9Group · US · Aug 2026
Lovely
Thomas helped us a lot Linda, the server was excellent
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
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El Encanto, Santa Barbara
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Rooms have dated styling and plumbing problems like weak hot water and running toilets, though housekeeping is exceptional.
Praised forbeautiful location · friendly staff · great food
Flagged forlimited amenities · room issues · inconsistent service
Lovely
Thomas helped us a lot Linda, the server was excellent
Exceptional birthday extravagance! One of my favorite places on earth.
Exceptional birthday extravagance! One of my favorite places on earth.
Book week days if possible. Pool can be a bit crowded weekends in the summer
Our 4 days could not have been more perfect. The transfer from a Belmond property seems to have been a positive move. Upgraded gardens, same warm helpful staff. Still an excellent spa experience, glad to see the same faces there. We can’t wait to return.
Perfection
The hotel is well named: ours was an enchanting and luxurious two day experience, with every thoughtful amenity considered. The friendly check in staff offered us a chilled lavender/lemon cocktail or mocktail on arrival, then proceeded to show us to our beautiful room, which was ready early. A bowl of sweet ripe peaches awaited us, along with a handwritten greeting. The next morning we needed more coffee pods, which arrived within two minutes. The room was charming, complete with fireplace and a deep tub for relaxing with bath salts. We spent one day lounging by the pool, waited on by an attentive staff member. Dined that night on the terrace and enjoyed perfectly prepared halibut and salmon. Loved the oversized chess and checkers games laid out on the grounds, as well as the romantic fire pits. The steam room is available to all guests, not just those using spa services, and it's a revelation! Don't miss this experience. We came here to relax, and relax we did, enjoying the sumptuous gardens, the view, and the friendly staff. We even threw a penny in the wishing well, and wished to return again. Soon. Well done, El Encanto. Simply superb.
Despite its shortcomings with the subpar food and inconsistent rooms, the staff is lovely and this feels like a special
Helpful staff!
Cons Our first room wreaked of mold and the dining staff is sooooo slow! The food is also pretty bad.
Small luxury gateway.
Clean rooms, comfortable beds, nice pool, great service.