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From474US$ /night
Check-in
09Jan2026Select 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
9.3
9.7
/10
4.6
4.5
/5

Amenities

El Encanto features a zero-edge outdoor pool that offers expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean. The seven-acre terraced gardens provide a serene backdrop, complete with a century-old lily pond. Guests can enjoy the full range of offerings at The Spa, where every treatment is inspired by nature's healing powers.

Rooms

Accommodations at El Encanto consist of 90 suites, bungalows, and rooms designed with a blend of Spanish Colonial and Californian Craftsman styles. Each room features a marble bathroom with heated stone floors and a private terrace, reflecting the coastal serenity. Furnishings include locally carved pieces that enhance the overall aesthetic throughout the hotel.

Location

Located approximately 9 miles from Santa Barbara Airport, this hotel offers easy access to the area's prominent attractions. A house car is available for transportation within a five-mile radius to explore the city or dine at celebrated restaurants in Montecito. Scenic views of the Pacific add to the appeal of this hillside retreat.

Dining

El Encanto offers on-site dining options that emphasize sustainable seafood and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Dining Room showcases a seasonal menu with options like Alaskan King Crab Omelet and Santa Barbara Spot Prawn Louis. Guests can also enjoy signature cocktails and light bites at The Lounge or bar.

Wellness

The Spa at El Encanto provides treatments inspired by coastal elements, offering an array of luxurious skincare lines. Guests can engage in tailored fitness classes and personal training sessions in the state-of-the-art Fitness Studio. Sound bath meditation sessions are available in the hotel's lush gardens for ultimate relaxation.

Highlights

Location: Scenic views overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Dining: Seasonal local cuisine at The Dining Room

Wellness: Spa treatments inspired by nature

Activities: Complimentary bicycles for local exploration

Events: Indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings and meetings

Transportation: House car for nearby attractions

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

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
King Room Terrace
2 persons
38 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Garden Bungalow
2 persons
61 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
Premier King Room Terrace
2 persons
50 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
Superior Suite Hummingbird
2 persons
74 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

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

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.

Location

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
Map view
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
Nearby
Riviera Theatre
290 m
Mall
San Marcos Building Courtyard
210 m
Restaurants
Belmond El Encanto
220 m
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  ·  1.8 km
Airports
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)30 min  ·  19.8 km
Presidente Itamar Franco Airport (iza)70 min  ·  46.5 km
Train
Santa Barbara Amtrak5 min  ·  3.0 km
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station5 min  ·  3.0 km
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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
is available in 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
FAQs
About El Encanto Santa Barbara
What is the distance from El Encanto Santa Barbara to the nearest airport?
The hotel is 20 km from Santa Barbara Airport.
What are the check-in and check-out times at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Check-in is at 16:00, and check-out is at 11:00.
Does El Encanto Santa Barbara offer on-site parking?
Private parking is available on-site for 45 USD per day.
What types of amenities are available in the rooms at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
Rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a fireplace, and a cozy sitting area.
What nearby attractions can be accessed from El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel is located close to Santa Barbara Mission and Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, both approximately 3 km away.
What dining options are available at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel features a fine dining restaurant with outdoor terrace and a lounge bar for light dining.
What recreational facilities does El Encanto Santa Barbara provide?
Guests can enjoy a heated saltwater pool and a well-equipped fitness center.
Is there a spa available at El Encanto Santa Barbara?
The hotel offers a full-service spa with a range of treatments, including massages and facials.

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