About
Perched above the Pacific with sweeping ocean vistas, El Encanto is a serene boutique retreat just five minutes from central Santa Barbara. This iconic hillside hideaway features an outdoor pool, full-service spa, and a locally inspired restaurant and bar. Each spacious guest room includes complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen satellite TV, mini-bar, fireplace, and a cozy sitting area overlooking lush gardens. Guests can stay active in the modern fitness center or take advantage of the 24-hour front desk and business services. El Encanto offers convenient access to local attractions, including the Santa Barbara Mission and Botanical Gardens—both just two miles away. The Santa Barbara Municipal Golf Course is a 10-minute drive.
Guest Rating
Exceptional
Location Of Hotel
Hotel Cleanliness
Hotel Staff
Overall Quality
Room Options
Terrace Premium 1 King
732 sqft • 1 King
Room Details and Photos
Terrace Suite
646 sqft • 1 King or 1 Sofabed
Room Details and Photos
Superior Suite (Vista)
829 sqft • 1 Queen
Room Details and Photos
Two-Bedroom Suite
926 sqft • 1 King • 1 King
Room Details and Photos
Deluxe Double
657 sqft • 2 Double
Room Details and Photos
Guest Rating
Exceptional
Location Of Hotel
Hotel Cleanliness
Hotel Staff
Overall Quality
Pros +
- The hotel is absolutely stunning. The staff is amazing, the do two cleaning a day which is really impressive. I love this hotel and will come back again and again. They made our honey moon so special!
- Everything was perfect. The staff couldn't be nicer or more helpful. The place itself is knock out gorgeous. The dining experience was amazing. The views are unbelievable. Our room was the best, so beautiful, and beyond our expectations. Can't wait to come back!!
- Pool, layout of rooms or suites
Cons -
- They need better blow dryers in the room. When I called they said that’s the only ones they have sadly. I couldn’t blow dry my hair and had to go to the gym locker room to do so!
- Nothing!!
- Having to use key card for pool access
Business Traveler (10)
Solo Traveler (12)
Traveling as Couple (64)
Family with Young Children (33)
Family with Teens (1)
Senior Traveler (1)
Group Traveler (7)
Total (85)
Amanda
•Posted on: 2-18-2026
The hotel is absolutely stunning. The staff is amazing, the do two cleaning a day which is really impressive. I love this hotel and will come back again and again. They made our honey moon so special!
They need better blow dryers in the room. When I called they said that’s the only ones they have sadly. I couldn’t blow dry my hair and had to go to the gym locker room to do so!
Erin
•Posted on: 2-5-2026
Everything was perfect. The staff couldn't be nicer or more helpful. The place itself is knock out gorgeous. The dining experience was amazing. The views are unbelievable. Our room was the best, so beautiful, and beyond our expectations. Can't wait to come back!!
Nothing!!
Jamie
•Posted on: 2-4-2026
Pool, layout of rooms or suites
Having to use key card for pool access
Francisco
•Posted on: 1-23-2026
The scenery
They don’t have the pictures updated on the site.They wanted to charge us for taking pictures.
Top Amenities:
Guest Policies
Check-in:
After 04:00 PM
Check-out:
Before 11:00 AM
Pets:
Pets are allowed upon request. Charges may apply.
Important Info:
You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply. Please note: For Premier Bungalow and Deluxe Bungalow Room Types the bed type is by request only and is not a guarantee. For reservations booked with breakfast the maximum credit is $60 per day.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Features & Amenities
Highlighted Amenities:
Amenities & Services
location
El Encanto, Santa Barbara
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA
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