Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita

A small group of us have just had an enchanting experience in this unique hotel. Each suite comprises a series of candles caves. There is also astutely hidden wiring and heating. The management staff are thoroughly professional, friendly and most helpful. It is a far cry from the odious experience we had at the Hotel des Armateurs in Normandy, where the Manager (to the embarrassment of some of his staff ) was unbearably rude and unprofessional. It was transparently clear that he was a graduate of the FawltyTowers School of Hotel Management. We are experienced travellers and we strongly advise that if visiting Normandy, avoid staying at this hotel. But back to this hotel which is the focus of this review! The hotel is beautifully maintained, the beds exceptionally comfortable, the linen and towels are crisp and fresh, and the breakfasts are exceptional. All of us recommend this delightful hotel without qualification.

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is quite simply, an incredible place. Lovingly built inside the caves of Matera, it is located in the perfect area. Easy to drive to and literally in the middle of an UNESCO heritage site. The first time you open your door with an old key and the cave walls are flickering with the golden candlelight, you will be smitten. It's romantic, fun, and incredibly relaxing. Sleeping in a cave is deep and restful. I enjoyed imagining the original purpose for each hole and niche carved into the stone walls. It's humbling to think that people were living here into the 1950s in horrible circumstances, yet here we were in a luxury suite just a few years later. Yes, Matera has come a long way. The large stone veranda that fronts Sextantio is rightly part of the living space. You will find yourself spending time out there, meeting other visitors from around the world. Do sit here in the evenings and taste the many wines of Basilicata. (I recommend the Re Manfredi bianco) Looking out from the veranda is an activity in itself. The views are incredible. Really, everyone here is in such a good mood. It's a playground for adults. Both Sextantio and Matera deserve at least a two night stay. I know you are making decisions about how long to stay in each location of your visit to Basilicata and Puglia. I am so glad we stayed two nights. The service was fantastic. The concierge was spot on. Cave #10 was frequently remarked as a particularly beautiful room. We were blessed to stay there. Thank you Sextantio for the memories of a lifetime!

Situated in caves from the Sassi people of Matera this hotel has numerous caves that were once used as dwellings - no two "rooms" are alike! Some have verandas ect and all need an ancient type key to enter! After you enter its wooden door you are in a real cave! But with 21st century amenities- the breakfast was extraordinary the workers were superb- this is a must see location!!!!!!!

Fantastic location, amazing rooms and utterly wonderful staff who could not have done more to be helpful make this a stunning hotel. First they served the best Campari and sodas we have ever had. Then we had the dinner in the deconsecrated church which was spellbinding in both setting and quality. We didn't finish until midnight and couldn't have eaten a morsel more. Consequently due to being full, a late night and an electrical storm the next morning we didn't come downstairs until 11.30 long after breakfast had officially finished. The staff had not wanted to wake us and instead had been so thoughtful that they had set up a little breakfast in the church if we needed it which was so kind and way above the call of duty. Matera itself was also fantastic. A magical experience from beginning to end!!!

It is difficult to put into words the connection I felt upon entering Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera. I had known about this remarkable cave hotel since it first opened and promised myself I would stay there one day. Well, that day finally arrived in May 2017. The restoration, revitalization and respect the owner has for aesthetic heritage is extraordinary. I am reminded of Tarkofsky's Nostalghia. I highly recommend making a pilgrimage to Le Grotte della Civita. I will definitely go back. Excellent Service Delicious Breakfast Room/Cave #16 was a dream and a complimentary upgrade thank you for the extraordinary experience at Le Grotte della Civita, Rhonda Corvese Toronto/Canada