El Encanto Santa Barbara Business photoEl Encanto Santa Barbara Room photoEl Encanto Santa Barbara Room photo

El Encanto Santa Barbara

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Check rooms and rates
From$474 /night
Check-in
04Sept
Check-out
05Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, 93103
-
Near the Pacific Coast
Perfect
9.0
9.7
/10
4.5
4.5
/5

***** Boutique resort on a 7-acre hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Accommodations & Grounds

The hotel consists of about 30 buildings scattered over 7 acres of landscaped gardens. Suites offer underfloor heating, private outdoor terraces, and a pillow menu guests can select from. Rooms also include a fireplace, a large bathroom with separate rain shower and soaking tub, and 2 sinks set in an alcove.

Dining & Entertainment

The fine dining restaurant serves dishes with locally sourced ingredients on an outdoor terrace overlooking the city and ocean. Expertly crafted cocktails and artisanal picnic baskets are available for guests. Evening entertainment includes live music performances by jazz professionals.

Wellness & Recreation

The full-service spa offers body treatments, facial treatments, couples massage, and a full list of services including body wraps and scrubs. Facilities include a steam room in both locker rooms, a sauna, and a fitness center with 2 Peloton bikes. The signature zero-edge outdoor pool is heated, salt-water, and open year-round with sun loungers and pool towels provided.

Location & Services

The hotel sits on a hill in a residential area with sweeping ocean vistas, 2 miles from the Santa Barbara Mission and Botanical Gardens. A complimentary shuttle service covers a 5-mile radius, and guests receive complimentary use of electric bicycles. Valet parking and an electric vehicle charging station are available on site.

Pet-Friendly & Family Amenities

Pet-friendly accommodations include gourmet canine meal options, pet baskets, and pet bowls. Children are offered board games and puzzles, and babysitting services can be arranged. The hotel also provides cribs, baby blankets, and baby soaps for families traveling with infants.

Highlights

Accommodations: Suites with underfloor heating, fireplace, soaking tub, and pillow menu

Dining: Restaurant with locally sourced ingredients on ocean-view terrace

Wellness: Full-service spa, heated salt-water pool, steam room, sauna, and 2 Peloton bikes

Location: 7 acres of gardens overlooking the Pacific, 2 miles from Santa Barbara Mission

Services: Complimentary shuttle, electric bicycles, valet parking, and EV charging

Pets: Gourmet canine meal options, pet basket, and pet bowls

“El Encanto, with its meticulously restored 1920s architecture and lush gardens overlooking the Pacific, whispers understated luxury; the serene spa and unique afternoon tea service are especially tempting. It's an intimate Santa Barbara retreat that blends historic charm with modern indulgence; I believe couples seeking a romantic escape will find it exceptionally appealing.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
  • King Room Terrace
    2 persons
    38 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • King Suite Terrace
    2 persons
    50 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Garden Bungalow
    2 persons
    61 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review 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
Show more

Dining Onsite

Nestled in the enchanting El Encanto Santa Barbara, The Dining Room offers a delightful blend of American flavors with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Guests can savor the charm of both an elegant indoor space and a family-friendly outdoor terrace, bringing a taste of local brilliance to every meal.
  • The Dining Room

    American with a focus on vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options
    Ambiance
    An inviting indoor dining space complemented by a spacious outdoor terrace with heaters and blankets for cooler days, making it ideal for families and romantic gatherings alike.
    Key Offerings
    Signature dishes include smoked salmon mousse with lemon-zested crème fraiche and fresh rosemary scones paired with strawberry basil jam. Indulge in sustainable seafood matched with homegrown herbs, and enjoy gourmet picnic baskets featuring local Californian wine or bubbles.
    Reservation
    Yes
    Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour.

Location

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, 93103
Explore Santa Barbara
Nearby Attractions and Activities
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
10 minutes walking
Natural history exhibits and a planetarium offer insights into local wildlife. A great family-friendly activity with free admission days.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara
15 minutes walking
Historic site with beautiful gardens and exhibits detailing local history. Guided tours highlight its rich significance and architecture.
Franceschi Park
Franceschi Park
14 minutes walking
Scenic park features walking trails and panoramic city views. Ideal for a peaceful afternoon picnic or a family stroll.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara Zoo
10 minutes driving
Home to over 500 animals, this small, charming zoo focuses on conservation and education. Great for families and kids of all ages.
Hiking at Seven Falls
10 minutes driving
Challenging hiking trails lead to stunning waterfalls. Perfect for thrill-seekers looking for adventure amidst nature's beauty.
Spa Day at Salt Cave Santa Barbara
10 minutes driving
Relaxing experience in a unique salt cave, offering wellness treatments that rejuvenate the mind and body. Reservations recommended.
Cycling along Santa Barbara Beach
10 minutes driving
Enjoy scenic views while biking along the beachfront path. Rentals available nearby to bask in the sun and fresh air.
Belmond El Encanto
3 minutes walking
Elegant dining with Californian cuisine and stunning views. Signature dishes include fresh seafood and farm-to-table specials.
Loquita Santa Barbara
10 minutes driving
Spanish-style restaurant with vibrant tapas and paella. Happy hour is a highlight, featuring unique cocktails in a lively ambiance.
Santa Barbara Public Market
10 minutes driving
Casual dining atmosphere with diverse food vendors offering global cuisine. Great for groups with varying tastes and dietary needs.
Riviera Theatre
4 minutes walking
Historic theater offering a wide array of performances including films and live shows. A cozy venue perfect for movie buffs.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Santa Barbara Bowl
15 minutes walking
An open-air amphitheater known for spectacular concerts. Great vibe, exceptional acoustics, and a stunning backdrop make it memorable.
San Marcos Building Courtyard
3 minutes walking
Charming courtyard space that hosts local events, markets, and performances. Family-friendly atmosphere with vibrant community spirit.
Local transport and travel tips
  • City Centre
    Santa Barbara 22 min  ·  1.8 km
  • Airports
    Santa Barbara (SBA) 30 min  ·  19.8 km
    Presidente Itamar Franco (iza) 70 min  ·  46.5 km
  • Train
    Santa Barbara Amtrak 5 min  ·  3.1 km
    Santa Barbara Amtrak Station 5 min  ·  3.1 km
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
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Check Rates
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 true.
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:
94
Former name
El Encanto by Orient-Express

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about El Encanto Santa Barbara from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 169 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
90 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
8.9/10
Free WiFi
10.0/10
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
7.7/10
Pros
Delicious breakfast
Excellent service
Spacious room
Peaceful location
Cons
Dated furniture
Small pool area
Noisy guests
Guest reviews
based on 96 reviews
9.0/10
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.
Open reviews
FAQs
About El Encanto Santa Barbara
What are the check-in and check-out times at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is El Encanto Santa Barbara from Santa Barbara's city center?
The hotel is located 5 km from the city center of Santa Barbara.
What amenities do the rooms at El Encanto Santa Barbara offer?
Rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, fireplace, and a sitting area overlooking gardens.
Does El Encanto Santa Barbara have on-site dining options?
The hotel features one restaurant that includes a spacious outdoor terrace and an elegant indoor dining room.
What wellness amenities does El Encanto Santa Barbara offer?
The hotel offers a full-service spa with a range of treatments, a sauna, and a modern fitness center.
How far is the nearest airport to El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel is 20 km from Santa Barbara Airport.
What activities can guests enjoy at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Guests can participate in hiking, cycling, yoga classes, and enjoy live music performances.
What nearby attractions can guests visit while staying at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Nearby attractions include Santa Barbara Mission and the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, both located within 3 km.
What type of breakfast is served at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel provides in-room breakfast options and offers a gourmet dining experience in the restaurant.
Is there a swimming pool at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel features an outdoor saltwater pool that is heated and open year-round.

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