Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita was one of the most unique and special places we've ever stayed. We wanted to stay in a cave hotel in Matera and this property definitely did not disappoint. The service was excellent from the moment we arrived till our departure. We arrived early, the room was ready and we were able to check in. When they show you to your cave, the door opens and you are greeted with a warm glow of candles lit everywhere, creating a romantic environment. It is a cave, but beautifully outfitted with comfortable bed(s), rustic wood furniture, doors, and windows. There was a dining table with a bowl of fresh fruit and water, a kettle and fan in the closet, and the bathroom had all modern fixtures, robes, plush towels and amenities. There are electric outlets and lighting too, not just candles. The atmosphere was amazing and it was quite comfortable. The hotel can arrange tours, transportation, etc. We had a couples massage in the room that was fantastic, by candlelight. There is a view from the hotel over the ravine of the caves within the opposite hillside in this very unique and ancient landscape. Everywhere in Matera is walkable from the hotel. Our room was always refreshed while we were at breakfast, with the housekeeping being excellent. The breakfast is one of the best ever. It is served in a former cave church, so unlike any other dining experience we've had. There were four buffet tables laden with everything you could want, including a large selection of local cheeses and meats along with several types of delicious local Matera bread, fruits, focaccias, eggs, yogurt, and an entire table of cakes. Juice was fresh squeezed and of course whatever hot beverages you wanted. The dining staff was super cheerful and attentive, food was always replenished. Guests select a dining time so the room is not overcrowded. Honestly, I couldn't wait to go to breakfast every morning, knowing how fabulous it would be. It was possible to book a private dining experience for dinner in this dining room and we saw people doing so each night. I wish we had thought to book that as I'm sure it would have been delicious and well worth it. Matera is an amazing town with such an interesting history, and so worthwhile to visit. Sextantio exceeded already high expectations and I can highly recommend this property for your visit to Matera. If ever I have the opportunity to return, I will definitely stay here again.

Spectacular, one of a kind luxury hotel experience. The Sextantio successfully walks the fine line between a luxury, boutique hotel and a historical and social statement about the legacy of the Sassi caves and the people who lived in them. The rooms themselves, each located in their own cave, are beautiful, unique and romantic. Lit by candle and small amounts of recessed lighting, they are heavily atmospheric but very dark. The floors are paved with hard, uneven stone, and the bathrooms do not provide much in the way of privacy. In other words, staying here requires a brief suspension of the types of amenities usually found in a luxury hotel. Living, even briefly, in rooms much darker than we are normally used to, requires adapting to even simple tasks like unpacking or getting ready in the morning. The uneven floors require care even when just walking from one side of the room to the other. We spent much of the time when in the room with the front doors open to let in the sunlight, just as the original inhabitants of the sassi did everyday. But for a beautiful, immersive experience, this is a great place to stay. The staff is very good, and the parking system- leaving your car in a garage out of town and being shuttled in with your luggage, was very efficient. The breakfast (of course served in a cave) was impressive. All in all, a totally unique place to stay.

This is a fabulous hotel full of really helpful staff. It has a lovely vista over the Murgia Materana. We drove and parked in the recommended carpark and took the shuttle to the hotel (It is too far to walk in my opinion). The greeting from the staff was warm and friendly. Our room, in the palazzo was fantastic. Breakfast was busy and you need to select the time that you want to go. The food at breakfast was good and varied. The staff communicated really well via WhatsApp and gave us excellent recommendations lunch and dinners. The team also introduced us to an excellent guide who gave us a walking tour of Matera. We chose to do the candlelit dinner in the Rupestrian Church. Wow, what an experience. Nunzia cooked and looked after us so well. We could not have asked for any more from this special evening. The hotel is away from the main tourist hustle and bustle of Matera, so it is relatively quiet compared to other areas of Matera.