Belmond El Encanto (Santa Barbara, CA)
Jul 8, 2017, 7:40 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Belmond El Encanto (Santa Barbara, CA)
Any feedback on this property? Really like the look of it and considering combining it with a trip to LA. I know the FS is the popular choice but the look of it isn't really doing it for me, and the fact that its almost 2x the price isn't helping.
Jul 8, 2017, 11:09 am
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
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Posts: 8,764
Funny you should inquire, as we are considering a stay around my birthday in Jan. We also are a bit more interested in this Belmont property than the FS or SYR, though all 3 will allow us to bring our dog. The only reason we'd consider the FS is the nearby dog beach.
Last edited by bhrubin; Jul 8, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Jul 8, 2017, 12:03 pm
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Discerning friends have repeatedly dissed the FS in this locale; I have not stayed there. The beach is across a busy street. Another choice would be the San Ysidro Ranch. http://www.sanysidroranch.com/santa-barbara-cottages
Jul 8, 2017, 12:41 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
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Its not directly on the beach but we don't mind at all.
Jul 11, 2017, 12:23 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NJ
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Posts: 2,405
Discerning friends have repeatedly dissed the FS in this locale; I have not stayed there. The beach is across a busy street. Another choice would be the San Ysidro Ranch. http://www.sanysidroranch.com/santa-barbara-cottages
Jul 11, 2017, 2:58 pm
#7
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Thanks for clarification, schriste.
Inspired by this thread, and by the fact that, despite our 32 years in California we have yet to visit Santa Barbara, we are thinking of a respite at month's end. Rancho San Ydidro is our choice, looks just about perfect. Booking a Creek-side one-bedroom cottage.
http://www.sanysidroranch.com/santa-...asmine-cottage
Will be flying in from SFO and renting a car.
One of my favorite writers lives thereabouts but I don't expect we'll bump into him and can't imagine what I'd say if we did. T.C. Boyle.
I would not say the decor pictured above is quite to my taste (don't go for that bulky furniture look) yet it appeals much more than the currently favored minimalist look, no Amans for me!
Inspired by this thread, and by the fact that, despite our 32 years in California we have yet to visit Santa Barbara, we are thinking of a respite at month's end. Rancho San Ydidro is our choice, looks just about perfect. Booking a Creek-side one-bedroom cottage.
http://www.sanysidroranch.com/santa-...asmine-cottage
Will be flying in from SFO and renting a car.
One of my favorite writers lives thereabouts but I don't expect we'll bump into him and can't imagine what I'd say if we did. T.C. Boyle.
I would not say the decor pictured above is quite to my taste (don't go for that bulky furniture look) yet it appeals much more than the currently favored minimalist look, no Amans for me!
Last edited by KatW; Jul 11, 2017 at 8:29 pm
Jul 11, 2017, 5:42 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Santa Monica, CA
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Posts: 1,579
Just visited Santa Barbara two weeks ago for our anniversary (becoming a yearly tradition). Did not stay at the El Encanto but did have our anniversary dinner there - which ended up being a great meal and would recommend even if you are staying elsewhere.
Jul 11, 2017, 8:23 pm
#9
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Great, thanks for feedback! SYR looks pretty remarkable and I think is likely the best property in the area, but a bit too remote/desolate for us. Do let us know how you like it!
Feb 19, 2018, 12:58 pm
#13
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Posts: 2,028
Feb 19, 2018, 5:59 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8
Service is extremely hit or miss at the El Encanto. FS is likely a better choice and location, however it is still closed due to recent landslides, as well as the Coral Casino across the street. They have re-flagged the Bacara under RC, but it is overall a tired product.
For the moment El Encanto is likely the best option, location is good, with great views over the mission and all of downtown, and the rooms are quite nice. PM me if you need any reccs as it's my hometown.
SYR is also fully destroyed in the landslides, and will be minimum one year, most likely two years before it is reopened.
For the moment El Encanto is likely the best option, location is good, with great views over the mission and all of downtown, and the rooms are quite nice. PM me if you need any reccs as it's my hometown.
SYR is also fully destroyed in the landslides, and will be minimum one year, most likely two years before it is reopened.