Belmond El Encanto
Hotel and Resort
Santa Barbara
The experts at Travel + Leisure and W magazine recommend this place
"The property is massive so it’s easy to get lost."(3 Tips)
"Fantastic views over Santa Barbara."(2 Tips)
"92 bungalows across seven acres."(2 Tips)
"world-class restaurant"(4 Tips)
20 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Teona BurchuladzeJanuary 18, 2017Absolutely loved this place. Views are amazing, everyone very helpful and friendly. rooms are very good. One of my most favourite hotels so far. Definitely going back.
Jetset ExtraDecember 19, 2013Monarch butterflies that spend their summer west of the Continental Divide migrate to the coast of California for the winter. El Encanto is privy to such sightings & honors them in its decor. Read more
- Travel + LeisureJune 17, 2013Orient Express Hotel took over the storied hotel, resulting in 92 bungalows across seven acres. An on-site garden and resident cow provide fresh ingredients for the hotel’s farm-to-fork restaurant.
Valerie BarroSeptember 10, 2014After our wedding in Santa Barbara, El Encanto was the perfect retreat. Amazing rooms, food, pool, grounds, gym and service. We didn't leave the property once!
Janae SJuly 3, 2022Cute hotel with an excellent weekend getaway location. The staff was friendly, food quality wasn't great but avocado toast and smoothies made up for it!q
- W magazineAugust 1, 2014El Encanto’s uber-private bungalows have served as refuge for famous guests—like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard—looking to escape L.A. stress for almost 100 years. Read more
Ted GoochApril 9, 2017Amazing view. Great staff. They have a complimentary shuttle service to downtown for guests- W magazineAugust 1, 2014Guests can borrow electric bikes to ride into town, but with a spa, lily pond, infinity pool and world-class restaurant, there’s really no reason to leave. Read more
🌺 شSeptember 27, 2020Beautiful romantic hotel. Been here several times since they reopened in 2014 I think . Every experience has been great- Lene.e ~~November 30, 2019Lovely hotel! The property is massive so it’s easy to get lost. Great service, views, and cocktails!
Gorgeous views nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara. Don't go on a holiday/busy weekend. Pool is small and you probably won't get a seat.
Leslie BakerNovember 17, 2013Well appointed rooms and extremely attentive and professional staff. Gorgeous property. Highly recommend it!
Marcus TroyJune 11, 2014Great service. Great photos - follow us @marcustroy on twitter and Instagram. For great pictures follow @nasdemini on instagram.
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Hollywood glamour in a modern classic.
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...
Open (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 24 Hours
(805) 845-5800
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
See More
Places inside Belmond El Encanto
- 7.8
"Beautiful terrace with stunning views of Santa Barbara. The innovative menu has many Asian touches. Loved the Japanese style breakfast with baked salmon, tofu salad, green salad and tamagoyaki."
Dress for the Date 
"Ideal for light dining and afternoon tea with friends. The Smoked Salmon with traditional garnishes and toasted white bread is a must try!"
Dress for the Date
"It's small, which is fine if the resort isn't full. If it is, get there very early to get a chair. Overlooks Santa Barbara- beautiful views."
Meredith Blechman
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- 8.6
"Great staff- newer rooms and comfortable beds. A bit oddly set up with multiple buildings but overall nice experience."
Nic L - 6.8
"Great stay. Attentive staff, free bike rentals, continental breakfast. Will be back."
Mike Lyons - 8.2
"Get 3rd floor room of the country house. It's huge, very nice, huuuge balcony"
Felipe Oliveira
Places people like to go after Belmond El Encanto
- 8.9
"Beautiful piece of Alta California history. There is an admissions fee for entry, but you can enjoy the grass area and have a picnic as well."
Kelley L. - 9.0
"Yes, everyone orders the Brussels Sprouts, but we tried four of the other small plates and they were all very good!"
Priscilla @shescookin - 9.1
"Umm...so good!! The ceviche tostada is FABULOUS (can be shared by 2 people) and the the Los Agaves Enchiladas are honestly amazing (had them with salad only instead of also with rice on the side)!!!"
Sally
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