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The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara vs San Ysidro Ranch

Both hotels are recommended by professionals. On balance, San Ysidro Ranch, a Ty Warner Property ranks slightly better than The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. San Ysidro Ranch, a Ty Warner Property scores 88 with accolades from 11 sources like Time Out, Fodor's and Condé Nast Traveler.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
8 / 10
8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
From $149 /night
  • Pet Friendly
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Room Service
  • Free Breakfast
  • Laundry Service
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Concierge Concierge
"All the rooms are designed with a... beach-chic vibe, but the ocean-view suites hold the key to Bacara's secret weapon: dramatic sea cliff vistas that open onto a wild stretch of beach."
Oyster Oyster
Luxury
"There is much to love about the Bacara, a destination resort located on a rocky stretch of coastline about 20 minutes west of Santa Barbara." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Mediterranean-style oceanfront villas sprawled over 78 lush acres between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering a laundry list of activities." Full review
Time Out Time Out
"This picturesque getaway could be mistaken for the coast of Italy, set up with mediterranean-style villas spread out over a long stretch of beach in Goleta." Full review
Star Service Star Service
"This ambitious, self-contained, deluxe destination resort is the only true oceanfront resort in Santa Barbara, though the Four Seasons is only about 14 feet shy of that claim." Full review
i
Avoid the less expensive rooms at the back of the property, where trains and cars rumble by, and request the more expensive quieter rooms overlooking the pools and ocean.
Gayot Gayot
"Spa aficionados still flock to the white stucco sanctuary."
Jetsetter Jetsetter
"Classic Santa Barbara-area celeb hideout mixing beach bumming with wine tasting and a sprawling spa." Full review
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"Bacara Spa and Resort feels secluded for a reason: it sits on 78 oceanfront acres on the North end of Santa Barbara." Full review
i
Don't miss the exceptional massages at the spa, 42,000 square feet of hot tubs, eucalyptus steam rooms, and areas to relax in.
The Telegraph The Telegraph
8.0
"With a spectacular setting overlooking the Pacific, Bacara is the only hotel in the area with direct beach access and gets it right on every level." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide
4 Stars
"Ideally located on 78 beachfront acres with the vast Pacific Ocean displayed before you, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is quintessential California coastal luxury." Full review
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San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch
8 / 10
900 San Ysidro Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
From $745 /night
  • Pet Friendly
  • Hot Tub
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Laundry Service
  • Concierge
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Concierge Concierge
"Welcoming guests since 1893, San Ysidro Ranch has long been an elite hideaway."
Oyster Oyster
Luxury
"San Ysidro Ranch is one of the most exclusive, romantic luxury options in not just California, but the entire country." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
World's Best Hotels
"All of the 41 private cottages and suites have decks and hot tubs. The resort sits less than an hour south of the Santa Ynez Valley, a perfect daytrip for wine tasting." Full review
Time Out Time Out
"This romantic hideaway in Montecito's foothills overlooking the Pacific is a beloved wedding and anniversary destination for good reason." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide
Recommended
"Settle in at this 550-acre paradise and you’ll see why John and Jackie Kennedy spent part of their honeymoon here, at this resort tucked away in the foothills of Montecito." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"This 1800s citrus farm and hotel on 500 acres in the Montecito Hills is "just about as perfect as any place can be."" Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"At this romantic hideaway on a historic property in the Montecito foothills... guest cottages are scattered among groves of orange trees and flower beds."
The Telegraph The Telegraph
9.0
"San Ysidro Ranch dates back to 1893 and has long been considered as one of the country's finest hotels." Full review
goop goop
"On an olive and lavender tree studded estate that was originally built as a citrus farm in the 19th century, you’ll find 41 secluded bungalows." Full review
Hideaway Report Hideaway Report
98.0
"Sophisticated 500-acre cottage-style resort in the leafy foothills of Montecito, just outside Santa Barbara." Full review
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