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Facilities
Property facilities
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Health or beauty spa nearby
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Electric bicycle charging station
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Fitness facilities (surcharge)
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Air conditioning
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Swimming pool
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Restaurant
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Room service
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Terrace
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Family rooms
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Pets allowed
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Luggage storage
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Express check-in/check-out
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Safety deposit box
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Fax/photocopying
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Tour desk
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Facilities for disabled guests
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Ironing service
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Car hire
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Sauna
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Massage services
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Non-smoking throughout
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Private check-in/check-out
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Board games/puzzles
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Concierge service
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Allergy-free room
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Heated pool
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Evening entertainment
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Salt-water pool
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Outdoor furniture
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Fruits
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Pet bowls
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Spa/wellness center services
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Fence around pool
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Beauty Services
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Pet basket
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Manicure
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Pedicure
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Personal trainer
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Staff adhere to local safety protocols
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Guest rooms disinfected between stays
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Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
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Physical distancing rules followed
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Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
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Cashless payment available
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Fire extinguishers
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First aid kit available
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Sanitized tableware & silverware
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Contactless check-in/check-out
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Invoice provided
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Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
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Smoke alarms
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Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
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Guest room sealed after cleaning
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Property cleaned by professional cleaning companies
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Physical distancing in dining areas
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Key access
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Food delivered to guest room
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Process in place to check health of guests
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Access to health care professionals
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Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
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Face masks for guests available
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24-hour security
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Delivered food - securely covered
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Thermometers for guests provided by property
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Key card access
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Broadcast Live sport events
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Aerobics
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Supervised childcare/activities
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Television in common areas
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Front desk (limited hours)
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Express check-in
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Free wired internet
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Self parking (surcharge)
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Pool sun loungers
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Beach yoga on site
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Fitness facilities (surcharge)
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Internet access
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Housekeeping on request
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Concerts/live shows
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Private picnics
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Wine release events
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Reception hall
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Exercise/lap pool
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Japanese garden
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Covered parking
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Secured parking
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Health or beauty spa nearby
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Swimming nearby
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Electric bicycle charging station
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Vegetarian menu options available
Review Highlights
Categories
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Property Description
Sweeping Pacific Ocean Views:
Experience breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from our boutique hotel, located just 5 minutes' drive from Central Santa Barbara.
Luxurious Amenities:
Indulge in our outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre, and on-site bar and restaurant. Each spacious room features a flat-screen TV, minibar, fireplace, and seating area, all with complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Convenience and Recreation:
Enjoy our 24-hour reception, business centre, and fitness centre during your stay. Explore nearby attractions like the Santa Barbara Mission, Botanical Gardens, and Municipal Golf Course, all within 2-10 minutes' drive from El Encanto.
Book now to experience the perfect blend of luxury and convenience at El Encanto.
You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.
Please note: For Premier Bungalow and Deluxe Bungalow Room Types the bed type is by request only and is not a guarantee.
For reservations booked with breakfast the maximum credit is $60 per day.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Property Policies
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Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
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Groups
When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
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Internet
WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.
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Children and extra bed policy
Children of any age are allowed.
Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
People no matter the age stay for US$40 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay. -
Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 45 per day.
Location
Guest Reviews
Absolutely amazing location, with stunning views and the concept of a romantic village, with tonnes of plants, small villa houses and a labirynth of paths. It’ slike moving to a different world for several days. Peaceful and quiet , with stunning views over the city and the ocean, El Encanto brings calm, joy and a complete relaxation. Cleaniness and overal quality is the top. AlsovVery helpful staff. Overall, one of the best stays for a couple I can ever imagine.
No such specific things, perhaps selection at the restaurant might be a bit wider, but there are no missing things at El Encanto overall.
I’ve stayed at this place multiple times when it was the Belmond and loved it. I would give the valet staff 5 stars as they are fantastic- but overall disappointing weekend. Also 2-3 front desk staff great / other than that - service and front desk really need help. Have one more night and frankly if it wasn’t my bday weekend and I had two rooms I paid for I would leave.
There are 2 or so front desk staff who are borderline rude. Before the trip I emailed and called multiple times to ensure my 82 year old father and I would have rooms next to each other and without stairs. 2 days before after still not getting confirmation, the woman I spoke with was unprofessional and kept telling me about all their phone issues and how she had no idea was I was talking about and seemed to have no idea what the Fine Hotels and Resort Program was . I was then hung up on 4 times. This same hanging up/disconnection experience occurred almost every time I called from my room after arrival too - over 15 times I was hung up on in a 24 hour period. Then calling back - waiting on hold for 10 minutes - then hung up on again. So unacceptable. Never experienced that ever at a 5 star resort.
When we finally got to the rooms - I had to again explain that I had the Terrace room despite calling and explaining in multiple emails who had what room. Also - there was then a large amount of stairs up to my room - which prevented my dad from coming up often due to the difficulties of climbing the stairs (exactly what I spent 3 months and multiple emails trying to avoid).
The first night it took 45 minutes to get a bucket of ice - and only after calling 3 times - I even offered to just go pick it up myself after no one came. The amazing valet team finally brought the ice after hearing no one bring it on the radio. FYI - no guest can get ice themselves. Again - props to the valet team. Same issue occurred the next day too with the ice. The Terrace chairs, table and floor in the room were filthy on check in. While they cleaned it after calling them - I shouldn’t have to at this level of resort on first arriving.
My air conditioning wouldn’t work on the first morning and my toilet never flushed properly (and would randomly flush at night waking me up). We also had multiple service issues - and despite multiple attempts at filing out their forms prior to arrival on preferred service times, speaking with them after this wasn’t honored, then literally coming from the front desk who assured service would come after 12 - only to get back from that conversation and have them knocking at my door at 10:30AM- 30 minutes later). I gave up.
Today my bathroom sink stopped draining - video tapped it as I felt like the hotel thinks I’m making all these issues up - and after yet another failed turn down service time - I gave up trying to get yet another thing fixed.
All this happened on my birthday which made it sting more. We went to lunch at Rosewood and the service there was night and day.
The restaurant - food was great - but bizarre experience there too (felt like I was being punk’d - kept waiting for some hidden camera).
All and all don’t think I will be back or recommend this place which is sad after having been so many times and loved it. Can’t justify the cost at this level of service - rather go to Rosewood or Four Seasons when its reopens.
It was a very charming property and really beautifully landscaped
Shout outs to the Nolan the valet - who really made the stay so pleasant, as well as Eric at the front desk , the housekeeping, wait staff at the restaurant.
Some of the staff at the front desk were not as helpful in regards to suggestions of where to go or what to do in the area - we got more info from the valet then the front desk staff. But everyone was very friendly.
This is truly a magical place. One of my top three hotels ever. Everybody is so nice and attentive. The property is very well kept and the rooms are spacious. The view is simply magnificent. We will definitely come back.
Nothing
The grounds were beautiful with a very lush landscape. The room was spacious with a great bathtub and shower combination. The service at the restaurant was wonderful, attentive but relaxed! The food was incredible. The view and vibe was elegant and refined, yet very relaxed! Loved it.
Good location, good environment
It was absolutely a disappointing experience. The hotel room’s shower was rusty and BROKEN completely. They took 30 minutes to send a handy man over, took 1 hour to mess around the bathroom and DID NOT fix the issue. Without any formal apology, they simply gave us a key to the next door to use the bathroom. It was a rainy morning and we had to wear bathrobe and walk outside just to use the basic service that even a cheap motel provides in room. It’s been almost a month since our stay, and no any form of apology so far. DO NOT STAY here unless this is what you expect for 800USD a night.
We just left after 4 nights of celebrating my husband’s birthday with friends. Wow! what a great hotel. our suite had incredible views and the vibe was just great. Every time we returned to the hotel we were welcomed like family. Huge shoutout to Hugo and Linda! They were so sweet and helpful. We can’t wait to come back.
I had an amazing time at lunch and the pool. The servers gave excellent service and would 100% recommend this place for a day trip.
We stayed at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel for a romantic getaway, and it was exactly what we were hoping for — private, quiet, and beautifully done without feeling over the top.
The bungalow layout makes a big difference. It feels secluded and intimate, with plenty of space to relax together. Coffee on the patio in the morning and a glass of wine overlooking the ocean at sunset were simple but memorable highlights.
Service was polished but never intrusive. The team struck the right balance — attentive, efficient, and genuinely welcoming. Dinner on property was excellent and made it easy to settle in and stay put for the evening.
The setting above Santa Barbara gives you incredible views while still being just minutes from town, so it’s easy to explore during the day and retreat back to calm at night.
If you’re looking for a romantic escape that feels special but still comfortable and understated, El Encanto delivers. We’d absolutely return.
Beautiful hotel and restaurant in the hills above Santa Barbara. Great service and the views were killer.
Absolutely fantastic property. Beautifully well done modern touches while keeping the old school feel . Restaurant , pool and bar were delicious. The team there makes you feel so at home that you don’t ever want to leave. Definitely returning soon!
Just simply breathtaking!!! A paradise in the Santa Barbara hills! The staff was super friendly! The food in the restaurant is top notch!
Wonderful hotel, incredibly hospitable staff, beautiful property
Amazing property, you feel like youre visiitng friend's home. Property nd views are lovely. Had a dinner and daily breakfast at the restaurant and everything was great. Rooms and bathrokms were huge and beautiful, only concern is some rooms can be pretty far away from common areas.
The scenery
They don’t have the pictures updated on the site.
They wanted to charge us for taking pictures.
Went with a Backroads cycling group. The room was very large with an absolutely enormous bathroom, with the rooms scattered around the property in various stuccoed casitas. The rooms were very nice and the restaurant/bar area was lovely, with the outdoor eating area having a lovely view over Santa Barbara. Not a convenient place for walking about Santa Barbara but an excellent choice if you do not mind being somewhat up in the hills.
Not ready for prime time. While the grounds are gorgeous and the rooms are lovely, it is clear that the new management has not prepared their staff properly. From the front desk to the bell staff to housekeeping, they were not performing at the five-star level that the price should deliver.
The food was horrifically bad. The service was amateurish. The prices were insane.
I simply cannot imagine why anybody would go through such a gastronomic nightmare twice.
The dinner menu was simply weird -- with very few choices. Rather than pay for a ridiculously expensive steak, I chose a ridiculously expensive plate of pasta caccio e peppe. What I got was overcooked pasta with an insipid, watery butter sauce with black pepper. I asked the waitress for some parmigiano (I guessed they didn't have any pecorino romano), but she never came back.
Save a whole lot of money. Go anyplace else.
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