Ritz-Carlton Bacara

Santa Barbara, California

Virgin rating

The hotel

Luxury on the California coast, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara is elegant, sophisticated and traditional, all rolled into one. You can choose from six dining options, each with something slightly different from the rest. And if you like a pool, then you're going to be spoilt for choice here, as there're three zero-edge pools, two of them complete with picturesque views of the ocean. Take your pick from a choice of two natural beaches, and there's a huge spa, perfect for a bit of me-time pampering. The hotel has numerous awards under its belt, and it's really easy to see why - so come and see for yourself.

Amenities

  • Tennis
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Transfer time from Santa Barbara: 27 minutes.

Hotel information

358 newly-renovated rooms and suites. All with air-conditioning, private patio or balcony, LCD TV, spacious bathroom with marble shower, mini-bar* and safe. King Bed Garden View Room, sleeping maximum 3 adults. 

One Bedroom Suite Partial Ocean View. Separate living area with sleeper sofa, wet bar and fireplace. Two full bathrooms with marble-encased showers. Extra-large patio or balcony, sleeping maximum 5 adults.

ANGEL OAK (steakhouse), THE 'O' BAR + KITCHEN (Latin cuisine and premium beverages), THE BISTRO (local produce and sustainable seafood), CAFFÈ (traditional breakfast and lunch dishes), POOL BAR (cocktails, frozen drinks, sandwiches and salads).

Two-mile natural beach. 3 zero-edged saline, heated pools with private cabana rentals*. Water sports* including surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Tennis*.

WiFi*. Spa and wellness centre*. Parking $53 per day plus tax (payable locally, subject to change).

This hotel has a resort fee of $50 plus tax per room, per day (payable locally, subject to change)

Resort fee includes: Pool access - Spa access - Fitness centre access -  Business centre/computer access - Newspaper - Faxes - In-room coffee. Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.  

*Denotes local charge

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1779)
  • Very good (570)
  • Average (408)
  • Poor (280)
  • Terrible (247)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful place but has some isses

Nov 23, 2023 Greg M

The resort is beautiful, and we will go back, but with lower expectations. Our room was not ready till over an hour after the guaranteed check-in time. I've never experienced this at any hotel ever. They took 15% of the cost of the room for that night, which was fair, but we would have preferred to check in on time and pay the full price.… Read more
The resort is beautiful, and we will go back, but with lower expectations. Our room was not ready till over an hour after the guaranteed check-in time. I've never experienced this at any hotel ever. They took 15% of the cost of the room for that night, which was fair, but we would have preferred to check in on time and pay the full price. Unfortunately, the ocean view king suite we were given really only had a partial ocean view and did not reflect what was shown in the photos on the resort's website. Again, management reduced the cost of the room, but we would have preferred to pay full price and have a true ocean view. The food was fine but the service in all the restaurants was fairly disappointing for this price point. It took 30 minutes to be seated for breakfast at the bistro, though there were plenty of empty tables and plenty of staff who didn't seem to be doing much. The staff seemed to lack a sense of urgency, although everyone was pleasant and professional. And the rooms could really use updating. With all of this said, we will absolutely go back but with reduced expectations. The grounds are beautiful and the view from the right room would be extraordinary. With updating and perhaps better-trained staff, this could truly be an exceptional 5-star resort. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Incredible Place and lots of Hummingbirds!!

Nov 10, 2023 Wander27315643357 Hilton Head, South Carolina

My wife and I stayed at this gorgeous property last month and I must say I was blown away. We only stayed two days, and if I wasn't headed to Hawaii, I may have cancelled my trip to stay longer. We have visited many Ritz Carlton's over the years but this one is by far our favorite!! It was grand, lavish, beautiful and at the same time cozy,… Read more
My wife and I stayed at this gorgeous property last month and I must say I was blown away. We only stayed two days, and if I wasn't headed to Hawaii, I may have cancelled my trip to stay longer. We have visited many Ritz Carlton's over the years but this one is by far our favorite!! It was grand, lavish, beautiful and at the same time cozy, charming and comfortable. Even a garden view room would have beautiful views because the grounds are stunning in every way. If you like hummingbirds, you will definitely be happy...I could not count them all. ALL of the staff were wonderful and welcoming. We only ate breakfast at the resort, but it was wonderful and the menus of the other restaurants looked incredible. Our room was an extraordinary ocean view suite with a fireplace, and the front desk also delivered champagne and chocolates for our Anniversary. We had such a lovely time I asked to speak to the Manager Jose Yupanqui to convey our gratitude and let him know we love his property. Jose was extremely generous with his time and kind. He was very appreciative of our desire to share good news. I'm sure folks don't say nice things often enough. Anyway...we will be going back ASAP and so should you!!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Incredible customer service at the Ritz Bacara

Oct 31, 2023 Lori T

We had booked a specific suite for our daughter’s birthday welcoming a few of her friends to stay overnight with us to celebrate. The suite became uninhabitable and Madison Jordan called to give us options for the evening. Madison was extremely helpful and kind, understanding our frustrations. She went beyond and above to secure rooms as close… Read more
We had booked a specific suite for our daughter’s birthday welcoming a few of her friends to stay overnight with us to celebrate. The suite became uninhabitable and Madison Jordan called to give us options for the evening. Madison was extremely helpful and kind, understanding our frustrations. She went beyond and above to secure rooms as close as possible together while giving us space in larger rooms. And since our early check in could not be guaranteed anymore, Madison provided a late check out so we could enjoy lunch by the pool. She’s a gem of an employee and made our stay memorable even after the let down of not checking into our original Suite. I hope we get to see Madison when we return!!! Thank you!!! Angel Oak has fantastic food and service, it’s not to missed! Everything we ate was incredible (scallops especially) and ordering a few light appetizers from the San Setto Japanese restaurant menu was a real treat! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A WONDERFUL PLACE TO STAY, ESPECIALLY FOR A WEDDING.

Oct 30, 2023 alysonth New York City, New York

We came for a family wedding which cold not have been more perfect. But the hotel is so much more than that. Our room was comfortable, the Spa pool was the right temperature, the tennis courts great and the Club lounge just what we needed with delicious food and wine in an informal setting. The best of all is the staff who were friendly and… Read more
We came for a family wedding which cold not have been more perfect. But the hotel is so much more than that. Our room was comfortable, the Spa pool was the right temperature, the tennis courts great and the Club lounge just what we needed with delicious food and wine in an informal setting. The best of all is the staff who were friendly and helpful - in fact could not have done more to make our stay wonderful. We met many other guests who told us they came back each year because of the wonderful staff. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Ritz Carlton Santa Barbara

Oct 12, 2023 kimgF7425FB San Jose, California

Couple get away for two nights in Santa Barbara RC in aug 2023. Beautiful property with its own character Friendly and attentive staffs (check in; pool) Breakfast room service was quick and accurate. The steak house view was amazing. Food presentation was on point. We even got a bottle of champagne on the house for our anniversary… Read more
Couple get away for two nights in Santa Barbara RC in aug 2023. Beautiful property with its own character Friendly and attentive staffs (check in; pool) Breakfast room service was quick and accurate. The steak house view was amazing. Food presentation was on point. We even got a bottle of champagne on the house for our anniversary celebration upon check in our room. ;P EV was fully charged by the time we check out I would visit here again! Thank you Ritz SB Read less