The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

United States , Santa Barbara Area - CA
SANTA BARBARA, 8301 Hollister Avenue
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100 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

09 Mar 2026

dipali

no beach chairs or umbrellas

Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Brooke

The grounds and customer service were incredible. The food was hit or miss at all the places. Even Mariela we went one night and it was fantastic and it was terrible the next. All in all I would come back anytime. Our room was great. It was very large and had everything we could ever need. Only cons are we felt a little isolated. It would help to have a store on the grounds open 24/7 wheee you can purchase snacks or whatever:

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2026

Donna

the Hotel and beach are beautiful. The staff was excellent.

Partner

4/10

Poor

16 Feb 2026

Fang

The bathroom we stayed is quite old style and no fan for the air. They really need remodeling for bathroom. The sink is so small to put sanitary stuff. The floor with tile part is very sticky. The staffs with good hospitality meets expectations. The servants in the restaurant would be better if they have the same uniforms. I’m not happy with the valet as I found out the seat for passenger seat is moved.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2026

Katrina

Clean room, friendly, helpful staff, good food and close to beach!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2026

Bobby

Our stay at The Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara was absolutely incredible. Beautiful property, spotless room, and the service was top-tier from start to finish. The staff was warm, professional, and made everything feel effortless. Perfect luxury getaway — we can’t wait to come back!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Jan 2026

Andreas

Stay was fine. Nothing great and nothing bad. Just average. Not something you would expect from a Ritz-Carlton.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Dec 2025

Sarkis

Great!

Business

8/10

Excellent

28 Dec 2025

Nik

Nice resort overall. The property itself is beautiful, and the pool areas are very nice. One downside was the spa access—specifically the sauna and steam room—which costs an additional $45 per day. Given the nightly rate, I would have expected these amenities to be included rather than an extra charge.

Unfortunately, our bedroom had a leaking AC unit, which was disappointing. That said, the staff handled it well and waived both the parking and resort fees, which felt like a fair resolution. But again, for the nightly rate being what it is, I expect the rooms at the very least to be 100% functional.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

25 Dec 2025

Sahil

While the property is nice and

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2025

Jennifer

Staff, room and we were going to be away from our puppy and they had a gift for him with a note and champagne upon arrival

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2025

craig

Fantastic hotel/resort on a beautiful property. Great staff and service

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2025

Mani

We greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your positive experiences. It is wonderful to hear that you found our accommodations to be so satisfactory. Your kind words about our services are truly encouraging to our dedicated team. We hope you will consider staying with us again during your future travels. Thank you for your valuable feedback and recommendation.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

01 Nov 2025

susan

We had to request to move our room - it was far from the front desk rear of the property on a access road, close to the highway with a broken lock on the door. Fortunately we got moved or we would have left

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2025

Jeffrey

The spa was perfect..everything about this place was top tier

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2025

Lori

A real treat to stay here! The staff, food, amenities were all top notch!

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

23 Oct 2025

lisa

This is my first review. After check in(which was good) it went downhill. The experience was more Marriott and not Ritz Carlton. Room - nice but weirdly barely furnished. A fireplace but no chairs. The bedding was sub par and the extra blanket we ask for was gross! The initial service at the pool was rude until a lovely girl named Abby took over (she was the best). The food was very disappointing but the prices were insane, especially at Marisela. Overall I was disappointed and bummed. I always wanted to come here.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2025

James

The resort was outstanding. Every staff member from the valet, housekeeping, front desk, dining, pool staff were so courteous and helpful. Always trying to meet the needs of the guests. The rooms were a little dated but very comfortable with lots of space. ground were beautiful. Located on a hill but always had access to golf cart if you needed it. Outside bar at night was beautiful. Beach area was limited and you would get tar on the bottom of your feet from the sand. They had a wash area by the beach that had \"tar wipes\" to get it off. Food was amazing on site. Very pricey. Hamburger by the pool was $38 (and no fries). No upgrades for Marriott Elite Premier Members which was disappointing. Onsite parking was $70/day which was extremely high since there was no option. Can't say enough about the service - it was outstanding.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2025

Brian

Great resort! We had the best 10 year anniversary

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2025

Pierre

Our stay at Bacara was exceptional from start to finish. The personalized service stood out immediately, from the warm valet attendants who greeted us by name, to the seamless check in experience, and the turn down service every each night. Each interaction felt genuine without being over bearing.

The property itself is stunning, with world class amenities that make it hard to leave: multiple pools, ocean view lounges, spa, and maintained walking paths .
The only caveat depending on which villa you're in, you may have a bit of hill to walk. That said, the resort has golf carts to escort guests to their villas (especially handy after a couple of drinks).

All in all, Bacara delivers a 5 star experience with warmth, privacy and personalized service.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2025

ann

It was beautiful

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2025

Christophe

The property and facilities are amazing
The staff was a bit junior and inexperimented. Had to wait long time for luggage

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2025

Rebecca and Jason

Great property

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Aug 2025

Caroline

Negative: The common tile, walkways and elevators in building very dirty and appear not mopped in ages. The room well appointed but extremely dark! The pool is in need of work. Umbrellas and lounge chairs stained. Pool decking dirty. One hot tub with only half jets working and dingy plaster and broken tiles. Despite the resort being so large not flexible at all in accommodating late check out.
Positive: Our waiter at Marisella was phenomenal as were the whole staff. Billy and Zach at the valet station were terrific and so helpful and friendly.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

Brad

The service was superb!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2025

Randy

Absolutely beautiful property!
The 22% added fees were exorbitant!

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2025

Ronen

We had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The food was absolutely delicious, every meal felt thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor. The design of the space and the overall ambiance were simply amazing—elegant, comfortable, and inviting. Every detail contributed to a relaxing and memorable experience. We truly enjoyed our time here and would love to come back. Highly recommended!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2025

SANDRA

Beautiful property with amazing views of the coast! The staff was amazing! Would definitely recommend and stay here again!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2025

Rooza

We had an amazing stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara. The property is stunning—peaceful, safe, and beautifully maintained. Our room was spacious and super comfortable, with a great bed and luxurious linens. We especially loved how quiet the area was at night, which made it easy to relax and get good sleep.

Parking was super easy, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. The food on-site was excellent, and we really appreciated the variety of dining options nearby too. The location feels secluded but still close to shopping and restaurants, which was perfect.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience. We’d definitely come back!

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2025

Jason

All excellent, period!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2025

Javan

Amazing property the staff was super nice and the views were in incredible

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2025

phillip

Big turn over with staff, lacking in training. Poise and manners and basic customer care that a Ritz property usually demands. Lack of pride that they get to work for this incredible company. No toiletries (cotton balls, qtips, shoe buffers, inconsistent turn down service, no mini bar….
A lot of things you expect from a Ritz Carlton. It seems to be finding a hard time meeting the potential the brand operates at.
5 Star property with 3 star service.
Worth going, but don’t expect to be over the top WOW’d especially if you are used to 5 star resorts. No one really goes above and beyond, it was our 15 year anniversary and there was no atta room to that detail. I hate to complain, and there is just a level you expect at $1000/night.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2025

HOSS

All was pleasant

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Jul 2025

James

Not a 5 star, 4.5 star. Don't need to go again. Not same ritz standard as others

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2025

Catherine

This property is absolutely beautiful! I really liked the feeling of privacy regarding the configuration of

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2025

Edward

Excellent service. Loved the facilities.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jun 2025

Sandra Lynn

Beautiful location. General Staff was not up to what I'd expect at a Ritz. I got called Hey lady several times by pool wait staff. Adult pool wait staff sat in corner instead of picking up trash around pool and checking on guests. Had to call front desk at 5 pm to get our room cleaned up. Wait staff didnt clear unused place settings or used small plates. Nothing terrible but not what you'd expect for a top notch place. Beach was ok. Staff needs much more training

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2025

Lucy

Beautiful property! The staff is very attentive and meet all your needs

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 May 2025

Barbara

we were disappointed. the property was partly under construction. grounds are nice but not spectacular. service ordinary. restaurant not great. only wonderful part was the cocktail. not worth the money (esp the extra charges).

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2025

Joyce

Service is exceptionally excellent!

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

17 Mar 2025

Levi

Wasn’t full ocean room although I specifically paid extra for that
View was from balcony though

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2025

Danielle

I thought this property was lovely for a quick trip. There is a lot to do on the property that you don’t need to leave if you are looking to relax and vacate. Dining options are good, service was excellent. I’d return.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2025

claudia

Love it

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2025

Dr. Lindokuhle

Super private and secluded. Tranquility

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2025

Janelle

One night stay for business. Lovely hotel with great views. Great spa. Pricey for being tucked away activities/food off-site.

Business Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2025

Gerald

Not quite up to Ritz Carlton standards

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2025

Amir

Amazing

4/10

Poor

22 Dec 2024

Jonathan

Nice hotel but bad experience

Nice hotel for the views, but you will spend 95% of your time walking around a giant outdoor maze trying to find where to go if you go look for food or leave for any reason, and this is coming from actively fit people who have no problem doing 20k steps in a day.

And if you want to get to your car you paid $100/night valet parking for, it's impossible because of massive crowds of people leaving at the same time.

Room service also billed my credit card when I paid the delivery guy in cash (with a nice tip too)
So I have to go out of my way to call them and make a claim.
The room service food was absolutely terrible, we took one bite and said no.

We left after one night.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Dec 2024

Cathy

The Ritz Bacara is beautiful. Driving in to the courtyard and being greeted immediately. Valet, bell service and check-in were a breeze and set the tone for relaxation and ease. Tiana was delightful. Our room was lovely. We took advantage of all 4 restaurants on property and were spoiled at all of them. Grant at San Setto, Dulce and Lucy at the Bistro, Joe at Angel Oak and Claire at the O Bar. Could not have had better service and the menus are diverse, the food is fantastic. We also enjoyed a cigar and cocktail at the Cohiba lounge. Kalad was gracious and the music was spot on. Yvonne delighted us with our wine flights at the on site wine bar. One of our favorite trips ever !!!!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2024

Asya

Beautiful resort, amazing location, great service

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2024

Felicia

Staff was amazing and so was food!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Dec 2024

Marian

I loved the club lounge, fitness center, and spa. Staff members in the lounge were very welcoming and attentive and made it well worth the additional daily cost for access. The fitness center had everything we needed and the manicure I received at the spa was beautiful.
The property itself is gorgeous and I especially loved walking the trail to the public beach that's just below the property.
I'd highly recommend. :)

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2024

Romulus

Beautiful property… need some upgrades

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

26 Nov 2024

Christopher

First 2 days were amazing. Then on the third day we ordered food. In the burger was plastic from the cheese. All they said was sorry about that. Then we requested the room clean. Never happened. Also completely forgot part of the order. Day we went to check out. Was raining. Asked for help. Never came. Called the desk. Never answered. For the ammount paid feels like should be more done when something goes wrong. Sorry to hear that just doesn’t seem like a good answer.

Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Nov 2024

Rachel

The quality of the pillows and the blankets on the bed and bathroom settings do not reach the standards of Ritz Carlton hotel.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

12 Nov 2024

tyler

My room was dirty upon arrival, pills on the floor.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2024

Magdalena

Excellent!

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2024

mark

Service was best in class. Grounds and facilities in perfect condition.
Little bit out from downtown SB but convenient to wine country.
The tar on the beach did not impact us at all. Never actually saw it but did find some on feet.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2024

Scott

Great hotel
Exceptionally good staff

Business Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Oct 2024

Kari

I wish i knew the beach had tar and oil.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2024

Toni

From the sparking champagne when we arrived to spending time at the pool or on our balcony to a wonderful dinner at Angel Oak, we completely enjoyed our visit.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2024

Cyrus

Fabulous hotel and excellent staff! Looking forward to our next visit!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

26 Aug 2024

Karina

Very steep rocky entry to beach (I hurt myself climbing back up) and not enough signage to know you have returned to property entrance. Very odd.
Marijuana smell from the outside walkway of my room in 17 block in the evening.
Room service selection very limited compared to other high caliber hotels. Gift shop very limited sundries.
Staff all around mostly all very pleasant.

Business_and_leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2024

Percy

Excellent experience

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jul 2024

Michelle

This property was okay, a little older than I expected it to be, the showers and the room needed a bit of TLC. The proerty grounds were pretty though along with the pool. The service was great, friendly staff, i would stay here again but for the price, the rooms need some renovation.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2024

Jason

Second visit in a year. Speaks for itself.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2024

Natasha

Magnificent property. Unforgettable experience.

Business_and_leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

15 Jul 2024

Verified traveler

Soooooooo disappointed- it was very expensive and the condition of the room and amenities were sub par.

Business

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2024

Jesse

the property was great. However, the place left me with a very bad impression, when I checked out I realized i left 2 pair of shoes in the closet. I called security, They never called me back. THen they called me several days later. Asked me about the value of the shoes , ($250) and said i would be compensated and they would call me back. THen Brentton from Marriot called me, said they did \" an investigation\" and would not reimburse me! What investigation was done?? clearly the shoes were taken by the maid(s), and he was rather rude, not helpful. I thought that the Ritz was all about enhancing experience, well unfortunately they failed!

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2024

Corey

The Cohiba Lounge was amazing!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2024

Lilit

Everything was nice

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2024

BRAD

Great property. $70 parking over the top

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2024

Verified traveler

Beautiful place. Friendly staff. However, we sat at the bar in Angel Oak for over 20 minutes before we got our drink and desert order taken and another half hour before it came. Hostess had to get things going and comped it thankfully. Also my lunch order at poolside bar was messed up (but got the sandwich comped which was appreciated). I just think they were terribly understaffed for the busy weekend.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2024

Oganes

Loved the quiet

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2024

Tamar

Amazing resort❤️❤️❤️

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2024

David

Exceptional property with wonderful staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2024

Michael

I had a great massage in a wonderful spa

Business_and_leisure Self

2/10

Poor

10 May 2024

Katelyn

Nothing worked- toilets
People walking into our room without knocking. My wife was bathing with our son and a man walked in without any notice. Tried to report to the hotel GM and no one could get us connected with one. It was a very poor experience. Best they could do is \"report with security\". Had maintenance team try to enter late at night without us having requested it. Housekeeper just entered 3x without making herself known. It was hard to justify the charges and stay here. Valet also never had our car ready ontime despite requesting it ahead of time.
Food was awful. Such a shame. We really wanted to love this place but was shocked at the entire thing...

Leisure Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

20 Apr 2024

ziya

WORN DOWN,OLD HOTEL,NEEDS IMMIDIATE RENOVATION,SHOULD BE AVOIDED

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2024

RUTH

The staff, the ambient and overall experience was wonderful. Every staff we encounter were friendly and helpful. It is family friendly establishment but adult can still enjoy all the amenities without being run down by kids.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2024

David

We stayed in the suite with an ocean view and open bathroom with tub & fireplace. The people were more than helpful and very friendly and professional. We pulled in to the court area, they directed our car to park, remove luggage, delivered to room, shuttled us around the complete complex making recommendations, make sure we had ice. Food was excellently serviced and tasty. Was it pricey, yes, but they are worth every penny. We will go again next year.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2024

Mark

Always a great stay, Alicia and Regan in the bar are the best!

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

27 Mar 2024

Jennifer

Check in was 3PM or 4PM and we were told our room was not going to be available until 5PM due to a maintenance issue. We arrived at 6:30PM and were told there was an ongoing maintenance issue and our room would not be ready for 40 mins. They did offer us 1/2 price on one night which was nice. In general the food was very overpriced and the atmosphere was so so. Two of us got sick on the chips and guacamole the first night that were served at the bar. The rooms need updating and it just did not feel like a Ritz Carlton. The advertise that they are in Santa Barbara but they are 15 - 20 mins north of Santa Barbara in a town called Goleta. The hotel just didn't have a good feel and we were not happy.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

24 Mar 2024

Verified traveler

Don’t recommend

Hotel room had a lot of wear and tear. Feels like the up keep has been a low priority. Additionally valet service lost my adapter for my car and wasn’t helpful with replacing it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2024

Hakob

Very good

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2024

Brenda

Great service

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

06 Mar 2024

Jinous

The service was very hit and miss! The rooms could do with updating as well.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Feb 2024

Vanessa

Impecable grounds. Phenominal service from start to finish. Best vacation we've had in a while.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

28 Feb 2024

Garima

They did not even provide dental kits
The restaurant did not have fresh juices!
It was just very inconvenient!!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Feb 2024

John

We love the Bacara. Our ocean view room was lovely and the restaurant was delicious. We had excellent service at the valet, front desk and the restaurant. However, like many businesses, it seemed they were somewhat understaffed. We checked in at mid-night and we saw now one else checking in, yet it took three phone calls and 45 minutes to get our bags (two small carry ons) which we should have carried to the room ourselves as it was very frustrating waiting for them when we were so ready to just go to sleep.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2024

Kyle

My daughter and I recently had a wonderful, relaxing 3-night stay at the Ritz Bacara. My daughter is a college student nearby and needed a relaxing getaway. The Ritz definitely fit the bill. The staff was fantastic, probably the best part of our experience. We felt well taken care of. My daughter had a massage at the spa and said it was incredible. It was a very rainy weekend so we weren't able to enjoy the pool or tennis courts, but I took a long walk around the property and the beach and it is beautiful. The only downside was the cost. As expected, it's pricey. A basic room service breakfast was over $100. The property could use a refresh. As others have noted, the rooms are dated, especially the bathrooms. OVerally, we really enjoyed and would stay again.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Jan 2024

Artak

Restaurants on property were mediocre, nothing about price - strictly talking about food. The steakhouse Angel Oak was awful, everything else was mid at best. The property and hotel are gorgeous, food needs major upgrade considering the closest restaurant worth going to is 25-35 minute drive

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2023

William

One of the most amazing, romantic properties in the world. Staff is first class.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2023

Mark

At a time when hospitality seems to be waning, the staff at the Ritz were incredible and 5 star

8/10

Excellent

09 Dec 2023

Erin

I enjoyed my time at the Bacara property. I’ve been here a few times before. I didn’t like that they had the resort fee not included. It was a bit of a shock to have that at the end.

Other than that the staff was amazing. The food was great. We really enjoyed our stay.

2/10

Poor

01 Dec 2023

Denica

Daily parking fee $70, daily resort fee $55, to use the steam room at the gym $45/day. The hotel is next to a crude oil processing factory, your ocean view is an oil rig, if you walk on the beach you will have tar on your feet. I daily drive a Ferrari, I don't mind paying for comfort, but this place is a nickel and dime tourist trap. Santa Barbara is beautiful, many other hotels have nicer grounds and won't make you feel as if you are being robbed while you sleep.

Business_and_leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Nov 2023

Jacklyn

I love this property.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2023

Stephan

The property is incredible location and very well maintained!!

6/10