Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita

First of all, our overall ranking of 4 ("good") as opposed to 3 ("average"). There is no way one can rate this place as average. But for all its uniqueness . . . . It's not in the middle of things, but the location is sublime for an amazing -- really amazing -- view. Having a vehicle -- car, scooter, bike, etc. -- can be helpful, to say the least. But a willingness to walk a bit is all you actually need. Just checking in invites you to a different world; kind of an apostrophe in time. Where are the elevators/lifts? They won't be installed for another 2500 years or so. In the meantime, challenging stairs -- many -- await you, and that's just to get to the reception desk. Ambulatorily challenged (even just a little)? Not a problem: Stay elsewhere. Our room -- a suite -- was, pictorially, amazing. But actually being there revealed some issues. Example: Just walking safely in the room was difficult. While the well-intentioned ownership strives to maintain the place's authentic troglodytic past, I'm no troglodyte, nor is my wife. Surely it could be possible to lay down some nonpermanent walking pads (have these been invented yet?) to help ensure a safe (or at least a not-so-challenging) passage between the bedroom and bathroom. The bathing area is housed in a separate room. Getting up to it is a bit on the scary side, but not as scary as the descent. (Five steps up and, ideally, five down. The threat of just one down looms.) A conventional showeris not installed; just a hand-held shower head. Getting into the tub is a challenge, because it is so low to the ground. Getting out is far more challenging, given that all surfaces are wet. Overall, we didn't have too much trouble bathing, because the lack of hot water, while in keeping with 500BC, made bathing intolerable. The bed was nice; a good mattress. A lot of lighting was provided, too, although the lack of instruction -- oral or written -- made turning lights on and off -- let alone dimming -- a somewhat drawn-out experience. Lightng also was provided by large, beeswax candles; a romantic touch, but not particularly effective lumenwise in an otherwise dark cave. Missing altogether, some welcoming guidance about what's what and what's where. Example: The night befire we checked out we discovered, accidentally, that the room had a refrigerator and -- uess what! -- a minibar with price list. Were the negative aspects of walking, bathing, et al. outdistanced by the positive aspects of having a room unlike just about any other in the world? I'm unsure, but perhaps the lack of an international Troglo-Inn chain suggests the awe-inspiring arrival is outdone, by the "Aw" of actually staying there. Note that the room includes a daily breakfast. (No resto.) Most of the offerings were OK, but not great. Example: Getting hot scrambled eggs was not easily achieved. No chafing dishes helped ensure the eggs were more than just cool on the mornings we ate there. We ordered coffee each day and usually it took about 15 minutes to arrive; each cup had to be custom-made, even for Amricano. All in all, if we had to do it over, we wouldn't, especially given the $. We may have gone for a tour, assuming we had no vision or ambulation problems, and then let it go at that. True: We can say, somewhat triumphantly, "We did it." But, somehow, "Maybe next time." sounds even better.

Fabulous stay. The rooms are luxurious while still also keeping the raw authenticity of the cave dwellings. Amazing breakfast spread. Staff are lovely and so helpful. Absolutely amazing immersive experience. Highly recommend. Keep in mind there are lots of stairs and the floors are uneven even inside the dwellings. Would not be a good option if you are unsteady on your feet or need a wheelchair.

Magical experience and highly recommended

Fabulous experience! Great hotel, unique room which was very comfortable and a smashing big bed. Staff were very friendly and professional, helping us book dinners and tours too. Nothing was too much trouble. The buffet breakfasts set us up nicely for each day. The location is perfect.

A really great experience at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita. The restored property has a lot of character and the staff were very helpful and friendly. The rooms are all unique and well appointed, considering they are in a cave! Great views and the property in in a great location for exploring Matera on foot. We enjoyed the exclusive candle lit dinner in the old church and took part in some activities / tours. Hope to return again one day!