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.
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!…
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.
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.…
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!…
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.
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!
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.…
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!…
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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