Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful location
Friendly staff
Great food
Cons:
Limited amenities
Room issues
Inconsistent service

Categories

Cleanliness
9.55
Property was clean and well maintained.
Service
10
Incredible staff with attentive service.
Location
10
Beautiful location and grounds.
Room Quality
8.55
Room was dated, with some functional issues noted.
Amenities
8.55
Limited amenities were mentioned, impacting the overall experience.
Value for Money
9.05
Overpriced for what was provided, especially noted in room quality.
Food and Beverage
9.55
Food was delicious but service was inconsistent.
Overall Experience
9.95
Overall a wonderful experience, with minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 04:53

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.

Important information:

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.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 AM
Airport code: SBA

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • 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

9.4
Based on 239 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.55
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 8.55
Amenities: 8.55
Value for Money: 9.05
Food and Beverage: 9.55
Overall Experience: 9.95
M
michelk136 • Friends getaway • New York City, New York
10
Extra Special Service With A Very Personal Touch
Pros:

Special shout out to Alec Foster, the general manager of the restaurant, who made our meal experience extra special. I will be back… for sure… and am excited at the renovations to be made.

2026-05-11 • via Tripadvisor
I
Inês • couple • pt
10
Um verdadeiro Encanto!!! Ambiente único
Pros:

A beleza e sossego do resort, o enquadramento na paisagem, o espaço de refeições, a qualidade do quarto e a simpatia dos empregados

Cons:

O facto do duche não funcionar com a pressão de água correta.

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
D
Deborah • family_with_children • gb
6
I was staying there for my daughter’s wedding which was beautiful but my experience wasn’t the best
Pros:

The location and gardens

Cons:

I had stayed at this hotel previously and thought the rooms beautiful but sadly the room I had this time was not up to expectations. The night of my arrival I wanted to have a bath and as I stood beside it to turn on the taps a side panel fell on to my foot.
A gentleman came to fix it but it happened again in the morning.
For breakfast I ordered a matcha latte and a croissant to the room but it took so long I went to the outside dining terrace and asked them to bring it to me there. When it arrived it was a cappuccino and not a matcha and the croissant was minuscule !!! For that I was charged $25 + taxes

2026-05-04 • via Nuitee
S
Shari • couple • us
10
2026-05-01 • via Nuitee
J
Jamie • solo_traveller • us
9
2026-04-23 • via Nuitee
J
Jamie • solo_traveller • us
9
2026-04-23 • via Nuitee
F
Filippo • couple • it
10
2026-04-19 • via Nuitee
K
KellyC485 • Couples • Dana Point, California
10
Change aint always bad
Pros:

Look, when something is great, like the El Encanto, nobody wants it to change, especially not us after 6 visits we dont want a mustache on our Mona Lisa . But you know what things can change and actually be as good or better . The view hasnt changed , the bar and rooms are world class and staff are still amazing . So whats changed ,there seems to be more employees so you seldom wait for anything . When you order breakfast from roomservice it comes at 9 to the moment .The Menu has changed but Caviar is stll availible and the pasta , burger and salads with protein are better than ever ,the deserts havent changed you can still get key lime pie and Goleta Lemon even amazing coffee drinks . So yea the El Encanto changed but dont panic under Thomas and the new people it might actually be better .

2026-04-12 • via Tripadvisor
S
sabrina • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-04-11 • via Nuitee
R
rebecav240 • Family • Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
10
It’s worth every penny
Pros:

This hotel is truly excellent. I’m leaving today after four nights without a single complaint.

The experience was outstanding from the moment I made the reservation. Jessica was incredibly helpful, ensuring our three rooms were side by side and that every request was perfectly arranged—crib, rollaway bed, and even accommodations for our daughter’s dog, complete with a bed and bowls.

The rooms are beautiful and spacious. Housekeeping is exceptional—almost invisible—tidying up while you’re at breakfast and returning later for a thoughtful turndown service.

The pool offers stunning views, with attentive staff anticipating every need, from sunscreen to food, drinks, and fresh towels. The gardens are immaculate and fragrant—I only wish I could take the scent of jasmine home with me.

2026-04-06 • via Tripadvisor
O
Oleg • family_with_children • de
5
Das Hotel ist das Geld gar nicht wert. Schade.
Pros:

Die Lage ist wunderschön!

Cons:

Das Frühstück absolut mittelmäßig, von einem 5 Sterne-Haus meilenweit entfernt.
Die Zimmer sind sehr hellhörig, die Wohneinheiten stehen viel zu nah zu einander. Eine Privatsphäre ist so gut wie gar nicht vorhanden.

2026-04-05 • via Nuitee
R
Radoslaw • family_with_children • pl
10
2026-04-03 • via Nuitee
B
Bartosz • couple • pl
9
Amazing place for a romantic trip for a couple. Idyllic, green, great location, scenic views and friendly and supportive
Pros:

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.

Cons:

No such specific things, perhaps selection at the restaurant might be a bit wider, but there are no missing things at El Encanto overall.

2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
I
I2605OEjilln • Friends getaway
6
Service really downgraded from Belmond
Pros:

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.

2026-03-21 • via Tripadvisor
T
Tarunkumar Ty • couple • in
10
Lovely property , with warm and friendly staff - highly recommended
Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

2026-03-19 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • couple • de
10
Magic.
Pros:

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.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-19 • via Nuitee
V
Victoria • extended_group • us
10
Fabulous- lush gardens, beautiful views, attentive and friendly staff and delicious food!
Pros:

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.

2026-03-18 • via Nuitee
A
Adrian • couple • us
9
2026-03-16 • via Nuitee
T
Tianqi • couple • us
1
Horrible experience
Pros:

Good location, good environment

Cons:

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.

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
B
bbk-3 • Friends getaway
10
Birthday celebration
Pros:

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.

2026-02-23 • via Tripadvisor