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October 2024 by George Elise
Hit and miss & somewhat misleading.
Tried many times via email to contact the hotel before booking as this was for me and my husbands wedding, so it was a very special occasion for us and we received no response.
The place is lovely, staff very polite and professional, however there were some major let downs. Had booked breakfast included but it wasn’t really. Only up to the value of $60 for two people when one breakfast alone came to over $50….very misleading.
The room was very clean and nicely decorated however we had no view and were right next to a path so had to keep curtains closed. The shower in the bathroom also leaked and the door was too low to have a bath mat outside it - just a bit dangerous and slippery on marble flooring (just a minor thing)
We also ordered ice 2-3 times and were assured it would come but we after trying over and over and waiting an hour it never did. As there isn’t an ice machine this was our only choice - still not sure what the problem was here.
The restaurant also had a wait time despite the fact some tables were not even being used (maybe reserved?), waited over an hour so just decided to eat in the lounge instead. Prices are astronomical, expected due to location but not entirely worth it in my opinion when Santa Barbara/ Montecito has so many amazing local restaurants.
Overall our stay was a bit of a letdown- again the staff were wonderful and I can’t fault the service we received however we wouldn’t stay again for the price. The higher the price the higher the expectations and unfortunately ours fell a little flat.
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October 2024 by Dr. Maryam D. Far
We have been here a few times for afternoon and it is superb. Service is amazing, food is great, views are to die for.
Safety: Safe and quiet community
Food and drinks: Great dining options
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September 2024 by Arnie Rubin
Great dinner outside over looking the ocean. Service is impeccable, drinks and food magnificent. Great way to spend an evening with family and friends.
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September 2024 by James W
The location sitting above Santa Barbara is absolutely stunning. We received excellent service at the pool and the valet were simply the best! The rooms could use a bit of updating…I get the charm of it, but our windows were so creaky, leaky and cracked that some wouldn’t even open. Evening service at the bar/dining room is a bit of miss (breakfast service was always impeccable and delicious). I don’t understand why a tomahawk ribeye advertised as serving 2 guests, came with 1 little pave potato. My biggest gripe however is the cocktails. Charging $23 for arguably the worst drinks I had all week is a crime. That is a premium price to pay for a subpar drink. I will happily pay premium prices for a craft cocktail that takes some effort, but not something I could get at Applebees for $8. Overall we really enjoyed our stay, but to be 5 star you gotta be 5 star everywhere.
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September 2024 by Liuba Bejarano
We went to the Thursday Gin & Jazz. Except for the restaurant host, every staff person that evening made us feel welcome. The jazz singer was classy and a delight to listen to, Exceptional hospitality and service even though we stayed only in the lounge for the jazz.
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August 2024 by Let's Go With Ro
The lunch at Encanto was very good. It met up to my expectations and highly recommend this place.
I did walk here so that changed up my mood, but the service was very good and I ate yummy dishes.
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August 2024 by Amrit Sidhu
We are on a month long road trip down the west coast and stayed here for 4 nights. We had 3 rooms 1 for my wife and I and 2 for our 3 children. We booked through AMEX travel and all of our rooms were upgraded upon arrival.
The service from the moment the Valet opened our door and introduced us to Jared in reception to being greeted by Hugo at breakfast and Trevor by the pool was second to none. There was nothing that was too much trouble and we cannot recommend this hotel enough.
We will 100% be returning when we return to Santa Barbara.
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August 2024 by Ilene Kahn Power
We live very close by El Encanto and have for years. We had our wedding party there and spent that night. But we frequently have drinks and dine there. Today our son treated us to the most magnificent brunch on the terrace overlooking the ocean and islands. We cannot praise the loveliness and excellence of this hotel enough. It is a treasure. Everything about it is beautiful and perfect and their chief is brilliant. So much nicer than the new commercial doubly priced iteration of the
Food and drinks: Superb chef. The brunch we had was perfect and elegant and delicious. And the view and service could not be beat.
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August 2024 by John Maskaluk
Food and drinks: Disgusting
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August 2024 by Chris Pursell
Lovely light dinner and drinks on the lounge patio. Wonderful food and service. Beautiful view. Highly recommend.
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August 2024 by Sarah Falk
Exemplary experience. We went on a weekend trip from LA just to get away from it all, and nothing disappointed. Every person we encountered, from valet to front desk (waiters, concierge, cleaners…) went the extra mile to make us feel welcomed and at ease. Greeting us by name over the course of our four day stay went a long way.
Grounds are beautiful, including pool, garden, and wishing well. Food is delicious, and the Sunday brunch with live bossa nova was a particular treat. We were delighted by so many cute complimentary gifts, as well as a free drink and cake on my partner’s birthday. We used the gym, which was clean and well appointed (both with equipment and drinks/snacks), though did not have the opportunity to visit the spa.
My partner proposed at the wishing well on the morning of his birthday, so I know El Encanto will always be very special to us!
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June 2024 by Jan Leonardo
Beautiful place
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June 2024 by Wren Perdue
This review is written by someone who comes from Hawai’i - the LAND of hospitality. I am a critic! So here goes . . .
WOW. The level of service here surpasses Ritz Carlton. My interactions started with Avery at the front desk prior to our arrival. She left a huge impression on me with her attentiveness and going the extra mile to make me happy during my stay! Luke at the front desk was also an absolute joy - the stand alone bungalow you set us up in was fabulous!
Trevor & Sunjay with room service - you nailed it and read my mind ? - thank you for making it even more special!
Sydney the hostess & all the restaurant staff was so attentive!
The halibut tacos, avocado toast, huevos rancheros, beet salad & caprese salad were just some of our favorites.
Special thanks to Armando Silva & Antoine Clocher. There is bound to be hiccups but these two managers keep a close pulse and follow up to make sure we were taken care of!
Housekeeping - the daily cleaning and turn down service was the best housekeeping I’ve ever witnessed. You need to go and stay here and experience it for yourself.
Hernan the manager of valet was very knowledgeable about the history of the hotel and the brand and it was cool learning from him. LVMH owned - I’m not surprised! ??
This hotel is a gem. We are now obsessed with this brand and can’t WAIT to enjoy their other properties! We got great suggestions from the staff who highly recommend their Mexico property.
Mahalo to the El Encanto Belmond entire staff for an unforgettable stay. We can’t wait to come back ?
PS - I couldn’t name everyone but I give every employee there appreciation?.
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June 2024 by Robert Carr
Great location and great view but on our visit the service and food was only slightly above average unfortunately. First, the menu the list on their website isn't up-to-date so one of the big draws was trying the listed prix-fixe plant based menu - but that isn't offered anymore. As a replacement for an expensive fine-dining experience we were offered a burger off the louge menu - not really the same thing. No offer to make something vegan or alter anything just good luck. Drinks were made incorrectly, saying they forgot to make ice. The waiter, while, nice was always in a hurry to be somewhere else even though the place wasn't crowded for any early dinner. It became comical at a certain that he wouldn't even stay at our table for more than 15 seconds before darting off to some imaginary task. The only people dropping food at our table were busboys who seemed hardly interested in being there. It was mid-week so maybe we got the less-experienced staff which I can understand. They did comp us for two drinks which was appreciated. If you are looking for a great location and views, this is the place but keep your fingers crossed on food and service.
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June 2024 by Lee Powell
High in hotel. Great service. Great restaurant. Eat on the terrace.
Walkability: You got to drive in and out. No walking nearby.
