Map

Palihouse Santa Barbara vs El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

Both hotels are praised by professional travelers. On balance, Belmond El Encanto scores significantly higher than Spanish Garden Inn. Belmond El Encanto comes in at 95 with approval from 15 reviewers like Forbes Travel Guide, The Telegraph and Travel + Leisure.

Palihouse Santa Barbara
Palihouse Santa Barbara
8 / 10
915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
From $309 /night
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Free Breakfast
  • Laundry Service
  • Concierge
  • Pool
show all amenities
Concierge Concierge
"Hidden in a quiet residential neighborhood three blocks from State Street, this white adobe boutique hotel with a red-tile roof has a plain exterior that doesn't quite prepare you for what's inside."
Oyster Oyster
Upscale
"The 23-room Inn of the Spanish Garden isn't the most luxurious hotel in Santa Barbara, but it's certainly one of the most charming boutique options." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"This Spanish-style inn, located in the Presidio District, is only three blocks from Santa Barbara’s main drag, State Street." Full review
Star Service Star Service
"A mile north of Stearns Wharf, three blocks east of State Street, and a 15-minute stroll to the promenade, this is a smaller, cozier version of Brisas Del Mar, with more sophisticated accommodations." Full review
i
Try to avoid the five rooms in the main building.
Rough Guide Rough Guide
"About the finest boutique lodgings the city offers, whose elegant rooms come with designer furnishings, fireplaces, high-speed internet connections and a fitness centre."
Gayot Gayot
"A few blocks east of State Street, the Spanish Garden Inn is a striking Spanish-Mediterranean building that exudes classic Santa Barbara style."
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"At this Spanish Revival–style inn, casual elegance, top-notch service and an impossibly romantic central courtyard will have you lording about like the don of your own private villa." Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"This elegant Spanish-Mediterranean retreat celebrates Santa Barbara style, from the tile floors, wrought-iron balconies, and exotic plants, to the original art by local plein-air artists." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
8.0
"Spanish Garden Inn, discreetly tucked away in historic Presidio District, is the ultimate intimate getaway to experience and savour the heart of Santa Barbara." Full review
U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report
9.0
"Nestled near downtown Santa Barbara, just three blocks east of State Street, this 23-room inn caters to couples looking for a quiet getaway." Full review
Show All Reviews
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
9 / 10
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
From $524 /night
  • Pet Friendly
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Shuttle Bus
  • Laundry Service
show all amenities
Time Out Time Out
"Marvel at the stunning views and serene privacy in this historic hilltop hideaway." Full review
Star Service Star Service
"This hotel is tucked into a tony residential enclave, hovering above the Santa Barbara Mission, minutes from the pier, distinguished dining and State Street shopping. " Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"The hotel has an intimate feel, with 92 luxury bungalows that overlook the city and the ocean, nestled among winding paths and gardens." Full review
Gayot Gayot
"This French country-style hotel is set high in Santa Barbara's Riviera neighborhood on ten lush acres overlooking the town and Santa Barbara Channel." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"We suggest making time for the farm-to-fork restaurant: the bounty of vegetables and herbs from the on-site garden... the aged white cheddar made with milk." Full review
Oyster Oyster
Luxury
"A gorgeous historic landmark in the hills... that preserved its character while adding modern perks to luxury bungalows." Full review
Jetsetter Jetsetter
"The crown jewel of Santa Barbara sparkles with lush gardens, a pool, spa and modern Cali cuisine." Full review
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"It was by far one of the best hotels we've stayed in the whole world over." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
9.0
"This exclusive, one-time haunt of Roosevelt and award-winning Spanish Mission Revival-style gem is where old money Angelenos come to chill when LA gets too hot." Full review
goop goop
"Perched on an olive tree-studded hillside overlooking the Pacific ocean, the Belmond El Encanto is more than deserving of its Forbes five-star accolades." Full review
Show All Reviews