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January 2024 by Emily Palmer
Love it here! My fiancé and I recently stayed at El Encanto for New Years Eve and got engaged during our stay. The team at El Encanto ensured that we had the most beautiful proposal ever and set a romantic picnic setup by the serene Lily Pond with gorgeous florals and champagne. After the proposal, we had a family dinner at the PDR in the main restaurant and it was an incredible multi-course meal. Every dish was amazing and they catered to all dietary preferences- highlights were the chestnut soup, hamachi crudo and the chocolate ball dessert at the end of the dinner ?.The service was also impeccable during our entire stay from the valet, to the bellman, front desk, and restaurant team!And last but not least, our room was a gorgeous bungalow suite that resembled a fairy tale cottage- it was so lovely and had incredible amenities like a fireplace and heated bathroom floors. The grounds are so peaceful as well, with unparalleled views of the ocean, mountains and Santa Barbara. ?We both absolutely love El Encanto and will always treasure this special place. We cannot wait to go back!
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January 2024 by GG
Absolutely delighted with my dining experience at Belmond El Encanto! The overall service was impeccable, and I must give special commendation to Carlos Alfred Morales and Emma Koholua for their outstanding attention to detail and hospitality. The ambiance, combined with the exceptional service, made for an unforgettable dining experience!
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January 2024 by Guillermo Nicolas
Three of us plus my service dog went for lunch today at the El Encanto Hotels restaurant. We have a guest from Madrid, Spain staying with us in montecito & wanted to show her the views. We read the reviews that the food had gotten better because we had been twice before this time and the food was not great. We’ve been many many times with the service dog and NEVER had a problem until today. There was some young girl as hostess & she was very adamant that we could only sit away from the view (only reason we went) I politely said we had a service dog and she could sit anywhere we sat. She began to tell me their rules. I said they’re irrelevant as I am protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. She was upset and went to fetch the manager after a long wait, he appeared. As I’m talking to him the hostess continued to antagonize me with her repetition of the rules. I told her multiple times to stop talking. The more she repeated herself the more she provoked me to utter wrath. He finally had to remove her because he saw she was making things far worse.He took us to the table. He apologized and even offered champagne. I declined. We then waited a very long time for water. Then another long time for our teas, then finally after being seated for 20 plus minutes a waiter came by and we had no menus. He was polite and tried his best.The manager came by about half way through our meal to see if we were ok. I appreciate that but bottom line is the damage was done.We will not be going back again.
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January 2024 by Diane N.
We came here on the weekend for brunch. They have quite a spread and everything was amazing served with champagne. I would like to book a weekend stay to check out the grounds. The drive to Santa Barbara was beautiful and the hotel looks like a nice retreat from LA.
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December 2023 by Jennifer Yan
Our favorite spot in Santa Barbara. This time we went for dinner with friends and a movie after in walking distance at the theatre. Dinner was perfect, best steak with sides. Complimentary veg crudo. Great steak tartar, roasted beets salad, tomato salad, everything really. Roasted marshmallow with grand manier flambé was a highlightFood & drinks: Fantastic,
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December 2023 by Marilynn G
The food is great, and the sunset view is breathtakingFood & drinks: Drinks were on point and the food was excellent
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December 2023 by Lauren Hirsh
Absolute perfection! Some of the best hospitality I have ever experienced. I forgot my hair brush and someone ran to the store and bought me a new one without me even asking. The staff went above and beyond in every way.The property is completely tranquil and well kept.They even left parting gifts in my car as we left!I cannot recommend this place enough
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December 2023 by Reed Crawley
A reflection of how they treat the candidates they interview is how they treat their guests.HR manager (Christina) continued to waste my time during interview process. Would send me an email then not respond and then message me about a month later saying how does 330 work this week after confirming and cancelling other commitments to make the interview happens she never calls me.It is comical and extremely unprofessional for a hotel of this standard. This would never happen with the Rosewood Miramar
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December 2023 by David Bruemmer
The people here are the best but the rooms amd views are not far behind. I take my wife here for her birthday each year and it never fails to give us joy.
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December 2023 by Olivia Gingco
My husband and I stayed at the El Encanto for our recent elopement. From the moment we stepped on the property, the staff were warm, kind, and attentive. They made our stay so special, and were constantly celebrating us and our nuptials through thoughtful gestures & gifts. We also visited the spa and enjoyed a couples massage - everything was so relaxing and was the best massages my husband and I have ever had! The property itself is a dream - the view is unmatched, and the bungalows are so gorgeous. Cannot say enough good things about the El Encanto, and look forward to returning soon!
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December 2023 by D. Fred
We just ate at the restaurant because we're local, but the views are so beautiful from the patio. The food was really good, but you could serve a soggy bowl of cereal on that patio and everything would feel just right. Enjoy the food, but go for the atmosphere!
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December 2023 by Nea N.
I love the vibe here. It's family oriented and relaxed compared to LA although the food is top notch. The steak was amazing.
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December 2023 by Sharyn E.
Went for the advertertised Buffet style Brunch with unlimited mimosas and bellinis. Arrived to an a small, overpriced a la carte menu, without so much as an omlet option. Also, no bellinis. When confronted, was advised that their menu changed approximately 3 weeks ago and never updated their website. Blamed it on corporate. Also ordered water and after our 10+ minute discussion as to leave or not, we left still parched. Will not be back.
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November 2023 by Parsa Ara
We were shown around by Jack who was very kind and the lunch was amazing. Great time with a wonderful view of Santa
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October 2023 by Whitney P.
The grounds are beautiful and the views are stunning but the restaurant dining was a huge letdown. We had salmon and steak none of which tasted very good - fish was fishy and beef was very fatty. The sides were all undercooked or over cooked and swimming. In lots of sauces. After we ordered the second round of small oysters, they delivered instead large oysters. When we asked them why we didn't get the small ones that we ordered they simply said oh well that's all we have. Expect to pay $$$$$ without the quality. Loved the wines !
