We are long time Santa Barbara residents and decided to celebrate a family birthday at the newly opened, posh appearing El Encanto Restaurant. The luncheon menu offerings were minimal, but one of us chose the risotto, another a salad, another a salmon dish. When the food arrived it was a small amount, think appetizer. The risotto was too rich and... More

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

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

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.

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

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

My wife and I needed a 3 day trip to get away from the doldrums and repetition of everyday life. We love Santa Barbara and had heard of the restoration of the famed El Encanto. Suffice it to say, this is the perfect place to decompress and forget how busy the world has now become. It's nicely nestled in the... More

The El Encanto Hotel is Fabulous! The property, views, cottages, food, staff, art program and everything else about this hotel are the VERY BEST. The drive to the hotel is very nice from Los Angeles up the coast. It only took an hour and a half. Go out to the terrace and have a very relaxing time with a glass... More

My wife and I just spent a beautiful weekend at the new El Encanto. What a special place. The recent renovation was meticulously done and the setting is second to none. There is still some tweaking to service, but if you didn't know that they just reopened it would be hard to tell. Food was great. Spa was intimate and... More