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 (1818)
  • Very good (577)
  • Average (414)
  • Poor (285)
  • Terrible (261)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Alana best front desk agent ever

Jan 16, 2025 sswentek7 Tustin, California

I just want to call out Alana at the front desk who was literally one of the kindest most incredible people I’ve met. She went above and beyond to make our stay so magical. Thank you! Also, this is one of the most beautiful properties you’ll ever stay at, with an absolutely magical pool area. Kids loved it!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating One time and last time

Jan 15, 2025 pagilbert19 Grand Island, Nebraska

Beautiful site but not worth the cost. Paper cups for in room coffee plus we had to ask each day for more, our bill included other people’s dinner, resort fee but extra cost for everything but the pool. Gift shop not open the days we were there plus walking path falling in so couldn’t use.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pleasant stay in dated rooms

Jan 5, 2025 emilyhc00

Had an overall pleasant and relaxing weekend getaway. The lobby and valet area is organized and very inviting. Staff were always polite and a few were exceptionally thoughtful. Special thanks to Lina at the front desk for getting us settled earlier, and Galina the tennis pro for re-stringing our racquet within one day! A few areas we felt could be… Read more
Had an overall pleasant and relaxing weekend getaway. The lobby and valet area is organized and very inviting. Staff were always polite and a few were exceptionally thoughtful. Special thanks to Lina at the front desk for getting us settled earlier, and Galina the tennis pro for re-stringing our racquet within one day! A few areas we felt could be better: -the rooms are spacious and clean but clearly old (chipped furniture, peeling paint, rip in curtains, bathtub wouldn’t drain). The current condition is not aligned with the $800/night weekend rate at all. -valet never answered their phone, but if you called front desk sometimes the message didn’t get passed on. We called early but occasionally the car would be retrieved only when we showed up. This is crazy given the valet (your only parking choice) is $70 per night. -we ate breakfast twice at The Bistro, the hostess team are lovely and the produce quality is excellent! On Saturday they had the buffet, however between sitting down and getting our check we never saw our server, and thus never informed that there were options you could order. We didn’t know pancakes were included until we heard another family order them as we were leaving. Also, the coffee is burnt and very bitter. The buffet for two ($120 after gratuity) would be worth it if those two things were improved. -the grounds are immaculately maintained with the exception of broken glass along some trails and beach areas. It’s further (toward the golf course) but a hazard if you’re in sandals. The property is a jewel and we hope to see them at their full potential. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Awful experience!

Dec 31, 2024 Becky J

We’ve had the worst experience at a Ritz Carlton, ever. The grounds are beautiful, and most of the people working here are nice, but the suite we booked was full of mold; no hot water in the sink; lights that flicker; and a fireplace that didn’t light; make-up mirror that was broken; etc. We switched rooms, only to have similar things in the new… Read more
We’ve had the worst experience at a Ritz Carlton, ever. The grounds are beautiful, and most of the people working here are nice, but the suite we booked was full of mold; no hot water in the sink; lights that flicker; and a fireplace that didn’t light; make-up mirror that was broken; etc. We switched rooms, only to have similar things in the new rooms. Mold on walls, lights that flicker, tv that doesn’t work, and a front desk person that didn’t offer to do anything for us. I forgot to mention, the bugs in our second room. We didn’t even get a break on the $2,300 room, per night. I can’t wait to go home! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Wonderful Oasis

Dec 28, 2024 nicolas617 Boston

Absolutely lovely Oasis for a break from the grind. Beautifully maintained facility and gracious staff. I had some concerns from reading the reviews of this hotel -- but I had a great experience -- and I would stay here again if in the area. Staff across the board were gracious and accommodating from check-in to check-out. I'd recommend… Read more
Absolutely lovely Oasis for a break from the grind. Beautifully maintained facility and gracious staff. I had some concerns from reading the reviews of this hotel -- but I had a great experience -- and I would stay here again if in the area. Staff across the board were gracious and accommodating from check-in to check-out. I'd recommend opting for a Club Level room. The 5 meal services offered by the Cloud area great -- even if touted as light and appetizers -- we found them more than sufficient. There were lots of extra on Christmas day - Prime Rib, Ham, Salmon -- I wouldn't expect those to be standard fare. The beach and water area scenic -- but there isn't much to do there and they aren't too accessible. Overall a truly great place -- which of course comes at a high price -- but worth it for a treat. Read less