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 (1808)
  • Very good (574)
  • Average (413)
  • Poor (284)
  • Terrible (257)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Superior Hospitality from Benjamin on Baby’s First Vacay!

Aug 26, 2024 chantelca Santa Barbara, California

Benjamin at the front desk is an absolute hospitality rockstar who made our stay so special! I was traveling with my wife and 6-week-old baby on our first trip to see our family in SB, and I am so glad we decided to treat ourselves on the way. Benjamin went out of his way to welcome us warmly after our long drive from SF and put us in a lovely… Read more
Benjamin at the front desk is an absolute hospitality rockstar who made our stay so special! I was traveling with my wife and 6-week-old baby on our first trip to see our family in SB, and I am so glad we decided to treat ourselves on the way. Benjamin went out of his way to welcome us warmly after our long drive from SF and put us in a lovely room by the pool that was absolutely perfect! I’ve worked in hotel management and the hospitality industry for over 10 years and I wish I could hire him for my team in San Francisco! Our little one night trip was such a memorable experience thanks to Benjamin and we truly enjoyed every minute of the stunning pool, delicious food, comfortable bed, convenient golf cart rides, gorgeous ocean views, and friendly staff. Even the ambiance with calming music on the TVs when we arrived was magical! Thank you again, Ben, for making our first family trip one that we will never forget! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Poor communication and customer service

Aug 26, 2024 caitlinabel Alhambra, California

This review is strictly based on my recent experience with their customer relations and food/beverage team. I originally called and spoke with Carla in Room Service on Sat 8/24 to send a special birthday treat to a friend who is checking in the next day to celebrate her birthday. I was having issues completing the e-form they sent via email,… Read more
This review is strictly based on my recent experience with their customer relations and food/beverage team. I originally called and spoke with Carla in Room Service on Sat 8/24 to send a special birthday treat to a friend who is checking in the next day to celebrate her birthday. I was having issues completing the e-form they sent via email, since I didn't have the confirmation number. Next day, day of birthday/arrival, I called again and spoke with Daniel. He resent the expired email link and gave me the confirmation number to fill out the e-form. On the form, I specifically indicated that I wanted a bottle of Prosecco, peach nectar (to make bellinis) and chocolate dipped strawberries. I also got the email address to their Guest Relations, Avelino, for them to type up a birthday message. I received an email from both Daniel and Avelino, assuring me that it will be delivered after they arrive. Avelino even said he just typed up the card and finished blowing up her balloons. It's almost 11pm and I still have not heard from my friend about her birthday goodies. I texted her asking if she enjoyed them and to my surprise, she had no idea what I was referring to. She didn't receive anything. Monday morning, I called Avelino to ask him what happened? He said that my friend left a DND sign and they failed to leave a note under the door, but just left a voicemail. And we all know that no one really looks at the hotel phone! He assured me that everything will be delivered and apologized for the mishap. I reminded him again of what I ordered: a bottle of Prosecco, peach nectar (to make bellinis) and chocolate dipped strawberries. Monday @2pm, my friend sent a photo of the goodies and NO PEACH NECTAR. And to top it off, the card message was from GUEST RELATIONS! It was supposed to be my personal message! So now it just made it seem like it was from Ritz, not me! This whole experience has been a major disappointment. This is NOT the type of service I had expected from Ritz Carlton. Totally unacceptable. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional service.

Aug 4, 2024 David B

I have to acknowledge Dante Gonzalez. The service was above and beyond…professional, courteous, and fast. He assisted with everything we needed to include some unforeseen last minute changes. Madison, the front office manage, please give a thanks to Dante for making this stay even better than imagined.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Guess we will take our business elsewhere

Jul 27, 2024 Todd R Los Angeles, California

This is one of those reviews where you just had one of the rudest customer service condescension and I could not pass the opportunity to bang on some keys, such that you can choose whether or not this is the environment for you. We are a small family. We are not rich, but we spend enough money over the years that we can afford a short trip at… Read more
This is one of those reviews where you just had one of the rudest customer service condescension and I could not pass the opportunity to bang on some keys, such that you can choose whether or not this is the environment for you. We are a small family. We are not rich, but we spend enough money over the years that we can afford a short trip at the last minute using miles. Historically, if you travel often, one can call the front desk manager the night before arrival and confirm some sort of room that might be larger or most times upgraded to a suite (especially a member with "status"). I call and request to speak with said individual and Jarrod transferred me to Stacy B. (did not feel comfortable giving me her employee ID). When I explained my situation, she gave a robotic response one might find at a Best Western, but the Ritz Carlton? When I explained that I just wanted to confirm a room within 24 hours of arrival for FIVE nights (FIVE NIGHTS OCCUPIED) with our family (some rooms do not sleep four at these types of properties). It ended with her condescending tone offering me a manager's return call. Why would I waste any more time than it took me to type this? Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing anniversary getaway

Jul 24, 2024 Joe A

I came here for my 6 year anniversary with my boyfriend and the stay was AMAZING! Because it was our anniversary they surprised us with an amazing upgrade to a suite overlooking the pool area, and the room was spacious and elegant. The pool and beach were great and the service (at check in, the bellmen, valet, and housekeeping) were all efficient… Read more
I came here for my 6 year anniversary with my boyfriend and the stay was AMAZING! Because it was our anniversary they surprised us with an amazing upgrade to a suite overlooking the pool area, and the room was spacious and elegant. The pool and beach were great and the service (at check in, the bellmen, valet, and housekeeping) were all efficient and friendly. The grounds were well maintained and manicured and the cafe each morning had good coffee and an amazing breakfast burrito!! Overall a great stay and we are already planning a return!! Read less