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17Jan2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
-
Near the Pacific Ocean
Perfect
9.3
9.7
/10
4.6
4.5
/5

Rooms, Bungalows & Suites

El Encanto Santa Barbara offers rooms, bungalows, and suites featuring king/queen-size beds or two double beds. Marble bathrooms include heated stone floors. Accommodations range from 320-730ft2 (29-67m2). Suites add fireplaces and kitchenettes with stovetops, microwaves, and toasters. Each room has a flat-screen TV, a seating area, a desk, and a balcony. The amenities provided are: ironing facilities, heating, air conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, a sitting area and a terrace.

Onsite dining

The Dining Room and Terrace feature locally sourced ingredients. Sustainable seafood is paired with homegrown herbs and cheese made with milk produced by the hotel's own cow. The Lounge offers cocktails and sharing platters with Pacific views. Botanica Afternoon Tea includes custom-blended teas and savory bites.

Leisure & Wellness

El Encanto Santa Barbara has a zero-edge swimming pool open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. The Spa at El Encanto offers treatments inspired by coastal elements, a fitness studio with Technogym equipment and classes from cardio to yoga. Seven acres of gardens include a lily pond with turtles.

Location and Transportation

El Encanto Santa Barbara is 4 km from Santa Barbara Amtrak and 20 km from Santa Barbara Airport. It is 0.5 km from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and 2.5 km from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The hotel provides a courtesy car within a five-mile radius and complimentary bicycles.

Hotel Services

El Encanto Santa Barbara provides a house car for transport within a five-mile radius. It has meeting rooms and event spaces. The hotel offers customized itineraries for exploring Santa Barbara, including winery tours. The hotel is pet-friendly and provides gourmet canine meals made with veterinarian-approved ingredients.

“Expect to be spoiled; from the impeccably maintained grounds to the generously sized rooms with high-end amenities, every detail is thoughtfully executed. The staff anticipates needs with a friendly and courteous demeanor, enhancing the overall feeling of discreet luxury. I believe you'll find it a truly special retreat.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
King Room Terrace
2 persons
410 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Garden Bungalow
2 persons
660 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
Premier King Room Terrace
2 persons
540 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
Superior Suite Hummingbird
2 persons
800 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Yoga class
  • Sports trainer
  • Aerobics

Guest Parking

  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Saltwater pool
  • Heated swimming pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Body wraps
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Make up services

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite

At El Encanto Santa Barbara, dining is a delightful blend of family-friendly warmth and elegant sophistication. The on-site restaurant features an inviting atmosphere with a spacious outdoor terrace and a stylish indoor dining room, offering an array of American cuisine infused with local ingredients and sustainable practices.

The Dining Room

American with local influences
Ambiance
Elegant indoor dining room complemented by a spacious outdoor terrace featuring heaters and blankets for cooler evenings, creating a cozy yet refined setting.
Key Offerings
Indulge in specialties like smoked salmon mousse paired with lemon-zested crème fraiche, or enjoy a luxurious breakfast with local eggs. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, and gourmet picnic baskets are available for outings.
Reservation
Reservations recommended.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour.

Location

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
Map view
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93103
Nearby
Riviera Theatre
1000 ft
Mall
San Marcos Building Courtyard
700 ft
Restaurants
Belmond El Encanto
800 ft
800 Alvarado Pl
Explore Santa Barbara
Local Highlights Around El Encanto
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
10 minutes walking
Natural history exhibits and gardens create an educational experience, featuring local wildlife and paleontological finds.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara
15 minutes walking
Historic mission known for its beautiful architecture and gardens, offering guided tours and cultural insights.
Franceschi Park
Franceschi Park
14 minutes walking
Stunning views of the coastline and gardens, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic amidst native flora.
Santa Barbara Courthouse
30 minutes walking
Iconic architectural gem featuring a grand clock tower and lush gardens; free tours available for a closer look.
Hiking at Seven Falls
10 minutes drive
Thrilling hiking trails with scenic waterfalls; a great adventure for nature lovers, requiring a short drive to the trailhead.
Yoga at Salt Cave Santa Barbara
10 minutes drive
Relaxing yoga sessions in a unique salt cave environment promote wellness and tranquility; reservations recommended.
Biking along East Beach
10 minutes drive
Coastal bike paths offer a refreshing ride with stunning ocean views. Rentals available nearby for convenience.
Belmond El Encanto
Belmond El Encanto
3 minutes walking
Upscale dining with a focus on local ingredients; beautiful patio overlooks the gardens. Reservations recommended.
Loquita Santa Barbara
10 minutes drive
Spanish cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere; try their tapas and paella, catering to various dietary needs.
The Good Lion
10 minutes drive
Casual spot featuring craft cocktails and a creative menu. A laid-back vibe suits anyone seeking a relaxed dining experience.
Riviera Theatre
4 minutes walking
Historic theater hosting films and live performances; check for schedule updates on special movie nights.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Santa Barbara Bowl
15 minutes walking
Outdoor amphitheater featuring concerts with beautiful hillside views; great for music lovers of all ages.
MOXI
10 minutes drive
Interactive science and technology museum. Family-friendly exhibits foster creativity and exploration for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Santa Barbara22 min  ·  1.1 mi
Airports
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)30 min  ·  12.3 mi
Presidente Itamar Franco Airport (iza)70 min  ·  28.9 mi
Train
Santa Barbara Amtrak5 min  ·  1.9 mi
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station5 min  ·  1.9 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:30
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at USD 45 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
Number of rooms:
94
Former name
El Encanto by Orient-Express
Questions of the users
About El Encanto Santa Barbara
Is there an option for outdoor dining with social distancing measures in place?
22 November 2024
Yes, outdoor terrace seating is available, adhering to CDC guidelines. Tables are socially distanced, and indoor dining has been closed.
Are there bathrooms in the rooms with soaking tubs?
15 April 2025
Yes, any room above the Deluxe King category includes a soaking tub in the bathroom.
Can families with children check in, despite age restrictions mentioned?
30 March 2024
Children of all ages are welcome, as long as they are accompanied by parents or a responsible adult.
Is there a suite available that offers a separate bedroom and a sleeper sofa?
10 June 2025
Yes, the terrace premier suite has a separate bedroom along with a fold-out sleeper sofa in the living area.
Are twin beds available in accommodations where double beds are provided?
28 July 2025
Accommodations with two double beds can be arranged as twin beds upon request.
Does the hotel welcome children who are under 11 years of age?
5 September 2024
Yes, families with children of any age are warmly welcomed.
Is the swimming pool accessible for guests?
12 October 2024
Yes, the swimming pool is currently open for use.
Is the hotel pet-friendly, and what are the associated fees?
19 August 2025
Yes, the property accommodates pets with a fee of $40 per pet per day. Pets are allowed in all rooms, except the pool, spa, and restaurant areas.
Are there fireplaces available in the Superior King rooms?
14 January 2025
Not all Superior King rooms come with fireplaces. To ensure a fireplace in the room, consider booking a Premier King.
Is there a hot tub available on-site?
9 February 2025
Unfortunately, a hot tub is not available, but guests can enjoy a heated zero-edge pool at 29°C/85°F.
What transport options are available from the hotel to local attractions?
25 November 2024
A complimentary hotel shuttle service is offered for destinations within a 8-kilometer radius, allowing guests to visit local points of interest.
What are the parking options for guests traveling by car?
30 May 2025
Valet parking is available for $40 per night. Currently, self-parking options are not provided.

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