El Encanto, Santa Barbara

I rarely come on here to review anything, but I had the most amazing experience here and felt like I had to share it. El Encanto is truly a gem. The rooms were everything you'd want them to be... cozy, chic, and thoughtfully designed. The pool was the perfect place to relax during the day and the massage I got at the spa was transcendent. No detail was missed, seriously. I already can't wait to come back.

Lucia was an absolute sweetheart! I am visiting from out of town with friends, and she was very personable. Lucia recommended the Veuve Clicquot champagne to celebrate after a night out! Would recommend this hotel bar, the bar staff was very nice!

The kind of hotel that separates great luxury from truly exceptional: As a very well-traveled person who's stayed in hotels of all levels around the world from budget motels and mid-range chains to the finest luxury properties, I can honestly say that the housekeeping at El Encanto under the new ownership, was the best I've ever experienced by a wide margin. The fish tacos from the dining room were delightful. Fresh grilled fish... Brightly balanced with toppings & sauces...so good I ordered them twice. The marble bathroom was beautiful with white marble floors, a deep soaking tub, a rainfall shower, and an elegant spa-like feel. But what really impressed me was an honest family moment we had. My kid went wild exiting the bathtub, splashing water everywhere across the entire large floor in big, spreading puddles. I grabbed one of the hotel's white towels to mop it all up, bracing for the usual result: a soaked, streaked, obviously-used towel that would need replacing. Instead, after wiping down the whole wet mess, the towel came away shockingly clean...no visible dirt, no grime, no streaks, and barely any sign it had just tackled a major spill, which is honestly mind-blowing. That single moment showed how impeccably maintained everything is: the marble's superior sealing and polishing, combined with top tier housekeeping, meant the floor gleamed like new right after, and the towel stayed remarkably spotless. It's the kind of detail that separates great luxury from truly exceptional. The property itself is magical with stunning hillside views over the Pacific lush gardens warm service and that classic California Riviera feel. Even with a kid making a mess it felt relaxed and luxurious. If you want a hotel where cleanliness is exceptional even after family chaos, El Encanto is outstanding. Highly recommended. We'll be back!

I had to take the time to review El Encanto. I recently stayed here and it truly exceeded every expectation I had for a luxury property. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable from the front desk to valet to every server we encountered. Special thanks to Tom Pusateri, who made sure our stay was seamless and memorable. The property itself is beautifully decorated, incredibly well-maintained, and immediately feels like an escape. We loved relaxing while listening to the soothing sounds of the water and taking in the artful atmosphere. All the small details make it a perfect retreat. The restaurant was a highlight as it was creative, fresh, and absolutely delicious. What truly stood out was how the team went above and beyond when unexpected challenges arose. We had a flat tire during a rainy weekend, and the staff made sure we got everywhere we needed to go safely and efficiently. Skilled and friendly drivers, attentive staff, and genuine care made all the difference. What makes a place truly special isn’t just how smoothly everything runs when things are perfect but it’s how they handle the unexpected. El Encanto does this with grace, professionalism, and warmth. I would wholeheartedly recommend this property to anyone looking for a five-star experience. Relaxing, beautifully appointed, and supported by a team that genuinely cares, it's worth every penny.

The BEST hotel. El Encanto was referred to me by many people and they were absolutely right. The views are unreal, the service is amazing and everything just feels calm and elevated without being stuffy. The staff is beyond kind and makes you feel genuinely taken care of. 10/10 recommend

El Encanto exceeded expectations. Nicola made our stay exceptional from the start. He upgraded us to a suite with an amazing view and had champagne and desserts waiting when we arrived. On the night of our proposal, he and the team set up rose petals and champagne in the room, which made the night even more special. The hotel has a calm, timeless charm and the service was thoughtful and professional throughout. Highly recommend staying here.

2025-11-17 13:31 PT ⭐⭐⭐⭐ We stayed at El Encanto for a long weekend getaway and lucked out with warm January weather, which absolutely elevated the experience. The resort itself is beautiful and unique — historic architecture, charming bungalows, meandering paths, cozy little nooks everywhere, incredible landscaping, and the scent of blooming jasmine throughout. The pool has an epic view, and the hotel restaurant is an excellent breakfast choice with beautiful scenery and a genuinely delicious menu. The biggest drawback was the rooms (and spa), which feel in need of a refresh. The styling is dated, and the plumbing needs real attention. Our first room’s shower wouldn’t get hot and had an exhaust fan with an aggressively loud buzz. The resort kindly moved us, but the second room had a toilet that ran nonstop and required maintenance as well. On top of that, the sinks shoot water out so forcefully that I managed to soak multiple outfits thanks to splash-back (yes, eventually that one’s on me). To their credit, the staff was prompt and gracious about fixing every issue. Still, for the price point and five-star rating, we encountered more maintenance problems than we should have. All that said, the grounds and setting are truly special. If the rooms were brought up to the same standard as the rest of the property, this would be a standout stay.

El Encanto was such a magical stay. the entire property has this dreamy, vintage Italy vibe that instantly transported me, I genuinely forgot I was still in California. Every corner feels romantic, peaceful, and thoughtfully designed, like a little European escape tucked into the hills. The stay was incredibly relaxing, from the atmosphere to the stunning views, and the service made everything feel effortless. Bonus points for the super yummy matcha (obsessed). Truly one of those places where time slows down, I already can’t wait to come back.