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  5. Reviews of El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

Reviews of El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States of America

#2 of 64 hotels in Santa Barbara

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 98 hotel reviews

9.3

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.5

  • Comfort

    9.6

  • Location

    9.3

  • Facilities

    9.4

  • Staff

    9.5

  • Value for money

    7.8

  • Free WiFi

    5.8

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 10, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It’s an incredibly beautiful property, with an impressive view over Santa Barbara. The gardens are lovely, the smell of flowers everywhere you go, hummingbirds buzzing around. Is very special. The service is excellent.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: November 11, 2023

    10
    Everything we expected
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Rate and hidden fees

    Annual visit with wife for birthday

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: July 24, 2023

    10
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The restaurant could be a bit better, it's good, but definitely not to the level that the hotel is. If the hotel is 5, the restaurant is a solid 4. Service was very good, but some dishes were not up to the level.

    Everything was very very good.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: July 18, 2023

    10
    Gorgeous & relaxing weekend in Santa Barbara
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The pool area is not that large, and no separate area (or not that we saw) for kids. So you may get some kids in the mornings jumping in. Additionally there were a few guests using their phones/face times at the pool which was quite loud.

    Food, service, the room, hotel amenities were all fantastic. Hard to beat the location tucked into the Santa Barbara hills, very peaceful and beautiful. We enjoyed hanging by the pool and taking in the incredible views. Our room was incredible, very spacious and had everything you need for a very comfortable stay.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: February 16, 2023

    10
    very helpful and friendly staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Premier King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    nothing

    The restaurant and spa

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: January 28, 2023

    10
    Best
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Everything

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: October 7, 2022

    10
    wonderful stay, great experience and amazing team. We will be back.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    nothing

    gorgeous property

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: October 6, 2022

    10
    A perfect relaxing resort
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Premier King Room with Terrace
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    location staff and everything was just beautifully perfect as always with Belmond

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: July 31, 2022

    10
    An incredibly gorgeous & intimate property with attentive service & eye to details. Highly recommen!
    • With a pet
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Premier King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Dinner service (particularly drinks/cocktails) was a bit slow due to staff shortages but the team that was there were all doing a great job regardless and very apologetic. The phones did not work our first full day and but it was fixed within a few hours.

    Gorgeous property & we got upgraded to a room with a balcony view which was large & well appointed. Staff was friendly and attentive at every turn and outlet. My pup was welcomed with a large bed & lovely grooming amenities, as well as dog muffins at breakfast. Food was very good, pool was relaxing & we always had water and snacks provided. The grounds were immaculate & cleanliness was excellent. A very unique and memorable experience & stay we hope to repeat. Will check out the spa next time!

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: July 25, 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Terrace
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Incredible staff! It was a luxurious get away.

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: July 4, 2022

    9.0
    Comfortable, luxurious, relaxing stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior King Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Pool area is small.....but on the upside, the intimacy means people make friends chatting to each other! We were locked out of our room despite being given a late checkout It's pricey.

    Love the view from the pool Great e-bikes available to get into town Complementary beverages and snacks provided in the room on arrival While not in town, you are above the fog and close to great cycling routes Really helpful valet staff

    Stayed in June 2022

  • Reviewed: June 4, 2022

    10
    It was just fantastic
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Terrace
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Nothing could have been better. This place is managed very well.

    This place is awesome. We loved everything in this hotel. This is close to paradise.

    Stayed in June 2022

  • Reviewed: June 3, 2022

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Terrace
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    mattress was not good enough.

    the grounds are beautiful, food and views from restaurant are amazing.

    Stayed in June 2022

  • Reviewed: May 11, 2022

    10
    Suffice to say, it was painful to leave. I could stay at the El Encanto forever.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 5 nights

    Wi-Fi was unsecured.

    It's 7.5 acres of paradise. The best place I have stayed. Absolutely magical and "enchanting."

    Stayed in May 2022

  • Reviewed: April 13, 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Premier King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The property is a blissful getaway that can not be compared. Elegance, class, attention to detail, and most importantly respectful staff. Always met with a “hello” good morning and goodnight- much appreciated for everything!

    Stayed in April 2022

  • Reviewed: February 7, 2022

    10
    Wonderful!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Premier King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Everything! From the hospitality, to the personalized services, El Encanto had exceeded our expectations! We couldn’t have been any happier staying at their location. We look forward to staying there in the future.

    Stayed in February 2022

  • Reviewed: February 3, 2022

    9.0
    property is beautiful and the view is gorgeous.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    room was a little dated with the furniture.

    amazing view. beautiful patio. great gardens. good food.

    Stayed in January 2022

  • Reviewed: January 29, 2022

    8.0
    We'd go back but when the rates are lower and not bother with breakfast
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    We've stayed at this property for 40 years. No one there seemed to care.

    It was not included as advertised. At checkout we were given a monetary credit. There was no point in pre-paying for an overpriced breakfast,

    Stayed in January 2022

  • Reviewed: December 28, 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The bride's flowers and cake were accidently stored in a freezer instead of a refrigerated cooler.

    The entire staff was very hospitable and accomodating. The stay was very memorable for my daughter and her new huband. Once in a lifetime!

    Stayed in December 2021

  • Reviewed: November 26, 2021

    9.0
    Location, location location. Super accommodating and friendly staff. Serene, clean and luxurious
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Terrace
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Room service food was so not worth it

    Breakfast was good. Coffee not so good Location was beautiful. Lunch was disappointing Room service was terrible Wonderful service and staff

    Stayed in November 2021

  • Reviewed: November 9, 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Premier King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The restaurant was absolutely phenomenal. We enjoyed our meal very much! They even upgraded us when we told them that we were staying at the El Encanto to look for a wedding venue. We had an amazing time!

    Stayed in November 2021

  • Reviewed: October 13, 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • King Room with Terrace
    • Stayed 1 night

    Room pricing a little steep!

    Beautiful location with spectacular views and ambiance was fantastic. Breakfast was wonderful and equally enjoyed cocktails and dinner.

    Stayed in October 2021

  • Reviewed: July 22, 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The only thing missing was a hot tub!

    Loved the deep tub in the bathroom with heated bathroom floors, fireplace and infinity pool.

    Stayed in June 2021

  • Reviewed: July 15, 2021

    9.0
    Great location and staff. Restaurant can do better
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Premier King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Restaurant service was very very slow. Servers were kind enough but probably overworked. Spa didn’t have a couples massage option.

    Staff was very friendly at the hotel. Room was spacious and interesting. Nice fireplace inside the room and a nice patio to sit. Pool was ok - a bit small and an ok view.

    Stayed in June 2021

Showing 1 - 25

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