EL ENCANTO SANTA BARBARA | Book your stay in Santa Barbara, California

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Key details

Property overview

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103

Close to the surf-lapped cliffs of the Pacific Coast

Perfect

9.0

9.7

/10

4.5

Loved by El Encanto Santa Barbara guests

Amazing views
Relaxed atmosphere
Attentive staff
Luxurious amenities
Comfortable rooms
Exquisite food

"The rooms are fantastic and surrounded by fantastic view."

Ngar from Hong Kong

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"The rooms are big and well appointed."

heatherdl from United States

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"Perched atop a hill, the property offers breathtaking views and an atmosphere of pure charm."

Yvonne

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Rooms & Bungalows

El Encanto Santa Barbara provides rooms, bungalows, and suites. Accommodations range from 320-730ft2 (29-67m2) with king/queen-size beds or two double beds. Each includes a marble bathroom with heated stone floors. Select rooms provide ocean-facing patios. Rooms offer amenities such as ironing facilities, climate control, tea/coffee makers, sitting areas, terraces, trouser presses, complimentary Wi-Fi, garden furniture, toiletries, cookware, AM/FM alarm clocks, and flat-screen TVs. Some units feature fireplaces and kitchenettes. Bungalows have heated stone floors, dual sinks, marble counters, and rainforest showerheads. The hotel offers accessible guest rooms with mobility features, including doors with 32 inches of clear width, lowered door viewers, transfer benches, grab bars, roll-in showers, and adjustable shower wands.

Dining Experiences

The hotel has one restaurant with an outdoor terrace and an indoor dining room, featuring sustainable seafood, herbs, and cheeses produced with milk from its own cow. Dining options include: The Dining Room and Terrace, serving coastal cuisine and local ingredients; Botanica Afternoon Tea, with custom-blended teas; The Lounge, which offers cocktails and sharing platters; and The Bar, for wines and gourmet snacks. Gourmet picnic baskets are available with options like Maine lobster rolls or Bento-style meals. On Sundays, live music accompanies dining.

Leisure and Wellness

El Encanto Santa Barbara provides a zero-edge swimming pool open daily from 11am to 5pm and a fitness studio with Technogym equipment and classes. The Spa at El Encanto includes seven treatment rooms providing massages, facials, and body wraps, including a signature massage with citrus, basil, and mint essential oils. Guests can explore seven acres of gardens with a lily pond inhabited by turtles. Winter visitors can observe Monarch butterflies in the gardens.

Location & Transportation

Located in Santa Barbara, El Encanto is 4 km from the Santa Barbara Amtrak and 20 km from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from State Street and a 30-minute drive from Santa Barbara wine country in Santa Ynez Valley. The hotel provides a courtesy car for transport within a five-mile radius, including to Santa Barbara attractions like Main Street and the Santa Barbara Mission. Complimentary bicycles are available. The Pacific Surfliner train offers service along the coastline.

Hotel Services

El Encanto provides a range of services, including a house car for local transport within a five-mile radius. It offers event spaces for meetings, weddings, and conferences. Guests can request personal training at the fitness studio. There are specialized experiences such as virtual healing Mandala sessions and guided tours with local experts.

“Nestled amidst lush gardens with Pacific vistas, this restored 1920s hotel emphasizes tailored culinary moments and complimentary electric bicycles for exploring the Santa Barbara Mission; the superb service and the delightful dining, particularly the delicious breakfast, stand out. For those seeking relaxation and refined tastes, its blend of historic charm and modern luxury creates an intimate and serene escape.”

Michael TurnerEditor, UsCalifornia

Location: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

View property location

How it felt to stay here

Shine on Socials

“Perched atop a hill, the property offers breathtaking views and an atmosphere of pure charm.”

YvonneJune 2024

Away at Home

“To the quaint rooms to the amazing food at the restaurant and the fireplace in the rooms - wow, that makes the experience that much more relaxing especially when going up for business.”

J6569KVmikeaJanuary 2025

Explorers, Not Tourists

“They are very clean. Service is exceptionally friendly.”

heatherdlJanuary 2025

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Choose your preferred room

The property features double rooms, family rooms, and suites, often including breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers

King Room Terrace

2 persons

410 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

King Suite Terrace

2 persons

540 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Garden Bungalow

2 persons

660 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Fireplace

room details

Premier King Room Terrace

2 persons

540 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Fireplace

room details

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Calendar of room availability and rates

See current availability and pricing for your dates

Facilities

Amenities are designed to ensure comfort and memorable stays

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
On-site car park
Handicap 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

Guest Parking

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

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

Dining Onsite

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers a delightful dining experience at The Dining Room, where locally sourced ingredients meet culinary creativity. The setting combines an elegant indoor atmosphere with a spacious outdoor terrace, inviting guests to indulge in authentic American flavors across multiple meal times.

The Dining Room

American cuisine

Ambiance

Elegant indoor space complemented by a spacious outdoor terrace featuring heaters and blankets for cooler evenings.

Key Offerings

Enjoy a range of dining options from breakfast to dinner, including sustainable seafood paired with homegrown herbs, gourmet picnic baskets, and a special canine menu for furry companions. Unique delights include smoked salmon mousse and rosemary scones with strawberry basil jam.

Reservation

Recommended

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Cocktail hour; specific hours may vary.

El Encanto Santa Barbara Location

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103

Map view

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103

City landmarks

Church

Old Mission Santa Barbara

4100 ft

Park

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

1.5 mi

Harbour

Stearns Wharf

2.2 mi

Museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

2600 ft

Park

Franceschi Park

3600 ft

Museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

1.5 mi

Park

Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden

4900 ft

Garden

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

2.0 mi

Landmark

Peabody Stadium

1.2 mi

Landmark

Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum

1.4 mi

Park

Mission Rose Garden

2100 ft

Park

Alameda Park

4000 ft

Zoo

Santa Barbara Zoo

2.5 mi

Museum

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

1.3 mi

Museum

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

1.9 mi

Landmark

St Francis Medical Center

2500 ft

Landmark

Santa Barbara Bowl

4000 ft

Landmark

Santa Barbara Parks Dept

2800 ft

Landmark

Andalucia Building

2800 ft

Landmark

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

2800 ft

Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

1.4 mi

Landmark

Temple Bnai Brith

3300 ft

Landmark

Santa Barbara Msem Natrl Hstry

3400 ft

Theatre

Granada Theatre

1.4 mi

Park

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

1.6 mi

Amusement Park

Kids World

1.1 mi

Park

Rocky Nook Park

1.5 mi

Mall

The Historic La Arcada Courtyard

1.8 mi

Nearby

Riviera Theatre

1000 ft

Mall

San Marcos Building Courtyard

700 ft

Restaurants

Belmond El Encanto

800 ft

800 Alvarado Pl

Explore Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

10 minutes walking

A treasure trove of exhibits showcasing local flora and fauna, featuring planetarium shows and nature trails.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

15-minute walk

Historic Spanish mission known for its picturesque architecture and beautiful gardens, offering guided tours for history enthusiasts.

Franceschi Park

14 minutes walking

Scenic park with stunning views of the city and ocean, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks along its lush trails.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

30 minutes walking

Architectural gem with a famous clock tower, offering breathtaking views and beautiful gardens, great for a peaceful stroll.

Hiking at Seven Falls

25 minutes driving

Thrilling hike through a scenic canyon leading to beautiful waterfalls, accessible with parking options available.

Yoga at Salt Cave Santa Barbara

6 minutes driving

Relaxing yoga sessions in a unique salt cave setting, ideal for mindfulness and rejuvenation, advance booking recommended.

Biking along the Beachfront

10 minutes driving

Scenic biking along Santa Barbara's beautiful coastline, bike rentals available at nearby shops for easy access.

Farmers Market at Santa Barbara

8-minute drive

Vibrant local market showcasing fresh produce and artisan goods, offering a taste of California's local flavors every week.

Belmond El Encanto

3 minutes walking

Elegant dining with stunning views, featuring farm-to-table cuisine and a seasonal menu. Reservations recommended.

Loquita Santa Barbara

8 minutes driving

Modern Spanish cuisine in a vibrant setting, famous for tapas and a lively atmosphere, catering to various dietary needs.

Convivo Restaurant and Bar

5 minutes driving

Sophisticated spot with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, known for using local ingredients and offering vegetarian options.

The Palace Grill

10 minutes driving

Casual eatery with a vibrant vibe, specializing in Cajun-Creole dishes, featuring live music on select nights.

Riviera Theatre

4 minutes walking

Historic venue showcasing films and live performances, perfect for a cozy night out with a charming ambiance.

Santa Barbara Bowl

15 minutes walking

Iconic outdoor amphitheater offering concerts and events in a stunning hillside setting, ideal for music lovers.

The Good Lion

9 minutes driving

Trendy bar known for craft cocktails and small plates, often featuring live music and a friendly, upbeat atmosphere.

Santa Barbara Zoo

10 minutes driving

Family-friendly zoo with a variety of animals and interactive exhibits, ideal for visitors of all ages; advance tickets may be necessary.

Local transportation

City Centre

Santa Barbara22 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 Amtrak5 min · 1.9 mi

Santa Barbara Amtrak Station5 min · 1.9 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:30

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site at USD 45 per day.

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:

Former name

El Encanto by Orient-Express

Guest ratings and reviews

Guest feedback from past stays

Review score

Based on 123 verified reviews

9.3/10

Perfect

92%

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.5/10

Comfort

9.5/10

Facilities

9.1/10

Location

9.5/10

Staff

9.1/10

Value for money

8.0/10

Pros

Delicious breakfast

Perfect service

Amazing location

Beautiful hotel

Cons

Dated room

Missing details

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.

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FAQs

About El Encanto Santa Barbara

How far is El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel from the city centre?

Santa Barbara city centre is reachable within a 20-minute walk from El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel.

Which airport is the closest to the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel?

The closest airport to the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel is Santa Barbara airport (20 km) and it is reachable with a 32-minute drive.

Is there a parking at El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel?

Yes, El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel features private car parking on site.

What payment methods are available in El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel?

At El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel, you can pay using Visa, American Express, and Diners Club.

What room types are available at the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel?

Bungalow, Deluxe King Room, and Premier King Room are among the room types available at the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel.

Is the staff at the Santa Barbara hotel multilingual?

Yes, the staff of the Santa Barbara hotel speaks French, German, Italian, Spanish, and English.

Does the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel offer facilities for business travellers?

The El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel conveniently features conference equipment and a xerox as well as a meeting room on-site.

Which facilities are available in El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel?

Top locations of El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel include a restaurant and luggage storage, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a safe deposit box and 24-hour security service.

Is there a swimming pool in the Santa Barbara hotel?

Yes, the Santa Barbara hotel features an adult pool.

Which children services are provided at the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel?

For guests staying at the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel with their children, child care services will be extremely useful.