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Check-in
10Mar2026Select date
Check-out
11Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
-
Close to the beach
Perfect
9.2
9.6
/10
4.5
4.5
/5

Accommodations

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers 90 suites, bungalows, and rooms, each designed in California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial styles. Rooms range from 320 to 730 square feet and feature modern amenities alongside historical charm. Many accommodations include private terraces for ocean-view relaxation.

Dining

The Dining Room and Terrace provide guests with farm-to-table coastal cuisine, utilizing ingredients from the hotel's own gardens. Guests can savor dishes like Alaskan King Crab Omelet and enjoy bespoke culinary experiences. Afternoon tea, crafted cocktails, and artisanal picnic baskets are also available.

Wellness

The Spa at El Encanto offers treatments inspired by nature's healing powers, using luxurious skincare lines. Guests can relax in the spa area or enjoy the zero-edge outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The hotel's fitness studio features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment alongside various fitness classes.

Location

El Encanto is located just 15 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport and within a short drive to State Street and the Santa Ynez Valley wine country. The hotel provides a house car to transport guests within a five-mile radius. Its hilltop setting allows for stunning views of the Pacific and surrounding gardens.

Special Experiences

The hotel offers curated activities such as architecture tours, sailing excursions, and connections to local wineries. Guests can also enjoy alfresco movie nights on private terraces and unique events like the Cinematic Speaker Series. Seasonal festivals and holiday-themed experiences add to the offerings throughout the year.

Highlights

Accommodations: 90 suites, bungalows and rooms .

Dining: farm-to-table coastal cuisine .

Wellness: The Spa & zero-edge swimming pool .

Location: 15-minute drive from Santa Barbara Airport .

Special Experiences: alfresco movie nights & Cinematic Speaker Series .

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the Santa Barbara Courthouse for stunning architecture.
  • Savor fresh tacos at La Super Rica for a local favorite meal.
  • Visit the Funk Zone for unique art galleries and wine tasting rooms.
  • Catch a sunset at the Santa Barbara Beach for breathtaking views.
  • Explore the botanic gardens for a serene escape in nature.
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Select your room type

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
King Room Terrace
2 persons
410 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
King Suite Terrace
2 persons
540 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Garden Bungalow
2 persons
660 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
Premier King Room Terrace
2 persons
540 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
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Facilities

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • 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
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Dining Onsite

El Encanto Santa Barbara features a delightful onsite dining experience at The Dining Room, where a blend of American cuisine meets fresh, local flavors. With an inviting ambiance that caters to families, couples, and everyone in between, guests can savor their meals indoors or on the cozy outdoor terrace, making every meal a special occasion.

The Dining Room

American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
Ambiance
A spacious indoor dining room paired with a charming outdoor terrace, complete with heaters and blankets for cooler days; perfect for family gatherings or romantic dinners.
Key Offerings
Menu highlights include smoked salmon mousse, rosemary scones with strawberry basil jam, and sustainable seafood paired with homegrown herbs. The restaurant also offers gourmet picnic baskets and canine meals made with veterinarian-approved ingredients.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour.

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
Nearby
Riviera Theatre
1000 ft
Mall
San Marcos Building Courtyard
700 ft
Restaurants
Belmond El Encanto
800 ft
800 Alvarado Pl
Explore Santa Barbara
Explore Santa Barbara
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
10 minutes walking
Natural history exhibits showcasing local flora and fauna. Includes interactive displays and planetarium shows.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara
15 minutes walking
Historic mission known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. Offers guided tours for deeper insights.
Franceschi Park
Franceschi Park
14 minutes walking
A serene park featuring scenic viewpoints and walking paths. Ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics amidst nature.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
30 minutes walking
Architectural gem known for its Spanish Colonial style. Visitors can climb the clock tower for panoramic views.
Hiking at Seven Falls
25 minutes driving
Thrilling hiking up to scenic waterfalls. Popular during warm months; check trail conditions beforehand.
Yoga at the Beach
10 minutes driving
Relaxing beach yoga sessions available at nearby beaches. Classes held daily; beginner-friendly and rejuvenating.
Belmond El Encanto
Belmond El Encanto
3 minutes walking
Elegant dining with stunning views. Features California-inspired dishes and locally sourced ingredients.
Loquita Santa Barbara
10 minutes driving
Vibrant Spanish cuisine with tapas and paella. Casual atmosphere with a lively outdoor patio.
Riviera Theatre
4 minutes walking
Historic venue featuring live performances and films. Check the schedule for upcoming shows and events.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Santa Barbara Bowl
15 minutes walking
Outdoor amphitheater known for concerts. Family-friendly events and a diverse lineup throughout the year.
Getting around
City Centre
Santa Barbara22 min  ·  1.1 mi
Airports
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)30 min  ·  12.3 mi
Presidente Itamar Franco Airport (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:
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 56 verified reviews
9.5/10
Perfect
97%
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.7/10
Comfort
9.7/10
Facilities
9.5/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Location
9.7/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Delicious breakfast
Fantastic service
Beautiful property
Comfortable stay
Incredible views
Cons
Dated room
Small pool area
Guest reviews
based on 78 reviews
9.2/10
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.
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FAQs
About El Encanto Santa Barbara
How far is El Encanto Santa Barbara from Santa Barbara city center?
El Encanto Santa Barbara is located 5 km from Santa Barbara city center.
What is the distance from El Encanto Santa Barbara to the Santa Barbara Mission?
The Santa Barbara Mission is located 3 km from El Encanto Santa Barbara.
What type of amenities can guests expect in the rooms at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, fireplace, and a cozy sitting area.
What dining options are available on-site at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel features two restaurants, including a fine dining restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients.
Is parking available at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Private parking is available on-site for 45 USD per day.
What wellness facilities does El Encanto Santa Barbara offer?
The hotel features a full-service spa, a modern fitness center, and an outdoor saltwater pool.
What are the check-in and check-out times at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Which nearby attractions can guests visit from El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Nearby attractions include the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens (3 km) and the Santa Barbara Municipal Golf Course (10 minutes by car).
What type of activities can guests enjoy at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Guests can enjoy hiking, live music performances, and yoga classes organized at the hotel.
What services are available for business travelers at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel provides business services, including a 24-hour front desk.
Are there any family-friendly features at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel offers babysitting and child services for families traveling with children.
Does El Encanto Santa Barbara have an outdoor pool?
Yes, El Encanto Santa Barbara features a zero-edge outdoor pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
What is the nearest airport to El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The nearest airport is Santa Barbara Airport, located 20 km from El Encanto Santa Barbara.

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