El Encanto

At $1,000+ per night, expectations are understandably high, especially when comparing a hotel not just locally, but with luxury properties around the world. Unfortunately, this property did not meet that standard. The property itself is beautiful and the hard product is perfectly acceptable. The issue is the service. At this price point, guests have access to exceptional hotels globally where attention to detail, anticipatory service, and seamless execution are standard. Rather than continuing to invest primarily in an already beautiful property, I believe greater investment in staff training and service standards is needed. The issues began at check-in. I booked the Unbothered Escape package, which included a “guaranteed” early check-in, yet my room was not ready until the normal 4 p.m. check-in time. I’m also an early riser and was surprised that the hotel could not provide coffee before the restaurant opened at 7 a.m., leaving me to drive to a local Starbucks at 5 a.m. These may seem like small details, but at $1,000+ per night, they are exactly the details that distinguish true luxury hospitality. The staff was generally friendly, but often unhelpful and more reactive than anticipatory. The level of attentiveness, problem-solving, and attention to detail simply did not compare with other luxury hotels at this price point. The property is reportedly about to undergo an extensive renovation, so I would personally wait until that work is completed before staying. Given that the hotel is already beautiful, hopefully the coming year brings as much investment in service and operational execution as it does in the physical property. Ultimately, my criticism is less about any single inconvenience and more about value on a global scale. At $1,000+ per night, the relevant comparison is with excellent luxury hotels around the world, where a beautiful property is only the starting point. What justifies the price is the overall hospitality experience, and that is where this hotel currently falls short. This hotel is a decent value if able to be booked for the $350-$550 range.

El Encanto is a truly magical place with beautiful grounds and genuinely gracious service. The team was attentive throughout our stay, and the menu, while not extraordinary, showed real effort and care. That said, we were underwhelmed by one thing: We mentioned our elopement at arrival. While they congratulated us, there was no gesture to mark the occasion—no flowers, champagne, dessert, or special touch. We stayed during peak weekend pricing and hoped for something extra to celebrate with us. Minor mosquito issues on the outdoor deck aside, this is a special resort. Just a small gesture for milestone occasions would elevate an already beautiful experience.

This is a stylish, sprawling property located in the hills of Santa Barbara. Deceptively large - no buildings are more than 2 or three stories tall. Vast majority of the architecture is Spanish style adobe - suites and condo type accommodations. Great views of Santa Barbara and the ocean. It is NOT a beach resort. It is a very chill resort that focuses on quiet and privacy, and it is also very expensive. The main building of the property has the reception lobby with a nice bar and restaurant with sizable outdoor eating space. The food at the restaurant was quite good during our stay, although the menu is somewhat limited. My ultimate take away - for this price point (nearly $2,000 a night on the weekends for a small suite), the customer is left wanting a bit more as far as amenities are concerned. The pool is too small if occupancy is up, which it was this past weekend. The gym is, for me, embarrassingly small and cramped - unless you are alone, you will be uncomfortably cramped. Turn down service features no chocolates or really any of nice, small little touches you would expect at a property this expensive. The prices for in room honor bar are, to put in mildly, bordering on highway robbery ($95 for 12 ounces of decent, not top shelf, whiskey - this would retail for $12-15 a bottle). It must be said that the staff is quite excellent. Smart, friendly and very accommodating, from front desk, to waiters, to valets, to cleaning crew. For me, they did the El Encanto proud over our 4 night stay here. The best part of our stay.

From the moment I walked through the doors the name resonated. It was absolutely enchanting. Our stay was everything I could hope for. We never left the property. We spent a lot of time at the pool. Extremely comfortable lounge, chairs! Excellent cocktails! And then there’s Sylvia. What an extremely sweet girl! She and Chloe made sure we were well taken care of! Travis and Alec are pretty amazing! It was nice to see how they jump in and support their team. Alberto, one of the waiters, went out of his way to greet us and welcome us even though at the time we were not his table. Chris Saputo you have put together an amazing team! I can’t wait to return and see all the wonderful things you will be doing with El Encanto!

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.