa Barbara, El Encanto Santa Barbara is in the suburbs and near the beach. Mission Santa Barbara is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park and Lotusland. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Santa Barbara Zoo. Kayaking and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and ecotours nearby. Visit our Santa Barbara travel guide
Map
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103

What's nearby

  • Mission Santa Barbara
    Mission Santa Barbara
    17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Alameda Park
    Alameda Park
    18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • SantaBarbara_SantaBarbaraBowl_6065951_05
    Santa Barbara Bowl
    5 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    7 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art
    7 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

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Property amenities

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

Restaurants on site

  • The Bar
  • The Dining Room
  • The Lounge
  • The Pool
  • The Terrace

Things to do

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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 32,292 square feet of conference space
  • 7 meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a state park
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Full-service spa

  • 7 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Outdoor treatment areas
  • Reflexology
  • Spa open daily

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

More

  • 2 floors
  • 32 buildings
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1918
  • Colonial architecture
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

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

Entertainment

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

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 allowed for an extra charge of USD 175 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Food and water bowls and pet-sitting services are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 57.0 per night
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • 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 have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property
Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision
Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa, and guests under 18 years old are only allowed with adult supervision

Frequently asked questions

Does El Encanto Santa Barbara have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is El Encanto Santa Barbara pet-friendly?

Yes, this hotel allows pets (limit 2 total). There's a fee of USD 175 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Valet parking is available for USD 40.00 per night.

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

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

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

Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is El Encanto Santa Barbara located?

This family-friendly Santa Barbara hotel is located by the ocean, within 2 mi (3 km) of Mission Santa Barbara, El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, and Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Santa Barbara Zoo and Lotusland are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Reviews

El Encanto Santa Barbara Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 462 out of 570 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 53 out of 570 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 32 out of 570 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 570 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 570 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location up in the hills , views , quiet , relaxing . Staff is very friendly and helpful . Pool was great , very very clean . Food was good , I recommend the short ribs ♥️♥️one of the best I’ve had . It was a wonderful little weekend get away , I will definitely be going back , loved it !
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
beautiful property, with many separate cottages, beautifully kept property, gorgeous views.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Arthur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great staff restaurant is questionable but sufficient.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Valerie

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

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda

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

10/10 Excellent

amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was beautiful and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pauline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfect retreat-like experience—the views are amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is a hidden gem. My parents told me romantic as it gets so 15 years or so later gave it a try! It was awesomely romantic. It was almost perfection with only one small ding. The food choices were not 5 stars and the price point is a little extreme and not likely to leave for food once there. I would say this place is a must for romantic couples looking for no more than 2 nights. Will be back and treated exceptionally well!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sofia Dylan

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Travis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was absolutely exceptional and made the experience so great. Can't wait to go back again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kjell

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell

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

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was wonderful
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim

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

The American Riviera Holiday

Fabulous hotel and staff! The view makes you feel like you’re in Italy and they are dog and kid friendly!! The perfect vacation from LA!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Josephine

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

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

A classic family retreat

A great family get-away with with grandchildren and adult children- located in the hills of Santa Barbara- an ideal place to un-wind and relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kara

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

10/10 Excellent

Natasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent front desk manager Armando. Beautiful serene luxurious property with great service. The best property in the area surpasses the Rosewood for quiet and serenity.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

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

Living large

Beautiful setting and rooms World class service
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A jacuzzi and music around the pool.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chantal

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