The Santa Barbara hospitality community is over the moon to be recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s 25th anniversary edition of their prestigious annual “Hot List.” For the first time, the trusted global media title expanded the scope of their list highlighting the year’s top hotel and industry openings to include destinations—and we are extra honored to have made the cut, especially as the only California city among nine global destinations. 

Under the headline of “Coastal Santa Barbara is making a comeback,” travel journalist Jennifer Blaise Kramer writes: “Santa Barbara is the Madonna of small-town reinvention, rebuilding itself after wildfires, mudslides, and now the pandemic.” The article goes on to place a spotlight on Santa Barbara’s reimagined State Street Promenade, the arrival of Southwest Airlines®, and many more area amenities that are keeping The American Riviera® a buzz. 

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Santa Barbara has had the past honor of being voted one of the “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers in their annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This year, Santa Barbara hotels rose to the top of that annual survey, which discerning travelers look to for “the best of the best of travel.” Belmond El Encanto ranked #5 among the “Top Hotels in Southern California,” while the “Top Resorts in Southern California” results placed San Ysidro Ranch at #4 and The Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara at #7.

Given more than 715,000 readers participate in that annual survey, we’re tickled pink these iconic properties have such loyal fans. And after such a challenging year for the travel industry, it sure is nice to have some good news to celebrate with the 2021 Hot List shout out. We look forward to welcoming all of our valued visitors back to our sunny shores soon. And if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of getting to know our community, we hope Condé Nast Traveler’s endorsement piques your curiosity and you come find out what the buzz is all about firsthand.