Belmond El Encanto

The spa facility is lovely. The tranquil relaxation lounge/waiting area is a great place to spend time before and after a massage. Lead massage therapist, Kat, is a gem and a total pro! I leave her massages feeling serene, restored, and grateful! The El Encanto is lucky to have her on their team!

Recently visiting Santa Barbara only to see the Biltmore Four Seasons behind chain link fencing and closed for major mud slide repairs along with the severe mud damage to San Ysidro Ranch (which has one of the best restaurants you'll ever enjoy) only makes our recollection of our stay at Belmond El Encanto appreciated that much more. A surprisingly reasonable luxury room rate got us to try the historic (but recently extensively renovated) hotel a try. Under $600 a night in a luxury Santa Barbara property was only our first surprise. Our second surprise was a the upgrade to a premium bungalow at check-in without even asking. The "room" had two verandas, a marble bathroom with heated floors and a great bed with enough room for a desk and full sofa. A home away from home to be sure. The next surprise was how wonderful the restaurant was on the premises with a tasteful exterior large patio with partial views of the city below. The menu was superior with food cooked to order and attentive service that made it impossible to leave in less than two hours. Finally, I am not usually a fan of the big swimming pool hang out experience but the Hotel's salt water pool with a flush edge so that the pool staff could serve Veuve Clicquot champagne with strawberries to us at pool's edge takes pampering to a whole new level ! Modern workout facilities are strategically located below the pool area to avoid blocking any views. While some of the best hotels in Santa Barbara mend from the fires and mudslides you just may find a new luxury destination that you can enjoy for a special occasion at the Belmond El Encanto. We did and we will go back there again when the pressures of the world take their toll and we need a break.

I came here with a group of friend to celebrate two birthdays in the group. The hotel is beautiful, peaceful, and the rooms were large, with a lot of space and a fireplace, which who doesn’t love a fireplace! The free shuttle service was awesome, the drivers very nice and accommodating and fun to have drive us to and from the Funk Zone. Breakfast was delicious and anything we needed was brought to us in the rooms. This is top notch hotel. It’s quiet and classy, not a scene. I will definitely be back when the weather is warmer!

Very lovely hotel in Santa Barbara with a fabulous vista. We only stayed for two nights and experience was a little disappointing. Our first room was not at all nice so we asked to change and where given a much nicer room near the car park entrance, it was fine until we found out the air conditioning didn’t working, although they did their best to fix it. We were offered a third room but couldn’t be bothered to change. We had drinks on the terrace the first evening but table wasn’t cleared of the previous occupants debris so somewhat lacking. The food is good but not amazing. Having the complimentary shuttle to and from town is great. The pool and the pool service is very good and the gym is fabulous.

Wonderful place to be! Best service ever... Beautiful place! The bar is amazing and the dinner was the best. The lamb and the pasta! Highly recommended! It is really an experience! I will definitely come back!