Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Via Civita 28, 75100, Matera Italy
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About
#1 of 53 hotels in Matera
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.8
Value
4.4
2023 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
Romantic
Green
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Arabic and 2 more
Location
100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
147Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
96Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
1871Reviews47Q+A100Room tips
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We absolutely loved our stay at the property. It had offsite parking with a shuttle, and it was so easy to navigate from the property. We loved our room and the entire experience. Breakfast was great, their service was great, but best of all the cave room was a lovely memory!
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Hotel's Favorite
Sleeping in a modernized cave was a great experience. You really notice the effort to preserve the heritage of this environment and the authenticity of the furniture and accessories. It was very interesting to learn about the history of Matera (and the caves). The hotel overlooks beautiful hills and vistas. Be prepared for lots of steps but it is worth it. The staff is very nice and accommodating. Breakfast is delicious in a wonderful large cave (deconsecrated former church) or outdoors on the terrace with great views. Our cave was enormous with 3 levels and all modern conveniences.. Lighting was the biggest challenge but it is quite charming and you get used to the romantic candles throughout!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Michele Centonze, Marketing at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Responded Oct 10, 2022
Dear guest, thanks for your kind review and for choosing Sextantio for your stay. We are glad you enjoyed your experience in our caves and our conservative project. A special thanks for your compliments to our staff and our local buffet breakfast. We strongly suggest you to experience also our sister hotel SextantIo Albergo Diffuso in Santo Stefano di Sessanio. through the Abruzzi mountains, and we hope to welcoming you again in future. Warm regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We stayed at Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita in April 2023 for our 20th wedding anniversary! All I can say is this place was so magical! Our accommodations were outstanding and the staff is absolutely wonderful! When we arrived to the hotel, we were given the history of the Sextantio project and shown our room, which was lit up by candlelight and strategically hidden electric lights. Fresh fruit and water were on the table for us to enjoy! The breakfast was incredible and we quickly developed a relationship with Vita, our server! We WILL definitely return for another visit to this hotel. It was one of our most favorite experiences on our trip.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Reserve your parking at the garage used by the hotel. They will transport you into the city and...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
My second time staying at Sextantio and I was just as blown away by it this time! Matera is pure timeless magic, it's almost impossible to describe how special and unique the experience of staying here overlookng the Murga national park is. I wish I could take all of my friends and family here one by one to share the experience. On paper, the idea of staying in minimalist stone cave rooms with antique furnishings lit only by candlelight is certainly not for everyone, but somehow Sextantio makes it luxurious, comfortable, and relaxing. The service is kind and friendly, the breakfast spread is one of the best I have ever had in Italy (give yourself at least an hour to savour several courses slowly while you take in the views), and the rooms and views speak for themselves. If you can stay here once in your life, make sure you do, it is an experience never to be forgotten. …
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
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+1
My fiancé and myself had one of the most unique stays - sleeping in a cave perfectly preserved and offering all the comfort a human would need. Having a delicious Italian breakfast in a former XIIIth century Rock Church was also incredible. A place which will touch your soul. Thank you for the amazing time and service.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We absolutely loved our stay! We were traveling to Matera from USA to celebrate our honeymoon and this was the perfect place. The staff was kind, accommodating and very helpful when approached with questions or needs. Matera is stunning and we really appreciated the dedication Sextantio had in preserving its magic. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The caves are a unique experience! The combination of cave living from a time past combined with a 5-star hotel experience make this place absolutely worth a stay! Location is excellent with easy pedestrian access to all that Matera has to offer. Would recommend for two nights. Try Osteria Al Casale, a short walk away, for dinner. Visit Casa Noha for an excellent and fun summary of the history of Matera.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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My husband booked this spectacular diffused hotel (meaning scattered rooms) as a birthday surprise. We had previously stayed in their sister hotel so had a fair idea of the quality of our destination and remembered how much we loved it. Matera is the most magical and atmospheric of places, one of the oldest towns in the world and this "hotel" is placed high up some steep cobbled paths overlooking the gorge, flowing stream and ravine below. Its setting makes it unique. However, it is not just its location that makes this place so very special. It is the accommodation. Your room will be within one of the caves or "sassi" as they are known. But don't panic, this is not 1950, this is the present day and what was once considered the shame of Italy is now understated luxe, conservation, sustainability, candles, discreet ambient lighting, a huge font as a basin but with all the most modern amenities and comforts you could wish for. The beds and pillows provided the comfiest of sleeps especially after hiking up and down those cobbled streets and we had both a freestanding bath and a lovely powerful shower to relax those muscles. The weather was unseasonably appalling, very cold and with heavy rain but between the showers we enjoyed everything this magical city had to offer and views over the town. Even the weather could not spoil our stay here and it just made for more dramatic photos though unpredictable! We spent 4 nights in an executive suite , partly because no other rooms were available so be quick! But wow! What a magnificent room/cave it was and well worthy of the upgrade if you can push the budget. Spacious and huge high ceilings and despite only one small window (as it would have been) it only added to the atmosphere. It had underfloor heating and was toasty and warm which was a great retreat to head back to as outside was freezing! My husband booked the candlelit meal that Sextantio offered and though he was told it would be exclusive we really didn't think that meant dining alone in the restaurant, again part of the cave. So romantic and classical music playing and little touches like our names wrapped around the napkins with dried flowers or leaves. The tasting meal was huge with prosecco, red and white wines to compliment the delicious food with Noncia (our chef) cooked up or us. She was just so lovely and warm we felt like inviting her to join us but she was very busy in the kitchen preparing some of the most fantastic homemade food we have ever eaten. And we eat out a lot! What else can I add, breakfast was equally delicious and the huge homemade selection from pastries, to fresh local cheeses and hams, fresh and ripe fruit, and the most incredible selection of cakes I have ever had to choose from and I think we have both gained significant kilos upon our return as we tried as many as we could! They were always so fresh like they were baked that very morning, still warm and the local bread is incredible and quite famous also. I mean you just can't go wrong here. If you are expecting a typical 5* hotel with grand furniture and plenty of 'bling', reception rooms and tvs then this will not be for you. If you have problems with walking on uneven surfaces again don't book choose somewhere else. If however you want a special stay with caring, wonderful, knowledgeable staff that make you feel very much at home and somewhere unique and romantic then choose Matera and specifically Sextantio. Thank you to all the staff especially on reception and Noncia and the team for everything delicious that comes out of her kitchen, their warmth and hospitality. We will certainly return one day and recommend to others though we don't really want to let the secret out. …
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
A very nice room at the heart of the Matera. We went on the large cave 70 sqm. The cave keeps its charm while being modern. Excellent breakfast with buratta. Hotel staff is helpful. We used the Nicoletti garage and the shuttle. We booked last minute at the hotel and it was much cheaper than all the booking sites
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking beauty of this hotel. It’s like nowhere else we’ve ever stayed. Our cave was even more gorgeous in real life than the photos suggested - it was so peaceful and romantic, truly a magical experience. Breakfast was a feast and the staff were on hand to help with any request. They booked us a 2-hour Sassi tour, which was fascinating and helped us to understand much more about stunning Matera. I cannot recommend this hotel enough - it is a complete one-off that we will never forget staying in.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Bring your comfiest shoes!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
$398 - $791 (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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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 Il Rusticone, Burro Salato Bistrot Crepes Et Galettes, and Tipicamente Matera.
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.