The Bacara Ritz-Carlton, Santa Barbara, CA [Master Thread]
Jul 10, 2018, 11:19 am
#31
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
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Any recent stays here? Especially by any Marriott Plat Premiers or those with the experimental "Ambassador" service?
Anyone stayed here and at the FS Santa Barbara Biltmore or Belmond El Encanto properties and can offer a comparison/contrast?
Anyone stayed here and at the FS Santa Barbara Biltmore or Belmond El Encanto properties and can offer a comparison/contrast?
Jul 29, 2018, 12:42 pm
#32
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: LAX, DCA, FUK
Programs: UA 1.5MM 1K, AA EXP, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime
Posts: 156
Hi. I'm PPE and will be staying three nights in mid August. I'll pass on my feedback after we return. Looking forward to checking this property out.
Jul 31, 2018, 4:02 pm
#33
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: SPG Plat, SWA Companion Pass, United Silver
Posts: 186
I've got tons of Starwood points that will soon convert to Marriott points, and I definitely appreciate having a nice point redemption option up the road from where I live for a fun weekend vacation. Maybe I'll get lucky and the Ojai Valley Inn will get bought and rebranded a StR or Luxury Collection property and would have 2 killer Starriott properties within an hours' drive?
Oct 15, 2018, 11:46 pm
#34
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And they have a dedicated path to the semi rocky beach, perfect for dogs.
Oct 16, 2018, 6:34 am
#35
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We now are booked here for 5 nights award at the start of our wedding anniversary trip in late April 2019. With our Rhodesian Ridgeback big boy along for the ride. Can’t wait!
Mar 14, 2019, 12:45 pm
#37
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS, AA Lifetime Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 285
yep. stayed there last month. what questions did you have? it's a lovely property although they are still in the process of refurbishing much of it since it was acquired by Ritz Carlton a few years ago. If you can, i would highly recommend paying up for the Club Lounge access - it is one of the nicest ones I have been to. As a Bonjoy Titanium (and returning) member, we were upgrade to a one bedroom suite, which was lovely. I don't love the pool - lots of rows of lounge chairs and just looks crowded - but I understand it is being refurbed soon. This has the potential to be an oustanding property - and future category 8 - if they get it right. Also, i would not eat at Bistro restaurant (we tried it twice and were disappointed), however their upscale restaurant (Angel Oak) is excellent.
Mar 14, 2019, 12:54 pm
#38
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yep. stayed there last month. what questions did you have? it's a lovely property although they are still in the process of refurbishing much of it since it was acquired by Ritz Carlton a few years ago. If you can, i would highly recommend paying up for the Club Lounge access - it is one of the nicest ones I have been to. As a Bonjoy Titanium (and returning) member, we were upgrade to a one bedroom suite, which was lovely. I don't love the pool - lots of rows of lounge chairs and just looks crowded - but I understand it is being refurbed soon. This has the potential to be an oustanding property - and future category 8 - if they get it right. Also, i would not eat at Bistro restaurant (we tried it twice and were disappointed), however their upscale restaurant (Angel Oak) is excellent.
Is it an active construction site?
Neither the website nor the photos make any reference to construction or renovation.
Mar 14, 2019, 10:49 pm
#39
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yep. stayed there last month. what questions did you have? it's a lovely property although they are still in the process of refurbishing much of it since it was acquired by Ritz Carlton a few years ago. If you can, i would highly recommend paying up for the Club Lounge access - it is one of the nicest ones I have been to. As a Bonjoy Titanium (and returning) member, we were upgrade to a one bedroom suite, which was lovely. I don't love the pool - lots of rows of lounge chairs and just looks crowded - but I understand it is being refurbed soon. This has the potential to be an oustanding property - and future category 8 - if they get it right. Also, i would not eat at Bistro restaurant (we tried it twice and were disappointed), however their upscale restaurant (Angel Oak) is excellent.
Agreed Bistro was meh, but Angel Oak was great. The winery with the tasting room off the entrance courtyard was great, as was the coffee shop.
Hockey: The buildings are so spread out, I can't imagine that construction is taking place in all of them at the same time, likely one by one.
Mar 15, 2019, 5:05 am
#40
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS, AA Lifetime Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 285
No not an active construction site - as another poster said the property is quite spread out so you don’t really notice it as they work on specific areas at a time. They also work fast!
As for recognition - they really went above and beyond I thought. Really great service there.
Mar 15, 2019, 5:07 am
#41
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS, AA Lifetime Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 285
Aren't there two pools? One by the ocean and one attached to the Spa building?
Agreed Bistro was meh, but Angel Oak was great. The winery with the tasting room off the entrance courtyard was great, as was the coffee shop.
Hockey: The buildings are so spread out, I can't imagine that construction is taking place in all of them at the same time, likely one by one.
Agreed Bistro was meh, but Angel Oak was great. The winery with the tasting room off the entrance courtyard was great, as was the coffee shop.
Hockey: The buildings are so spread out, I can't imagine that construction is taking place in all of them at the same time, likely one by one.
Mar 15, 2019, 5:11 am
#42
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS, AA Lifetime Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 285
I should also say they just finished refurbishing the lobby/reception area and they did a beautiful job. There is also a brand new circular bar near the lobby which is lovely as well and has a really nice bar menu FWIW so another nice alternative dining option.
Mar 15, 2019, 5:28 am
#43
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It's kind of frustrating because the property doesn't disclose any renovation or construction on its website or in the booking process. Trip Advisor reviews either love the property or criticize it, saying it's dilapidated.
Mar 15, 2019, 7:03 am
#44
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS, AA Lifetime Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 285
You might want to call them and check when they are planning to renovate the main pool as I believe that is supposed to happen quite soon. I would imagine they would allow families to use the spa pool in that case though while it is under construction. They said it is supposed to be done by the summer though. When were you planning to stay there? I do think they do go above and beyond for Titanium/Ambassador elites though, which is something that I don’t always feel is recognized at RC properties. FWIW, I probably would not go there in February again as the weather was unpredictable and a bit on the chilly side (although that was the case in California in general this year) but I would absolutely stay there again - especially once the pool is done. When we were there they were working on renovation the meeting spaces but that was the only construction I saw. They also recently renovated the spa (something they were working on during my first stay) and that looks lovely. The gym is still very old and needs new equipment but it is very large and is well equipped.
Mar 15, 2019, 7:16 am
#45
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You might want to call them and check when they are planning to renovate the main pool as I believe that is supposed to happen quite soon. I would imagine they would allow families to use the spa pool in that case though while it is under construction. They said it is supposed to be done by the summer though. When were you planning to stay there?