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Belmond El Encanto

Santa Barbara, CA United States
Neighborhood: Riviera
21 Reviews

Virtuoso Amenities

For 2020:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • American breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant or room service
  • $100 USD Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay. Valid on food, beverage and spa treatments. (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
PROPERTY SIZE: 92 rooms
ROOM STYLE: Contemporary
VIBE: Casual
Local Immersion Seclusion Wellness

Belmond El Encanto

Neighborhood: Riviera
Address:
800 Alvarado Place
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
United States
Nearest Airport:
Municipal (SBA)
7 mi / 11 km
Hotel Features About Us Location Guest Rooms & Suites Facts & Policies Terms & Conditions

Hotel Features

At the Hotel

Features

  • 24-hour Security
  • Air Conditioning
  • Banquet Facilities
  • Conference Facilities
  • Connecting Rooms
  • Internet Access
  • Lounge/Bar
  • Multi-lingual Staff
  • Parking
  • Pet Friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Shopping
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Services

  • Babysitting Services
  • Concierge Desk
  • House Safe
  • Housekeeping -- Twice Daily
  • Laundry/Dry Cleaning/Pressing
  • Room Service 24-hours
  • Salon
  • Shoeshine Service
  • Turndown Service
  • Valet Parking
  • Wakeup Calls
  • Wedding Services


Recreation
  • Bicycle Rental
  • Fitness Center
  • Golf
  • Pool
  • Spa


In Your Room
  • Bathrobes
  • Complimentary Coffee/Tea
  • Complimentary Newspaper
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Safe
  • Slippers

About Us

REOPENED ON THURSDAY, JUNE 25TH 2020

Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara's most enchanting hideaway - Hollywood glamour in a modern classic.

Perched high in the Santa Barbara hills, this iconic escape offers the 92 California-styled Bungalows and the best views of the American Riviera. Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, Belmond El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara's social scene ever since.

The resort is gleaming and glamorous, yet relaxed and low key. It's the kind of place that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine.

Location

Nestled between lush green mountains and a crystal blue sea, Belmond El Encanto sits atop a Santa Barbara hill just minutes away from exquisite restaurants, fine galleries, boutique wineries and the beautiful California coast. Santa Barbara’s reputation as the American Riviera is well-earned by the temperate weather and sophisticated ambiance of this Mission Canyon city.

Accommodations

92 Suites & Bungalows infused with the textures and hues of the West Coast, each Bungalow or Suite brings the best of the outdoors inside. Private Bungalows boast king-size beds, marble bathrooms, garden seating and soothing heated stone floors. Suites offer added levels of luxury, with charming open-hearth fireplaces or patios to unwind on in privacy.

The Spa and Fitness Center

The Spa at Belmond El Encanto is a serene 4,500-square-foot oasis featuring seven spacious treatment rooms, including a couples room and a wet treatment room. Guests revive with an assortment of seasonal, organic and specialty body and facial treatments that enchant as thoroughly as our lush setting. The serene, co-ed relaxation lounge invites surrender. Lavish mens and ladies lounges offer steam rooms, showers, private lockers, vanities and dressing areas. The pampering concludes with a selection of detox teas enjoyed on the outdoor patio.

Those seeking nail services will find expert professionals along with manicure and pedicure stations that merge fun and primping for your whole party. In essence, The Spa at Belmond El Encanto offers a charming setting for releasing your stress or spending an afternoon with friends.

Complimentary access to the fitness center includes:

  • Cutting-edge cardio equipment
  • TRX training system
  • Kinesis fitness products
  • Complimentary daily fitness classes and stellar personal training

Best of the Best

Perched high in the Santa Barbara hills, this iconic hideaway offers the best views of the American Riviera. Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, Belmond El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara’s social scene ever since. A Forbes Five Star resort, this enchanting escape features 92 bungalow-style suites and guest rooms with sweeping views over Santa Barbara and the Pacific Coast. The resort is gleaming and glamorous, yet relaxed and low-key – the kind of place that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine.

Advisor Tip

If you are traveling with a small group, perhaps a family reunion or intimate wedding, you can spread out in the Oak Tree Suite, with its large terrace and multiple rooms.

Health & Safety

We have outlined the main procedures regarding your stay below. For more information on Belmond’s commitment to safe travel, please see https://www.belmond.com/legal/coronavirus

Please bring your own face covering or mask to the Hotel. The Santa Barbara County Health Department requires masks to be worn in almost all Santa Barbara public areas, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, and parks.

Please be aware that we may ask you to undergo a contactless temperature check on arrival.

As you would expect, we remain uncompromising in our approach to cleanliness. We have collaborated with leading health and hygiene authorities to ensure our guests, employees and community are protected.

Please request the following services if you would like them: turn down amenity, mini-bar, complimentary tea, laundry service, magazines, and other additional housekeeping services.

Our restaurant and outdoor terrace have been spaced according to the latest state and local guidelines regarding social distancing.

Unfortunately, at this time, our spa and fitness center will remain closed during your stay.

There will be limited availability at the pool to meet physical distancing requirements. In addition, we are asking all pool guests to shower before and after using the pool. For more information, please visit or call the Front Desk.

Sustainability

Belmond El Encanto has dreamed of Zero Waste, an achievement not reached by any other Santa Barbara hotel. We replaced disposable items with earth-friendly, compostable ones. We incorporated compostable food waste, increased our recycling and decreased our regular trash. As of November 2019, we accomplished our goal of ZERO WASTE, WHICH IS 90% LANDFILL DIVERSION!

We've hosted blood drives, donated to multiple animal shelters, had successful food drives, supported Breast Cancer Resource Center, Toys for Tots, and the SB Natural History Museum. Over Thanksgiving we provide meals to Girls, Inc. of Greater SB, our local Fire Station 7, and Boys & Girls Club.

We've planted shrubs and trees for the areas devastated by the Thomas Fire, we spent Earth Day doing habitat restoration work at the SB Botanic Garden, we hosted a beach cleanup for Kids to Parks Day, and we made multiple trips to Channel Islands National Park to help repair their natural ecosystem.

Location

Address
800 Alvarado Place
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
United States
Neighborhood
Riviera
Nearest Airport
Municipal (SBA), 7 Miles / 11 Kilometers

Guest Rooms & Suites

Superior King

Every modern convenience is at your disposal as you revel in the comfort of this charming guest room. You'll delight in the refined custom furnishings, luxurious king-size bed and marble bathroom with heated floors. Hard wood flooring and natural light exude a warm ambiance while garden views welcome you to a natural wonderland just outside your door. Maximum two guests. Ave 410 sq. ft.

**Next available upgrade category - Deluxe King

  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
  • Safe
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Deluxe King

Deluxe Kings are located on the elevated edge of the resort offering spacious accommodations in a peaceful setting. Drift into blissful sleep as you sink into the plush, king-size beds with luxurious linens. Authentic hardwood floors add to the charm and over-sized windows invite the natural light in. Most Deluxe Kings offer charming fireplaces and outdoor patios with garden views. Maximum three guests. Ave 557 sq. ft.

**Next available upgrade category - Terrace King

  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
  • Safe
View More

Terrace King

These charming havens are each graced with outdoor patios or balconies, elegant furnishings, lovely hardwood floors and natural light. Many Premier Kings offer tranquil views of the verdant garden or Santa Barbara landscape. Maximum guests two, Ave 467 sq. ft.

**Next applicable upgrade category - Premier King

  • City View
  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
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One Bedroom Suite

These cozy suites feature an intimate separate living room with beautiful French doors leading into a private bedroom. Choose between a warming open-hearth fireplace or a patio with garden views. Some Superior Suites feature a plush sofa bed, to accommodate an additional guest. Maximum three guests. 616 sq. ft.

**Next applicable upgrade category - Garden Bungalow

  • City View
  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
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Terrace Suite

Nestled in a garden setting, these hidden hideaways afford the ultimate in privacy and tranquility. Each of these two-room suites is appointed with one king-size bed, sofa bed to accommodate additional guests and furnished patio. Some Maximum three guests. 511 sq. ft.

**Next applicable upgrade category - Terrace Premier Suite

  • City View
  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
View More

Terrace Premier Suite

These spectacular suites average 700 sq. ft. and offer the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Located throughout the resort's prestine grounds, each Terrace Premier Suite is appointed with a king-size bed, an exquisite fireplace, a separate spacious sitting area and all the modern amenities you may desire. You'll enjoy a furnished patio with garden or sweeping views of Santa Barbara landscape. Maximum three guests. 700 sq. ft.

**Next available upgrade category - Specialty Suite

  • City View
  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
View More

Terrace Premier King

Revel in Belmond El Encanto's largest non-suite accommodations featuring both a fireplace and patio/terrace. Ideally located throughout the seven-acre grounds with tranquil views of the garden or landscape. Maximum three guests. 625 sq. ft.

** Next available upgrade category - One Bedroom Suite

  • City View
  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
View More

Specialty Suite

Each of these spectacular suites is excitingly different and serves as a perfect romantic retreat. Located throughout the resort's prestine grounds, our Specialty Suites are appointed with a king-size bed, an exquisite fireplace, kitchenettes, and a separate spacious sitting area. You'll enjoy a private terrace, as well as sweeping views of Santa Barbara's coasine or the verdant garden. Maximum three guests. 830 - 1100 sq. ft.

  • City View
  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Microwave
View More

Premier King

These charming havens are feature cozy fireplaces, elegant furnishings, lovely hardwood floors, natural light and are ideally located on the resort. Many Premier Kings offer tranquil views of the verdant garden or Santa Barbara landscape. Maximum three guests, Ave 593 sq. ft...

  • City View
  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
View More

Deluxe Double

Ideal for families traveling with children or the girls getaway, these Deluxe Doubles feature two double beds, luxury furnishings, marble bathrooms with heated floors, and hard wood flooring. Some offer fireplaces, terraces, and the ability to connect to another guest room. Maximum four guests, Ave 485 sq. ft.

** Next available upgrade category - N/A

  • City View
  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
View More

Garden Bungalow

Enjoy the privacy of your own free-standing bungalow with these spacious accommodations featuring generous furnished patios and romantic gas fireplaces. These rooms feature a large sitting area adjacent to a luxurious king-size bed, marble bathrooms with heated floors, hard wood flooring and ample natural light. Maximum three guests. Ave 615 sq. ft.

** Next available upgrade category - Terrace Suite

  • Garden View
  • Bathrobe
  • Coffee/Tea Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Refrigerator
  • Safe
View More
Total 11 Records

Facts & Policies

Facts
Experiences
Local Immersion, Seclusion, Wellness
Vibe Casual
Room Style Contemporary
Number of Rooms 92
Check-In Time 4:00 PM
Check-Out Time 12:00 PM
Early Arrivals & Late Departures

Please inquire.

Guaranteed Reservations & Deposits

A credit card is required at time of booking and will be charged 1 night's' room and tax 72 hours prior to arrival.

Cancellation Policy

Reservations must be cancelled 72 hours prior to arrival by 3:00 PM local time to avoid a cancellation fee of 1 night's room and tax.

Accepted Forms of Payment

American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, enRoute, Japanese Credit Bureau,

Terms & Conditions

Resort/facility fee applies. Please contact property for further information.



The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50. California CST# 2069091; TA# 808 - Registered Iowa Travel Agency; Washington UBI # 601 554 183. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Virtuoso Amenities

For 2020:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • American breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant or room service
  • $100 USD Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay. Valid on food, beverage and spa treatments. (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
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Reviews and Recommendations for Belmond El Encanto

95%

of 21
guests
recommend


Virtuoso Verified Traveler

All reviews are from confirmed guests sharing exclusive insights

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Recommended

Highly Recommend

By: Not provided


Reviewed on: 18 Apr 2014

We loved this hotel.  We were upgraded upon arrival to a beautiful room.  The service was fantastic.  The pool area was so peaceful.  It overlooked Santa Barbara.  The spa was wonderful along with the dining.  We ate outside for all our meals (in April).  The staff was friendly and courteous.  They even had motorized bikes that my husband used for an trip down to Santa Barbara.
Travel Advisor:  Britt Gerber
Not Recommended

Consistently under-delivered and under performed

By: Janet


Reviewed on: 05 Jan 2016

Our family chose to stay at El Encanto but it will be the last time. They disappointed from check-in to check-out. The food and the setting/view were the only redeeming qualities.
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Recommended

The patio is the heart of the place!

By: ChrisAnn


Reviewed on: 11 Feb 2016

The patio is a very relaxing place. The bungalows have heated floss and are unique. Lots of locals ere competing for reservations or "first come, first served" when we were there though.
Travel Advisor:  Bette Prochaska
Recommended

Better and better!

By: RichS


Reviewed on: 03 Jun 2017

This was our second stay here and it was even better than the first. The accommodations were luxurious, tasteful and more than we could have asked for. The staff is equally top notch! Everyone was more than pleasant, helpful, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to make us feel special and at home. It was a wonderful stay and we look forward to returning again!
Travel Advisor:  Jane Edwards
Recommended

Linda

By: Linda


Reviewed on: 01 Jul 2017

Good. Room was lovely, food was excelllent and spa was great. The service in the hotel was spotty. Ie it was long to get our car from valet
Travel Advisor:  Jodi Bushkin
Recommended

Another great Belmond

By: jack gorman


Reviewed on: 16 Oct 2017

It is becoming obvious to my wife and I why everyone at Jennifer Wilson likes the Belmond Hotels. This one in Santa Barbara was fabulous, perched high above the city and the ocean. Our suite was so comfortable and elegant and the service was fantastic. One minor point: they need better maps. Getting down the hills to the city below and back up on a bicycle may seem easy to people who live there, but it is very easy to get lost. But the bikes the Belmost provided, with electric assist to get back up the mountain, were, like everything else about this hotel, amazing.
Travel Advisor:  Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg
Recommended

Beautiful resort

By: Christy


Reviewed on: 22 Oct 2017

Very nice , comfortable rooms. Restaurant a little dis organized but food good!
Travel Advisor:  Georgia Smith
Recommended

Belmond Santa Barbara

By: Jeeps


Reviewed on: 03 Mar 2018

Originally not our first choice but glad we ended up there. Honestly the best feature of the hotel was the staff. Helpful, friendly and engaging from the front desk to the bell hops to the waitstaff and the valets.
Travel Advisor:  Sally May
Recommended

Our favorite!

By: Michelle


Reviewed on: 18 Jul 2018

This was one of our favorite hotels on our trip! The staff was some of the friendliest & most helpful we encountered! Pool & room service was excellent! Loved the old California style!
Travel Advisor:  Rebecca Falkenberry
Recommended

Spectacular

By: Chris & Asia


Reviewed on: 08 Jul 2018

Everything about this place is incredible. The cottages. The restaurant. The view. The service. Wedding season makes this quaint place feel a bit crouded. But once the weddings were over it was the perfect amount of people. Look forward to going back!
Travel Advisor:  Cate Caruso
Recommended

Santa Barbara

By: Santa Barbara


Reviewed on: 11 Aug 2018

El Encanto was a beautiful little boutique set in the hills above SANTA Barbara. Service was great. Rooms lovely. Spa amazing. The food was OK, not great but the view from the outdoor dining patio more than makes up for it.
Travel Advisor:  Amanda Poses
Recommended

enchanted cottage

By: loml95


Reviewed on: 27 Sep 2018

loved it. not our first. friendly, accommodating. dog friendly. beautiful.
Travel Advisor:  Jessica Hart
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Recommended

DELIGHTFUL

By: maggie


Reviewed on: 01 Oct 2018

Belmond's El Encanto is one of those very special places that transport you physically and spiritually. Your every wish is answered. The staff is highly trained, intuitive and solicitous without being intrusive. The hotel's setting is lovely, the accomodations both luxurious and practical (we had a bungalow with a living room w/fireplace, and with a comfortable front porch and views of the Riviera and ocean beyond), the spa was wonderful, and the food at all meals was delicious. Breakfast was a particular treat. El Encanto was a very special experience and I look forward to revisiting soon.
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Recommended

west coast

By: Eddie


Reviewed on: 09 Nov 2018

Fantastic great Hotel
Travel Advisor:  Frances Boyce
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Recommended

Luxurious and well located.

By: hud1226


Reviewed on: 07 Nov 2018

The Belmond El Encanto is a bit of a throwback in time. The embiance is old fashioned luxury, without being stuffy at all. The grounds are beautiful and our room was well-appointed and lavish. All the employees we encountered were warm, friendly and professional.
Travel Advisor:  Liana Kraushaar Merriman
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Recommended

Excellent!

By: RSC


Reviewed on: 22 Dec 2018

Loved this hotel and the person at the desk was great!
Travel Advisor:  Jenny Westermann
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Recommended

Belmond El Encanto

By: Kathy B.


Reviewed on: 30 Mar 2019

This is a gorgeous hotel in the hills of Santa Barbara. The view of the hillside and water below is beautiful and can be enjoyed while eating breakfast on their lovely terrace restaurant or enjoying high tea with a bellini. Our cottage suite was so cozy and complete with fireplace, comfy chairs, VERY comfy beds, and huge bathroom (with heated floors).
Travel Advisor:  Nick Moran
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Recommended

So this is what living in the hills above Santa Barbara is like

By: phllax


Reviewed on: 25 Apr 2019

Great stay. Small, beautiful, quiet hotel with great views overlooking downtown Santa Barbara, the ocean, and the Channel Islands. Service was excellent, and the one time it wasn't, the staff was very apologetic. Good restaurant and room service. Hotel is only three miles from the beach, so don't be put off that you're in the hills. The mission is a short walk away. Really enjoyed driving in the hills. Compares favorably with the Four Seasons Biltmore and provides more value for the money IMHO. Will return.
Travel Advisor:  Amber Kimble
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Recommended

Most special place in California!

By: Laura M


Reviewed on: 04 Jun 2019

AMAZING resort and there is no better place to stay in California. From the attention to details, friendliness of the staff, delicious food and drinks to the personalized amenities -the Belmond El Encanto is unmatched.
Travel Advisor:  Merrill Laguarta
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Recommended

Beautiful Hideaway in the Hills of Santa Barbara

By: Neisey


Reviewed on: 19 Oct 2019

Our stay at the Belmond El Encanto was wonderful We had to book at the last minute because of a power outage in Sonoma .These are beautiful grounds It is like being in the South of France without the long flight Everyone especially the young bellmen at the carport are so sweet and helpful Beautiful room and porch ,great linens and love the breakfasts in the restaurant overlooking an incredible view A +
Travel Advisor:  Cathy Moha
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Recommended

Stunning Views

By: Lulu


Reviewed on: 03 Feb 2020

My favorite part of staying of Belmond El Encanto was breakfast with a stunning view of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands. Soooo gorgeous! Our room was also beautiful, complete with a fireplace, a very comfy bed, and heated floor in the bathroom. We had a hard time leaving the room!
Travel Advisor:  Laura Bassett