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What you can expect during your stay
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Updated 04/27/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Updated 04/27/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#1 of 49 in Matera
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.8
Value
4.4
2022 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in the Sassi di Matera - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Basilicata region - is the most extreme expression of a Historical Minor Heritage. A heritage, which represents the almost paradigmatic expression of this Minor History, marked by rocky caves, inhabited until the first years of the fifties. The sassi (stone settlement) have been turned into 18 romantic boutique bedrooms, simply furnished, candlelit and calming. Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is a cultural project born to bring hospitality experience outside the schematics, not classifiable as "stars" and far from any traditional concept of luxury, so much so that the New York Times deemed it one of “the most extraordinary destinations in the world”, the Times “one of the ten most beautiful hotels on the international scene” and the Tatler guide of Condé Nast has included among “the one hundred most beautiful hotels on the planet”. They talk about the luxury of emotions.
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Property amenities
Valet parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Hiking
Entertainment staff
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Massage
Baggage storage
Paid private parking nearby
Wifi
Coffee shop
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Special diet menus
Chapel / shrine
Concierge
Gift shop
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Soundproof rooms
Bathrobes
Desk
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
VIP room facilities
Wake-up service / alarm clock
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Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Mountain View
Quiet
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Dutch and 1 more
Location
Full view
100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
154Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
88Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
Contact
Via Civita 28, 75100, Matera Italy
Name/address in local language
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Matera rental cars
1781Reviews45Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
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Most Recent
It was our first time in Matera and this place was everything we were hoping for. We wanted to stay in the old town but be able to walk to restaurants, bars, etc. and this was the perfect location. The breakfast is incredible and kept us full until dinner most days. The service was similarly wonderful and concierge was happy to make us reservations at nearby restaurants. Similar to some other reviews, the lack of bathroom door was a little odd at first but we had seen that from the pictures before we arrived and made it work fine. It was definitely a splurge for us but if we return to Matera, there's no other place we would stay.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded 4 days ago
Dear Alex, thanks for your kind review. We are really pleased you appreciated our rich buffet breakfast. Thank you also for the compliments to our service and the concierge staff. We hope to welcoming you again and we invite you to subscribe our newsletter for future offers. Warm regards.
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+1
Hotel's Favorite
WOW! I don't know where to begin. I stay in a lot of nice hotels, but Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita was a stay I will remember forever. Matera is the most incredible town, hidden in the hills of inner Puglia, it is well worth taking some time away from the region's famous beaches, to visit. To truly immerse yourself in the history of the place, I think it's definitely worth staying a few days, and the experience is all the more authentic if you get the chance to stay in the Sextantio caves. The caves, built into the limestone, are just magnificent. They face the mountinans and are the most beautiful, peaceful place to watch the sunset! Our suite was absolutely breathtaking, with both candle light throughout and also electric lamps (tastefully placed around the room with warm bulbs to match the candles). We had a lovely big bath in our room even had a balcony off the bedroom. Everything about the room was stunning and so carefully curated with effortless chic style, from the lovely old wooden table and chairs, to the modern bathroom appliances, tucked in to perfectly sit alongside the thousand year old stone steps. For anyone worried about staying in "a cave", don't stress at all! Everything about it was luxe. The floors are smooth and very clean, the bathroom has everything you could need, the bathroom products are very high end, the bedding was soft and heavenly, and there's electricity and space to hang clothes! They're very glam caves! The staff were lovely, we were looked after by Marco who was just charming - he knows his stuff and gave us some excellent restaurant recommendations, and is clearly very well versed at making guests feel special. The breakfast at Sextantio was also a treat, really delicious breads, pastries, cakes, cheeses, way more than we needed, but we ate it all! And all with a breathtaking view over the mountains. All up, it was one of the most exceptionally unique and beautiful stays I have ever had, and although I would call it a "once in a lifetime" hotel, I very much hope to return again... worth every penny!…
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Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Room 13 has a balcony!
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5 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded Jun 7, 2021
Dear Sophia, Thank you so much for being with us and for your kind review. We really hope to welcome you back soon here in Matera or at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Abruzzo region, an authentic experience as well. Warm regards.
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Beautiful and unique hotel in the “sassi” of Matera. Brilliant location in the middle of the old town with spectacular views from the terrace, this is a really special place to stay. The rooms are really atmospheric and laid out very well to combine the old cave feel, with a splattering of mod cons. Breakfasts are wonderful with a great range, we never needed lunch during our stay no matter how far we walked. My only fault would be that given the price the service was not always Swift, for instance in trying to get an aperitivo. Overall a great experience.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled
Room Tip: Parking worked fine in the place the hotel recommended. They provide a taxi to the hotel.
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Helpful
Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded 1 week ago
Dear guest, thanks for your kind review. We are really pleased you appreciated our philosophy and our conservative project. We are also glad you enjoyed our buffet breakfast. Thank you also for your feedback about the aperitif, we will do our best to improve our service. We hope to welcoming you again in future and we strongly suggest to experience our sister hotel in the Abruzzi mountain, Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Warm regards!
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+1
If you ever have the privilege to visit the beautiful City of Matera then we would thoroughly recommend staying at Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita. The staff are all wonderful - from our first introduction at reception from Nicola to all his colleagues in the restaurant and housekeeping. Staying in a cave is an experience you will never forget and you should definitely stay here - it’s the best. It’s odd and funny watching the housekeeping team going about their business with head torches on. Trying to find an item of clothing in your suitcase can be challenging. At night, the candles flickering on the cave walls are both ethereal but also unnerving compared to the constant light we all experience in our day to day living. The breakfasts were fabulous. All the team preparing the morning feast were so friendly. Beautiful fruit, breads, cakes, meats and cheeses. Go, stay you don’t be disappointed.…
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled
Room Tip: You might want to separate out the items and outfits you want during your stay before arrival. ...
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Helpful
Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Darnie, thanks for being our guest and for the nice review. I are really glad you appreciated our staff and our breakfast, as well as the entire experience in our caves! We strongly recommend to experience also our sister property in Abruzzo, Sextantio Albergo Diffuso. Thank you again and see you next time!
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I can't say a lot other than repeat what others have said, this is a stunning hotel and is probably the best place I have ever stayed. Not only it is unique in every way and visually mind-blowing (it's not uncomfortable as some have said but it is genuinely minimal and rustic in keeping with the ethos of the company. The thing that makes it truly stand-out is the team. They are so warm and generous with nothing being too much trouble. Yes there isn't a full-on room service menu, but if you fancy a glass of wine and snacks in your cave or on the terrace they're there for you, and what more could you want in a setting such as this‽ We have been twice, once my wife and I and then we returned with a group of 6 other couples to celebrate joint birthdays. The meal the hotel team arranged in their 'church cave' was beautiful in every way and an experience none of us will ever forget. We will most definitely be back, if they'll have us!…
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Date of stay: April 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: If you want a separate shower check your cave as they don't all have them (but all have an...
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded 2 weeks ago
Hi Chris, first of all thank you for choosing again Sextantio for your stay with your friends. It has been a real pleasure for us to arrange your birthday with aperitif on the terrace and dinner in the church and celebrate it with you. Thank you also for your nice words to our staff. :) We look forward to welcoming you all again very soon!
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This is an absolute must stay property. It is so unique and charming in an extraordinary setting. The cave rooms are absolutely stunning. A five star cave lit by candlelight and a large soaking tub, and Prosecco… what else could you ask for? You will never want to leave. Not only are the setting of Matera and the cave rooms over the top, the fantastic staff is what puts this property in a league of it’s own. Every detail, from booking, pre trip check in details, parking assistance and directions, to daily assistance. The entire staff could not have been more genuinely friendly, helpful, professional, knowledgeable, and charming. We stayed 6 nights in a suite. Every minute was extraordinary.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled
Helpful
Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear traveldocgolfer, thanks for your nice words. We are really glad you appreciated the experience in our suite cave and we thank you for your compliments to the staff and its assistance. We hope to welcoming again in future and we suggest you to experience also our sister property in Abruzzo at Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Worm regards.
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This place is amazing! Never stayed anywhere quite like it! The ‘caves’ are beautifully done out, everything that you could possibly need but keeping within the ‘ancient cave’ atmosphere that they have so lovingly restored! The staff are extremely helpful, the views are stunning and the location to Matera’s churches, museums and restaurants is perfect! Bring your running shoes as the pathways are uneven! Would highly recommend this as a once in a lifetime experience!
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled
Room Tip: Parking is an issue! Might be best outwith high season and you’ll need sensible shoes for walking...
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Helpful
Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Susan, thanks for your kind review. We are really glad you enjoyed the atmosphere of our caves, as well as your entire experience in Matera. We are grateful also for the compliments to our staff. We recommend you to visit our sister hotel in Abruzzo in Santo Stefano di Sessanio and we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter. Warm regards
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We stayed for 4 nights in this incredible and truly unique place. Matera is like a city that's stopped in time and the hotel does an amazing job of making you feel like you have traveled back in time - but luckily with all the modern convinces. You already know that Matera is a special place, a spiritual place. Staying here will make your trip all the more unique and special. Do not pass that opportunity to stay in a cave, just like Matera's oldest inhabitants used to live. While this hotel is amazing, its the service and people (and their resident cats) that truly make this place special. On our second day here, we overslept due to jetlag and missed breakfast. The staff still offered to make us coffee and fed us pastries. Thanks to the front-office staff for the restaurant recommendations and booking activities for us! We loved our time here and hope to return in the future.…
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Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
+1
Sextantio le Grotte is not a hotel, it is an experience. If you come to a place like Matera, you come because of the cultural heritage, the history, maybe the James Bond movie, anyway, you come because Matera is special. Sextantio is also special, very special. To stay here means to travel to the past. You live like the locals used to, but not the real harsh life they had, a lighter but no less authentic version. Every detail here is authentic, from the huge key to your door, the rocks on the uneven floor, the sink in your bathroom, to the half dim mirror - every detail talks about careful consideration, pride and love for the cultural heritage. Even the people who make your stay just extra comfy seem to be proud to be part of this project; from the lovely girl at the reception to the "I want to hug him guy", who serves your breakfast and the lady, who puts another piece of cake on top of your already overflowing plate; because this is a specialty of the region, you must absolutely try. If you travel a lot like me and love to sleep on the bare bottom out in the wild and in the plush of an oriental palace, then Sextantio le Grotte is for you, because it epitomizes what travel is about: experiences and lasting memories!…
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Date of stay: March 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
Helpful
Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded Apr 6, 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for being with us and for your kind review. We are glad you appreciated our unique project and conservative restoration. Also thank you for the kind words to the staff. :) We really hope to welcome you back soon here in Matera or at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Abruzzo region, an authentic experience as well. Warm regards.
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Sextantio...we go back one or two time a year because we feel good and happy. Beautiful room, people, breakfast and panorama. What do you need more? A massate in your "grotta"? Yes, you can have it... be back soon, Valeria e Carlo
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Room n. 10: my favorite, close to the breakfast cave.
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Helpful
Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded Apr 4, 2022
Dear Valeria and Carlo, we thank you for choosing Sextantio and for your kind words. We are glad you enjoyed our breakfast and the stunning view of the Murgia, as well as the relaxing atmosphere of our caves. We strongly suggest you to experience our "sister" hotel in Santo Stefano di Sessanio in Abruzzo too and we hope to welcoming you again soon!
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PRICE RANGE
$316 - $619 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sextantio civita caves hotel matera
LOCATION
ItalyBasilicataProvince of MateraMatera
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Which popular attractions are close to Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita?
Nearby attractions include Sassi di Matera (0.3 miles), Museo Laboratorio della Civilta Contadina (0.10 miles), and Materasum Ipogeo (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and breakfast buffet.
What food & drink options are available at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita?
Yes, paid private parking nearby, secured parking, and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita?
Conveniently located restaurants include Burro Salato Bistrot Crepes Et Galettes, Il Rusticone, and Tierra.
Is Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.5 miles away from the center of Matera.
Are any cleaning services offered at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, and Dutch.
Are there any historical sites close to Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Parco delle Chiese Rupestri di Matera (0.4 miles), Cripta del Peccato Originale (4.7 miles), and Piazza San Pietro Caveoso (0.3 miles).
Does Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.