Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
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Reviews of El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

5 out of 5
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 393 out of 484 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 45 out of 484 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 28 out of 484 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 484 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 484 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Vivian

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. However I think we got sick after using the pool in the evening 6:15p-7p. There is no jacuzzi. We woke at 3a with cold symptoms. Unfortunately getting sick makes me hesitant to return.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Fernanda Pita on Mar 1, 2024
Dear Ms. Vivian,We really sorry about your experience. We hope you are feeling better and we regret to inform that we had no information during your stay about your experience to be able to assist you while you were staying with us. We look forward to your return. Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Pauline

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfect retreat-like experience—the views are amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Fernanda Pita on Mar 1, 2024
Dear Pauline, I am so happy to learn about your experience. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Catalina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Fernanda Pita on Mar 1, 2024
Thank you for your review!We look forward to your return.Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Fernanda Pita on Mar 1, 2024
Thank you for your review!We look forward to your return.Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Fernanda Pita on Mar 1, 2024
Dear Mr. James, Thank you for your review!We look forward to your return.Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Living large
Beautiful setting and rooms World class service
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Rob on Jan 16, 2024
Dear John,Thank you so much for the kind words! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back again soon.Sincerely,Rob StittDirector of Rooms

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is my favorite hotel. I go to El Encanto every time I’m in SB.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Brendan Turner on Nov 15, 2023
Dear Jennifer, thank you so much for taking the time to provide us this feedback. I am so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay with us. Please let us know if we may be of any further assistance in the future as we do hope to welcome you back, kind regards, Brendan at the Front Desk of El Encanto

10/10 Excellent

Natasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent front desk manager Armando. Beautiful serene luxurious property with great service. The best property in the area surpasses the Rosewood for quiet and serenity.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Brendan Turner on Nov 5, 2023
Dear Natashe, thank you so much for taking the time to provide us this feedback. I am so pleased to hear you are enjoyed your stay with us and the excellent service from Armando. Please let us know if we may be of any further assistance in the future as we do hope to welcome you back, kind regards, Brendan at the Front Desk of El Encanto

8/10 Good

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Food was average at best
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita on Oct 19, 2023
Dear Mr. BrianThank you for the gift of your feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita on Oct 19, 2023
Hi Ms. JenniferThank you for your feedback! We hope to welcome you back in the near future. Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The American Riviera Holiday
Fabulous hotel and staff! The view makes you feel like you’re in Italy and they are dog and kid friendly!! The perfect vacation from LA!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita on Sep 10, 2023
Dear Kim, Thank you for your review and for graciously noting your experience highlights.It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments!We hope to welcome you back in the near future!SincerelyFernanda PitaDirector of Guest Experience"

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A jacuzzi and music around the pool.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita on Aug 29, 2023
Dear Ms.Patricia, Thank you for your review and for graciously noting your experience highlights.The team cares deeply about their craft and your experience. Secondly, thank you for caring enough to note opportunities for improvement. We will work on this! It was a pleasure to serve you and we look forward to having you again. Sincerely,

10/10 Excellent

Nikola

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An incredible property. On top of Santa Barbara. 10 Mins drive to Montecito. It a serene haven.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita on Aug 29, 2023
Dear Nikola, Thank you for your review and for graciously noting your experience highlights.It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments!We hope to welcome you back in the near future!SincerelyFernanda PitaDirector of Guest Experience

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was wonderful
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Aug 5, 2023
Dear Mr. Gilbert, Thank you for your review and comments. We hope to welcome you back in the near future. SincerelyFernanda Pita

10/10 Excellent

Androniki

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful grounds, well-appointed and beautiful room, great food, and lots of extras for our toddler including an adorable toddler bed and a backpack with toys.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Aug 1, 2023
Dear Androniki, Thank you for your feedback and comments. Our team is delighted to read. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future!Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Lars

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful escape to tranquility
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Aug 1, 2023
Dear Mr. Lars, Thank you for your feedback and comments. We hope to welcome you back in the near future.SincerelyFernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience

10/10 Excellent

Martine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I have zero complaints about this amazing place. They keep their grounds impeccable and their service is unmatched. Even though we were in teh most luxurious accomodations, the bungalows also feel cozy and like home. We were here for our baby moon and didn't want to leave. El Encanto also has a splendid reputation among locals, which speaks volumes. You must stay here if you travel to Santa Barbara.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on May 30, 2023
Dear Martine, Thank you for your review and for graciously noting your experience highlights.It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments!We hope to welcome you back in the near future!SincerelyFernanda PitaDirector of Guest Experience

10/10 Excellent

Ana Gabriela, fountain valley

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing place and amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience on May 6, 2023
Dear Ana Gabriela, Thank you for your review and for graciously noting your experience highlights.It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments!We hope to welcome you back in the near future!SincerelyFernanda PitaDirector of Guest Experience

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous property and the staff is amazing… can’t wait to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Apr 8, 2023
Dear Mr. Jon, Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place!We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Mindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is a must if you’re looking for something extra special in California. The grounds are impeccable. The staff is so kind and thorough. Our experience at El Encanto, from the rooms to the pool & view, to the dining, were exceptional. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Mar 29, 2023
Dear MindyWe are so happy to hear from you about your experience. El Encanto is a special place. We look forward to your return. SincerelyFernanda PitaDirector of Guest Experience

10/10 Excellent

Marietta

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Feb 25, 2023
Dear Ms. Marietta, Thank you for your generous review! We look forward to your return.SincerelyFernanda Pita

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Feb 25, 2023
Dear Ms. Danielle, Thank you for your generous review. We are so happy to hear from you. We hope to welcome you back soon. SincerelyFernanda

8/10 Good

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very pleasant stay, but not exceptional. I question the value for money
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Jan 12, 2023
Dear Mr. Douglas, Thank you for your comments. The team cares deeply about their craft and your experience. Secondly, thank you for caring enough to note opportunities for improvement. We will work on this! It was a pleasure to serve you and we look forward to having you again. Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Lucia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is very comfortable, peaceful, elegant,
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Jan 5, 2023
Dear Ms. Lucia. Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place!We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful bungalow layout. Stayed in the Superior King suite 801. Had its own fireplace, heated floors and an amazing large bathroom with a full bath and shower. In room dining was so good, ordered halibut tacos. So impressed!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Dec 24, 2022
Dear Ms. Tara, Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place!We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My stay was great. The service was awesome and the scenery is gorgeous.
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Dec 21, 2022
Dear Joi, Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place!We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved everything about the property & staff. I did have one negative experience. I wanted to look at the gym. A guest there refused to let me in because she was using the exercise bike without a mask. I did not have a mask so she told me that I could not come in!!!! I was very upset but did not want to be confrontational with such an nasty person. It truly flavored my experience at the hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Dec 17, 2022
Dear Ms. Anne, Thank you for your feedback and for sharing the highlights of your experience with us. I am sorry about the fitness experience. We do not require wearing masks. We look forward to welcome you back

10/10 Excellent

Frances

10/10 Excellent

Megan Smith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely amazing hotel. The hotel team is so nice and accommodating. They anticipate yours needs. The food was delicious and the view is beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Dec 15, 2022
Dear Ms. Smith, Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place!We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional service and setting
Exceptional service and setting. Beautiful ocean and city view. Charming cottage rooms and lush grounds.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Dec 9, 2022
Dear Monica, Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place!We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Arlene

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Oct 26, 2022
Thank you for your review!We hope to welcome you back soon!

10/10 Excellent

ZENG

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything is perfect in this hotel. Luxurious, beautiful, comfortable . We will definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Oct 10, 2022
Dear Zeng, Thank you very much for your comments. We are thrilled you had a good time with us. We look forward welcoming you back in a near future!

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wonderful place. Staff is extremely well trained. Excellent experience but somewhat overpriced.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Oct 3, 2022
Dear Mr. David,Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place!We hope to welcome you back soon!

10/10 Excellent

William

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great location with easy walking distance to the Mission and great views along the beautiful surrounding neighborhoods..
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Sep 29, 2022
Dear Mr. William, Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place!We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Aug 8, 2022
Thank you for your generous review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us. El Encanto is a very special place! We hope to welcome you back soon!

10/10 Excellent

Shashin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Aug 4, 2022
Thank you for the gift of your feedback! It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments! We hope to welcome you back in a near future!

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and well run property. All staff were very attentive and the rooms are beautifully designed and very well maintained.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Jul 30, 2022
Thank you for the gift of your feedback! It was a pleasure serving you! Our team is delighted to read your comments! We hope to welcome you back in a near future!

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Jul 18, 2022
Dear Mr. Richard We are so happy to learn about your recent experience wth us! We hope to welcome you back in the near future! Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Joerg

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s such a unique wonderful place
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita on Jun 22, 2022
Dear Mr. Joerg, We are so happy to know about your experience! We hope to welcome you back in a near future! Sincerely Fernanda Pita Director of Guest Experience

10/10 Excellent

Ludovico

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
amazing...
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Jun 10, 2022
Dear Mr Ludovico, THank you for your comments! We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a wonderful hotel, beautiful, delicious food, everyone very friendly and helpful with making plans and making them happen as well. I hope to visit many more times.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita on May 9, 2022
Dear Diana, We are so with the gift of your feedback! We hope to welcome you back in a near future! Have a lovely day ahead, Sincerely, Fernanda

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A true luxury hotel! Very dog friendly
This is our second stay at the El Encanto in the last year and it is our favorite place to stay in Santa Barbara. It is a true luxury hotel with great personalized service. Many luxury brands feel less than such these days particularly after the pandemic staffing impacts. This hotel is much better than Bacara these days in terms of services and making guests feel special. We have larger dogs and they were welcomed throughout the hotel except the pool and the staff was truly dog friendly. We look forward to many more trips here.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from Fernanda on May 9, 2022
Dear Jason, Thank you for your time in giving us your feedback! We will share it with our staff! We hope to welcome you, Rebecca, Cairo, and Aspen, back in a near future! Sincerely,

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Oct 10, 2022
Thank you for your review!We hope to welcome you back in a near future!

10/10 Excellent

Walter, Lafayette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita - Director of Guest Experience on Oct 10, 2022
Thank you for your review!We hope to welcome you back soon!

6/10 Okay

Michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
I only stayed at the property for one night, so it is harder to evaluate it perhaps as fairly as I might otherwise. It is a beautiful place, with stunning views of the Santa Barbara coastline. But I was irritated to arrive at 3:30 in the afternoon, and be told my room was not quite ready. 90 minutes later, for myself and other guests, the rooms were finally available. When we arrived for dinner at 7:30, once again the table wasn’t ready, and it was closer to 8pm before we were seated. My guess is that they are understaffed, and struggling with meeting the demands of more guests post Covid. However, if El Encanto is going to share $1500 per room per night, they need to have these staffing issues resolved!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022
Response from Fernanda Pita on May 17, 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you for your time in giving us your feedback, we appreciate it. I would like to contact you for a better understanding of your complaints. Would you please let me know the best time and number to reach you? Sincerely,

2/10 Terrible

gloria

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Akram

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022
Response from Fernanda on May 22, 2022
Thank you! We hope to welcome back soon!

4/10 Poor

DOUGLAS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Couldn’t dine in dining room, even as a paying guest! Too full! One of the phones didn’t work next to bed….. toilet ran all night even after maintenance had made a visit…room at 1200.00/night didn’t have an outdoor sitting area and laundry and staff supplies were directly across from our room. Expedias cheaper offer was not a pleasant choice!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022
Response from Belmond Team on Feb 16, 2022
Thank you for following up with this very valuable feedback after your recent visit to El Encanto. It is difficult to read that your stay was not up to our standards or your expectations We assure you that we take each of our guests' comments very seriously, and always encourage our team to go above and beyond to ensure expectations are exceeded. We welcome any constructive criticism in order to constantly ensure that we are truly striving to do our best. We look forward to better serving you in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Response from Fernanda on May 22, 2022
Thank you! We hope to see you back soon! Fernanda

10/10 Excellent

Lizet

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved the property and the friendly staff. It is a tad bit expensive. It's not walking distance from any restaurants or shopping centers so this is for people who want a little getaway from the city. It is a quiet property for any younger individuals who like a more trendy/livelier hotel then they should look elsewhere. It's a luxurious hotel for a quiet weekend in.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021
Response from Fernanda on May 22, 2022
Dear Ms. Lizet, Thank you for your feedback! We hope to welcome you back soon! Sincerely, Fernanda