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El Capitan Canyon – reviews, photos

11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Hotel amenities
El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon
4.0 of 5 stars 126 Reviews
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126 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    42
    37
    19
    17
    11
Date Rating
venice, california
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“A great space to be”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 January 2012
3
people found this review helpful

I have to start off by saying I love nature, I love camping in a tent and I love this place! Some call it "Glamping" because it's so nice. These cabins are beautiful. The surroundings are full of hills, trees, a creek, the ocean nearby all with the bonus of being managed so carefully. All the people who work here seem to take their job seriously, like they care.
I was here for 2 nights with a large group and a lot of kids. The dinner meals were purchased from their shop and it was very good salad, burgers, beans and then pizza. It does make camping into a whole other experience but still gives that wilderness feel to it. Also the cabins are spaced so well that I got to getaway and be quiet when I needed to. For me, this is the way to travel with families and kids.
I did go back and forth between a 4 or 5 rating of very good to excellent but only because the bed was a little soft and felt old. I judge that harshly as it is most important to me, but since everything else was so fantastic I kept my rating at a 5. I told them about the old bed at my check out so I hope they fix that. It's this luxury experience that has details like great pillows, comforter, coffee, soap, artistic wood head board, good lighting, great built cabin... so why not have that top rated 5 star bed too. The pricing is high but I really think it's worth it. I can't wait to go again.

Room Tip: Ask for a new bed. I liked being near the creek to open my door and hear the sound of water, so peac...
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  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Camarillo, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“City Slickers Love This Glamorous "Camping" Adventure”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 December 2011
7
people found this review helpful

My wife and I are true city slickers, having been born and raised in Philly and Brooklyn, respectively. We have lived in California for over 10 years and have never once camped in our entire life. "Roughing it" is not something I believe we would be good at. But when we discovered El Capitan it is like a whole new world opened for us.

We had a creekside king. It was cozy and warm. My only concern was how we would live without a television for two days. But we did, and it was beautiful, because we talked the whole time. Didn't even miss TV. We went on the Saturday morning guided hike to feed the llamas and goats. Great work-out. Then we got on the free bikes and rode all the way up and down the canyon. Breathtaking views of nature and wildlife. We saw skunks, blue jays, chipmunks, moles, and deer. Two deer actually crossed the creek and literally came within 10 feet of our front door. This is the closest we have ever been to wildlife.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, that works there is wonderful. Everyone was bubbly and helpful.

One Hint: Visit El Capitan in the winter months. Why? Because it really feels like camping at that time of the year. It gets very cold at night and it is so fun to sit out at the fire pit, then come inside to your fireplace warmed bedroom. The log cabin, with the falling leaves, and the sound of rushing water from the creek make it a great way to relax and forget about the rest of the world. When we went the entire resort was well less than 50% occupied so it is very quiet. Plus there aren't any annoying bugs to contend with. I have read some reviews where people weren't happy because of the noise and crowds, which I am sure occur during the summer months. I am positive you will enjoy El Capitan much more in the winter. Plus, because it is their slow season, they tend to have great specials in the winter.

We can't wait to go again next year.

Room Tip: Go in the winter months as it will be more like "camping."
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Frank S about El Capitan Canyon
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Laguna Beach, California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Roughing It Without the Rough Part!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

I have twice had the pleasure of staying in one of the cabins at El Capitan Canyon. My days of "roughing it" are over but I still enjoy the beauty and serenity of the outdoors. Each cabin is well-equipped with modern amenities and yet feels like my old camping days. As an added bonus, the on property cafe/store is wonderful. The food is simple yet delicious and the staff is always friendly and cheerful. I would recommend El Capitan Canyon to any and all!

Room Tip: The website has good cabin and tent descriptions. Check this out before deciding which is right for...
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  • Stayed October 2011, travelled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask NANCY Y about El Capitan Canyon
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Los Angeles, California
1 review
“"Glamping" at its best!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 November 2011

El Capitan is in one of the most beautiful spots in California. We would highly recommend it. We went with our family and there was so much to do and see. The kids had a wonderful time, and we did too. You can rough it and cook your meals, or get a breakfast burrito at the market, or do both. It's a place for everybody. Book your cabin now!

Room Tip: We like a cabin by the creek. The sounds will lull you to sleep and greet you warmly in the morning...
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  • Stayed November 2011, travelled with friends
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask DML4904 about El Capitan Canyon
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Temecula, CA
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“It's the only way I would camp!!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 November 2011
2
people found this review helpful

My husband and I went "glamping" here for Veterans Weekend, and we both loved it!! We started out in a safari tent, which was more than accommodating, but then it started to rain, and the tent/canvas seemed like it was shrinking, so we had trouble zipping up the tent. We called the front lodge, and right away they moved us into one of their adventure Yurts. Super nice, and extremely comfortable!! We also ordered their tri tip BBQ kit for dinner and because of the rain, they cooked it for us and delivered it right to our tent. And it was delicious!!! Cooked perfectly with a fantastic flavor. They provided everything you need, towels, shampoo, thick bedding, heaters etc.....showers and bathrooms were very clean. Beautiful setting and centrally located to Santa Ynez, Solvang, Los Olivos and many beaches...Lots to do!! All the employees were absolutely friendly and very accommodating. There are also bikes that are available to use. Cute little store on the premises and a little restaurant. It was a fun and relaxing weekend!!

Room Tip: Nice to have a tent or a yurt close to the restrooms...otherwise the cabins have restrooms in them...
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  • Stayed November 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about El Capitan Canyon

  • El Capitan Canyon Santa Barbara
  • Santa Barbara El Capitan Canyon Hotel
Address: 11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Price range (per night):* INR3,361 - 7,841

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