El Encanto Hotel, Santa Barbara

Used to live across the street on Paterna and dined there constantly and used the pool. I loved the old rooms and the ambiance. Probably could use some major updating. Compare it to the Mission Inn in Riverside, which has upgrades in a vintage way, there old rooms.

I grew up at the El Encanto Hotel. My grandmother owned one of the bungalows on the grounds furthest from the main hotel, and I've been very glad to see that the amenities added to the hotel over the years hasn't changed the ambiance any. I do miss the piano music in the evening after dinner in the foyer, however. My father lived there as a child, and young adult. It was a magical place to spend time then, and now a magical place to stay when I am in the area. This hotel holds many wonderful memories, and since it has been kept up well, it is a good place to recommend.

I thought it was a wonderful place to stay. We didn't mind driving down to State St. because the views were wonderful. Sitting in the garden relaxing and just enjoying the view was my favorite part. The room was nice and clean. A little small but it was cozy with the fireplace!

I realize it is being remodeled but this hotel has a wonderful old California feel. It really reminded me and my wife of the Eagles Hotel California...nice views and good service if a bit dated furnishings. If you want new and sterile not for you

Stayed here for one night last week. The room, while a great concept, is about 20 years overdue for an update. Musty smell every where. No air conditioning, which honestly was fine. No screens on the windows meant no fresh air. We were provided with a $10 fan. Overpriced, the kitchen ran out of brown sugar for breakfast and chickenwings. All in all, the only disappointing place we stopped at in two weeks

needs to be updated, very old and tired. the rooms are old, poorly heated, carpets thin, chairs in dining room broken, food terrible. nothing to walk to - so location is poor.

A beautiful place with a beautiful view!! Great rooms and very beautiful grounds. The restaurant was good and also with a great view! Just wished it would of been closer to downtown.

I loved everything about it. I loved the historical nature, the location, the views, and the rooms.

If you want the Ritz, don't go to El Encanto; nevertheless, at the bargain rate I got, I was very happy with my stay there. We stayed in one of the newer (it's a relative term) buildings at the top of the hill. I would tell you what room it is, but then you might want to book it the next time I do. When my girlfriend and I arrived, there were two logs ready to be used in the fireplace and the feather bed was thick. The room was perfectly clean, if not a bit worn here and there. So what, the price was more than right and chipped linoleum doesn't bother me. We ate at the restaraunt, which was better than I expected. They were kind enough to seat us outside on a cold night and even moved heaters around to provide a comfortable table with an amazing view of Santa Barbara and the Pacific. I left with a fiancee, so it was a great weekend. I have read other reviews about the hotel that were a bit negative, and was worried, but I can't see any reason not to recommend El Encanto.

We stayed two nights at this great hotel. Very romantic w/ beautiful mature grounds. Sitting on one of the cabana benches overlooking SB is wonderful and relaxing. Our room was not one of the older rooms, or so it seemed. My husband wasn't charmed w/ the thin walls since we could hear the room next door and the bathroom was very basic. However, I think it is part of its' charm although I wouldn't mind a bit of updating either. The service is attentive and friendly. Tip: park in the back lot, closer to most rooms anyway, and avoid the constant valet service. We didn't become aware of this until our final day. Also, nothing is within walking distance from the hotel except The Riveria theater, which does have some great independent films.