El Encanto by Orient-Express 5* (Santa Barbara, CA) - Hotel Reviews

Also Known As:: El Encanto Hotel And Garden Villas

Address: 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Formerly El Encanto Hotel & Garden Villas)

Phone Number:

Region: United States > California > Santa Barbara

Amenities:

Bar/Lounge Fitness Centre Free High-Speed Internet Children Activities Kitchenette Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access

Hotel Style:

#1 Luxury Hotels in Santa Barbara

#5 Family Hotels in Santa Barbara

Price Range: ££££

Hotel Class:5 star (5*)

Official Description (provided by the hotel):: This iconic hotel has been meticulously restored to capture all the romance and glamour that has spanned nearly 100 years. 92 California-styled bungalows dot the lush grounds which feature seven-acres of landscaped gardens with sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Modern additions like the expansive outdoor swimming pool and a boutique spa will enhance the El Encanto journey for today’s luxury-seeking guest. El Encanto’s charming setting atop a commanding hilltop perch offers the ultimate secluded retreat, creating an eclectic and authentic ambiance for romance and rediscovery. ... more less

Reservation Options:: TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Orient Express, Expedia, Booking.com, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Tingo and Venere so you can book your El Encanto by Orient-Express reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Trisha21

Orange County CA

Top Contributor

81 reviews

37 hotel reviews

Reviews in 46 cities

71 helpful votes

“Orient Express spent $130 million to renovate El Encanto!”

Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

As repeat visitors, we were anxious to stay at El Encanto after the seven year renovation by Orient Express. We spent the weekend in one of the cottages and were pleased to see that the old main dining structure looks the same, but was rebuilt from the ground up and that the lovely pergola was taken apart brick by brick... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Problem with this review?

See 2 more reviews by Trisha21 for Santa Barbara

PeterL565

Malibu, California

Reviewer

4 reviews

Reviews in 3 cities

“a great escape”

My wife and I just spent three nights at the El Encanto. My understanding is that the hotel was closed for eight years and just opened after a $135M renovation. The hotel and the grounds are absolutely beautiful. We had a one bedroom bungalow which was tastefully decorated. The main dining area offers a terrace that offers fantastic views of... More

LAEventpro

Los Angeles, California

5 reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

4 helpful votes

“WORLD CLASS BRUNCH with a WORLD CLASS VIEW: We had a fantastic Brunch, here's why:”

Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

We had a truly WONDERFUL BRUNCH today at the newly renovated EL ENCANTO in Santa Barbara, it was excellent in every way, if you were looking for 'the' place to celebrate a special occasion, believe me when I tell you, THIS IS THE PLACE. This hotel is all about its famous view, as its perched high above SB in the... More

Jonathan F

Los Angeles, California, United States

1 review

“great stay”

Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Beautiful place to get away. You have the option of good food and entertainment or total seclusion and quiet, comfortable rooms. The view is great and the service outstanding. I wish I could have stayed longer. Will definitely make the stop next time I am passing through the Santa Barbara area.

busyflying

Los Angeles

111 reviews

39 hotel reviews

Reviews in 41 cities

111 helpful votes

“Wonderful, but it's just overpriced”

Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

I was here in May. The hotel is beautiful. It is perched on a hill overlooking the town and on to the ocean. The massive redo of the hotel is evident because the grounds and bungalows and main building are all perfect in California beach styling. My bungalow was generously large with a big bathroom. There was a push button... More

Dear busyflying, Thank you for staying with us and providing such a lovely and descriptive review of our attributes and amenities. We really do hope you will visit again and hope that we can earn a five star next time! Best wishes, Laura M More

Stoney89

Contributor

12 reviews

6 hotel reviews

Reviews in 6 cities

12 helpful votes

“Nice place”

Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

Spent the weekend and found the new improved El Encanto as very comfortable. Rooms were nice but poorly laid out. Spa was nice but hard to find. Massage was very good. Overall thought bar and food were over priced. Lots of staff in restaurant who were mostly warm and capable but senior management we experienced had attitude. Food was ok,... More

Dear Stoney89, So glad you were able to experience our spa and restaurant during your stay. We do believe we have a fair price in keeping with other establishments of our caliber and the type of cuisine we are offering. We certainly will keep an eye on our prices so as not to be unrealistic. Thank you for your feedback,... More

MsWG

Lompoc, California

1 helpful vote

“Just OK”

Reviewed 13 May 2013

Grounds are small but beautiful, swimming pool area is very small as well, and no hot tub to enjoy at night which was a bummer. Service at the pool was not up to par with 5 Star. We requested water in which case was never delivered nor was an apology offered. Our highlight was utilizing the bikes the hotel offers... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1

Dear MsWG, Thank you for your feedback, it is wonderful to hear your overall experience was so good! We have added staff at our very popular pool to make sure we are accommodating all needs there, I do apologize that you did not receive water in a timely manner during your stay. With a little over 7 acres of gardens... More

Aussietraveller11

newtown

Senior Contributor

36 reviews

17 hotel reviews

Reviews in 14 cities

20 helpful votes

“A great restaurant and bar”

Reviewed 12 May 2013

We only came here with friends for pre dinner drinks but the service and the great view up high over Santa Barbara was one of those moments that you never forget, maybe on our next visit to Santa Barbara we will stay in this hotel.

See 4 more reviews by Aussietraveller11 for Santa Barbara

WineAndBacon

28 reviews

16 hotel reviews

Reviews in 12 cities

“5 Star Wonderful Hotel Terrible 2 Star Restaurant Service”

Reviewed 11 May 2013

Hotel is a 5 star the grounds are beautiful, the bungalow we had was nice, relaxing. And then there is the dining....... These 2 stars are for the restaurant only.... We spent 3 times going to the the restaurant. The first time just for some drinks after checking in to relax, the second for drinks again and some light fare... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3

See 2 more reviews by WineAndBacon for Santa Barbara

Dear WineAndBacon, Thank you for your review. I am very pleased to hear that your experience with our resort accommodations and grounds was positive. I do apologize that your restaurant and lounge experience was less so. We are constantly striving to make every guest experience wonderful and it is disappointing to see that we failed to do this in an... More

Polichou

“A real treat!”

Just spent 2 nights in this beautiful property. It is the perfect hotel for an escapade from the city. Not only the view is out of this world, but the service and the care, the ambiance of the hotel and the quality of the food is exceptional. Not to miss the piano bar for cocktails! The position of the Restaurant... More

1-10 of 41 reviews

« 1 2 ... 5 »

Trendy Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara 786 reviews	Good for business Holiday Inn Express Santa Barbar... 357 reviews	Near the beach BEST WESTERN Beachside Inn 152 reviews	Near the beach The Sandman Inn 472 reviews
ABS:HotelCheckRates-d273259?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell	ABS:HotelCheckRates-d84618?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell	ABS:HotelCheckRates-d501980?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell	ABS:HotelCheckRates-d119673?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore... 663 reviews	Spanish Garden Inn 538 reviews	Canary, a Kimpton Hotel 182 reviews	Brisas Del Mar, Inn At The Beach 265 reviews
ABS:HotelCheckRates-d147443?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero	ABS:HotelCheckRates-d225519?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero	ABS:HotelCheckRates-d524006?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero	ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81869?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero

Harbor View Inn 588 reviews	San Ysidro Ranch, a Ty Warner Pr... 147 reviews	Pacifica Suites Santa Barbara 333 reviews	$Fess Parker\$ Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort 928 reviews
ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81905?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero	ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81955?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero	ABS:HotelCheckRates-d119682?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero	ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81899?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero

El Encanto by Orient-Express Hotel Reviews, Santa Barbara

El Encanto by Orient-Express

41 reviews from our community

Been to El Encanto by Orient-Express? Share your experiences!

Additional Information about El Encanto by Orient-Express

Owners: What's your side of the story?

Related hotels...

Browse nearby

Explore Santa Barbara

Hotels around Santa Barbara