El Encanto Santa Barbara Exterior photoEl Encanto Santa Barbara Exterior photoEl Encanto Santa Barbara Exterior photo
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From474US$ /night
Check-in
19Apr2026Select date
Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
-
Close to the Pacific Coast cliffs
Perfect
9.0
9.7
/10
4.5
4.5
/5

Amenities and Facilities

El Encanto Santa Barbara spans across seven acres of lush terraced gardens, bringing guests an intimate connection to nature. The hotel features a zero-edge outdoor pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, alongside a luxurious spa that draws inspiration from nature's healing powers. Guests can partake in watersports, including cave diving and polo, enhancing their experience in this coastal paradise.

Rooms and Suites

The hotel offers 90 unique accommodations, including suites and bungalows, featuring private furnished terraces and marble bathrooms with heated stone floors. Each room showcases a blend of Spanish Colonial and California Craftsman styles, offering a serene retreat with locally carved furnishings. Many rooms provide ocean-facing views, amplifying the coastal experience.

Dining Experience

Dining options include a restaurant, bar, and lounge that focuses on farm-to-table coastal cuisine, utilizing sustainable seafood and homegrown herbs. The Dining Room and Terrace allow guests to savor seasonal, innovative dishes while enjoying stunning views of the Pacific. Afternoon Tea offerings feature custom-blended teas and bespoke treats made from local ingredients.

Location and Accessibility

El Encanto is located just 9 miles from Santa Barbara Airport, making it accessible for travelers arriving from various locations. The hotel also provides a house car for local transport, allowing guests to explore Santa Barbara's attractions within a five-mile radius. Guests can enjoy complimentary bicycle hires to discover the city at leisure.

Wellness and Activities

The Spa at El Encanto offers a range of treatments inspired by coastal elements, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can engage in daily outdoor fitness classes and personalized training sessions with in-house instructors. Unique experiences such as tree bathing and sound bath meditation provide additional wellness opportunities.

Highlights

Location: 9 miles from Santa Barbara Airport

Rooms: 90 suites, bungalows and rooms

Dining: farm-to-table coastal cuisine

Wellness: The Spa at El Encanto

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll the Santa Barbara Courthouse for stunning architecture views.
  • Savor fresh tacos at Los Agaves for a true local flavor experience.
  • Taste wine at the Funk Zone's many unique tasting rooms near the beach.
  • Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art for impressive regional exhibits.
  • Relax at Butterfly Beach for picturesque sunsets and serenity.
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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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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.1/10Review 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
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Dining Onsite

At El Encanto Santa Barbara, guests are invited to indulge in a delightful dining experience that embodies both local flavors and an elegant ambiance. The Dining Room features a menu crafted with fresh, hand-picked ingredients, ensuring a memorable culinary adventure for every palate.

The Dining Room

American
Ambiance
Dine indoors in an elegant setting or on the spacious outdoor terrace, complete with heaters and blankets for cooler days, making it perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include smoked salmon mousse with lemon-zested crème fraiche and fresh rosemary scones complemented by strawberry basil jam. Guests can also enjoy sustainable seafood sourced from local waters, paired beautifully with homegrown herbs and artisanal cheese.
Reservation
Recommended
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Cocktail hour; exact hours vary.

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 and outdoor habitats. Family-friendly with interactive displays and winding nature trails.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara
15 minutes walking
Historic mission featuring beautiful architecture and gardens. Offers free admission on Sundays.
Riviera Theatre
4 minutes walking
Charming vintage theater showcasing films and live performances. Check the schedule for special events.
Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden
Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden
18 minutes walking
Stunning community garden with walking paths, lily pond, and a sensory garden. Perfect for relaxation.
Hiking at Seven Falls
8 minutes drive
Thrilling hike leading to picturesque waterfalls. Trail is moderate, and proper footwear is recommended.
Yoga classes at Santa Barbara
10 minutes drive
Relaxing yoga sessions available at nearby studios. Check for availability; ideal for stress relief.
Kayaking in the Santa Barbara Channel
10 minutes driving
Exciting kayaking experiences with rental services available near the beach. Great way to explore coastal views.
Belmond El Encanto
Belmond El Encanto
3 minutes walking
Fine dining restaurant with Californian cuisine and stunning views. Reservations recommended for dinner.
The Mesa Burger
10 minutes drive
Casual eatery known for gourmet burgers and local ingredients. Family-friendly atmosphere with takeout options.
Loquita Santa Barbara
10 minutes drive
Spanish-inspired dining with tapas and an outdoor patio. Offers gluten-free and vegan options.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Santa Barbara Bowl
15 minutes walking
Open-air amphitheater hosting concerts and events. Family-friendly with a stunning backdrop.
Funk Zone
10 minutes driving
Trendy area with art galleries, wine bars, and live music. Vibrant atmosphere for nightlife enthusiasts.
Getting around
City Centre
Santa Barbara22 min  ·  1.1 mi
Airports
Santa Barbara (SBA)30 min  ·  12.3 mi
Presidente Itamar Franco (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 123 verified reviews
9.3/10
Perfect
92%
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Guest reviews
based on 83 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.
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FAQs
About El Encanto Santa Barbara
What is the distance from the 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel to Santa Barbara city centre?
Santa Barbara city centre is reachable within a 20-minute walk from the 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel.
What is the nearest airport to the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel?
Santa Barbara airport lies within 20 km of the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel and is reachable with a 32-minute drive.
Does the 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel have a car parking on site?
Yes, at the 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel there are parking spaces provided on site.
What payment methods are available in the 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel?
At the 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel, you can pay using Visa, American Express, and Diners Club.
What room types does the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel comprise?
The El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel provides such room types as Bungalow, Deluxe King Room, and Premier King Room.
Does the hotel staff speak foreign languages?
Yes, the staff of the hotel can help you in French, German, Italian, Spanish, and English.
Does the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel provide business facilities?
For business travellers the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel offers meeting rooms as well as conference facilities and a xerox.
Which facilities does the 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel provide?
Top locations of the 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel include a restaurant and luggage storage, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a safety deposit box and 24-hour security service.
Is swimming pool available at the hotel?
Yes, the hotel features an adult pool.
Which children services are offered at the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel?
For guests staying at the El Encanto Santa Barbara hotel with their children, child care services will be very useful.

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Check-in
19Apr2026Select date
Check-out
20Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room