Orient-Express Hotels renovates El Encanto in Santa Barbara

El Encanto opens in Santa Barbara today. Photo courtesy of Orient-Express Hotels

Take one hotel with a star-studded Hollywood past, add stylish American Riviera décor with a knock-out ocean view, and combine with coastal dining at its very best  and seven years dedicated restoration. The result? Orient-Express’ latest creation, and first hotel on the US West Coast, El Encanto, which opens today in Santa Barbara.

“The addition of El Encanto to the Orient-Express family is another milestone in the strengthening of the Orient-Express footprint in North America,” says John M. Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer, Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.  “El Encanto is an icon on the West Coast and fits perfectly with our existing international portfolio of unique assets.”

A glamorous hideaway for almost 100 years, El Encanto sits in seven acres of beautifully preserved landscaped gardens and is an integral part of Santa Barbara’s social, cultural and architectural heritage. Under Orient-Express’ watchful eye, the hotel has been fully restored and now consists of 92 individually designed California-style bungalows, with hardwood floors, plantation-style shutters, and bespoke accessories.