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 (1806)
  • Very good (574)
  • Average (413)
  • Poor (284)
  • Terrible (255)
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
Image of the Tripadvisor rating EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS

Jul 24, 2024 andrewsteinberg Houston, Texas

We stayed 10 nights at this beautiful property. The service was outstanding. Especially, all the staff in the Club Lounge. We really enjoyed the food presentations throughout the day. They did an outstanding job. Noon in particular has a great career in Hospitality in front of her. The nature trail was a great alternative to the beach.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nice and private

Jul 24, 2024 Gl272001 Los Angeles, California

This hotel is located about 20 minutes from Santa Barbara. It sits in a private location, so if you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle, this is a good place to go. It gives you that peace and quiet vibe. The grounds look amazing. It's about 5 min walk down the beach. Be aware of the beach tar. We had a hard time removing them even with… Read more
This hotel is located about 20 minutes from Santa Barbara. It sits in a private location, so if you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle, this is a good place to go. It gives you that peace and quiet vibe. The grounds look amazing. It's about 5 min walk down the beach. Be aware of the beach tar. We had a hard time removing them even with the wipes they provided. I hope they can provide more. The room we were assigned to was spacious. It looks outdated and dark but well maintained. I loved the toiletries. They're so luxurious. The staff in general were professional but not that friendly, not what you expect from a hotel of this caliber. With the exception of the valet staff, they were friendly and cheerful. I don't mind coming back but I hope to have a better experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Ritz Santa Barbara

Jul 17, 2024 SavvyJudge Scarborough, Maine

4.5 stars…gorgeous property and location. The beach is okay, nice for walking and cliff views. The food isn’t as amazing as it should be (particularly the Asian restaurant) and some of the signage and trails by beach need repair. However, love the layout, the staff, the private setting in Santa Barbara, the suites, and overall resort… Read more
4.5 stars…gorgeous property and location. The beach is okay, nice for walking and cliff views. The food isn’t as amazing as it should be (particularly the Asian restaurant) and some of the signage and trails by beach need repair. However, love the layout, the staff, the private setting in Santa Barbara, the suites, and overall resort vibe…definitely would stay again:) Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great staff can't overcome organizational fails

Jul 14, 2024 Geoffrey R Moraga, California

We stayed two nights. The staff was wonderful and the general design of the buildings/pools was pretty. I'm willing to forgive some tired upholstery and a bed that was acceptably, but not spectacularly, comfortable However, at this price point I should not have been having to wonder why there was exactly one towel rack (for hand towels) and one… Read more
We stayed two nights. The staff was wonderful and the general design of the buildings/pools was pretty. I'm willing to forgive some tired upholstery and a bed that was acceptably, but not spectacularly, comfortable However, at this price point I should not have been having to wonder why there was exactly one towel rack (for hand towels) and one hook in the bathroom (especially when there was more than enough room for more) -- yes, you could hang (one) towel on the shower door, but still). I should not have had to look for napkins (there were none) when my coffee spilled. I should not have had to deal with housekeeping only getting to the room at 3 pm (and then have someone come to the door a couple of hours later offering additional towels and chocolates?) This isn't the staff, it's an organizational issue: a lack of thought and failure to anticipate the needs of the guests both physical and service-wise. And then there was the flickering light, a patio door that was "stuck," etc. Nothing that was truly horrible, but at the prices charged ... just, no -- especially when fixing things like more towel racks and clothing hooks and appropriate timing for housekeeping (and noticing and replacing flickering lights) should not be a major cost. Read less