Matera offers one of the most distinctive accommodation experiences in Italy: sleeping in a cave. Most hotels in the Sassi districts are carved directly into limestone, with vaulted ceilings, natural temperature control, and original architectural features. The modern Piano district provides conventional hotels at lower prices. Here is where to stay in Matera, organized by neighborhood and budget. Check the Matera weather by month guide for more detail.
Where to Stay in Matera: Sasso Barisano
Sasso Barisano is the best choice for first-time visitors who want the full cave hotel experience with easy access to dining. You are within walking distance of everything, surrounded by restaurants and wine bars, with the iconic Sassi views from your window. The trade-off: prices are the highest in Matera, and parking is nearly impossible. Hotels arrange valet service at 20 to 30 EUR per day. Streets are steep and uneven; pack light luggage. Check the best time to visit Matera guide for more detail.
Suggested Hotels in Sasso Barisano
Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel
The grandest hotel in Matera, set in a restored 16th-century noble palace above the Sassi. Rooms combine original stonework with contemporary Italian design, and the subterranean spa has a heated pool inside a former cistern. Best for couples and special-occasion stays. Check rates and availability Check things to do in Matera for more detail.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
One of the original luxury cave hotels, occupying an entire section of the Civita with vast, minimalist cave rooms lit only by candles and indirect lighting. The experience feels monastic and deeply atmospheric, freestanding bathtubs sit on original stone floors. Best for a romantic, one-of-a-kind stay. Check rates and availability Check Matera events and festivals for more detail.
Locanda di San Martino
A mid-range cave hotel with a wellness center that includes a thermal pool and Turkish bath carved into the rock. Rooms are comfortable rather than luxurious, with exposed stone walls and modern bathrooms. The included breakfast features local Basilicata cheeses and pastries. Best for travelers who want cave accommodation with spa facilities at a mid-range price. Check rates and availability Check Matera neighborhoods for more detail.
Where to Stay in Matera: Sasso Caveoso
Sasso Caveoso suits travelers who want a quieter, more rustic Sassi experience. You will be closer to the rock churches and the Casa Grotta museum, with fewer restaurants but more solitude. Hotels here tend to be smaller, family-run operations with 5 to 12 rooms. Prices are 20 to 40 percent lower than equivalent stays in Sasso Barisano. Check Matera travel tips and FAQ for more detail.
Suggested Hotels in Sasso Caveoso
Hotel Sant’Angelo
A luxury cave hotel built into the rock face of Sasso Caveoso with panoramic views across the Gravina gorge. The 20 rooms each have a distinct layout following the natural rock contours, and some have private terraces. The rooftop terrace serves aperitivo with the best sunset views in the district. Best for couples who prioritize views and quiet. Check rates and availability
Hotel San Domenico al Piano
A mid-range option right at the edge of Sasso Caveoso and the Piano district, meaning easier access and less climbing than hotels deeper in the Sassi. Rooms are in a restored monastery with a mix of cave and conventional spaces. The courtyard garden is a quiet spot for breakfast. Best for travelers who want partial cave experience with easier logistics. Check rates and availability
Fra i Sassi Residence
A well-reviewed budget choice with simple cave rooms and a shared terrace overlooking the Sassi. Rooms are clean and functional. You get the cave experience without the luxury price tag. Breakfast is served in a communal cave dining room. Best for budget-conscious travelers who still want to sleep in a cave. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Matera: Piano, Modern City Center
The Piano district (centered on Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Via del Corso) offers conventional hotels and B&Bs at significantly lower prices than the Sassi. You get easy parking (most hotels have garages at 10 to 15 EUR), elevator access, and flat streets. The Sassi are a 10 to 15-minute walk downhill. Hotel prices: 60 to 120 EUR per night year-round.
Suggested Hotels in Piano
Palazzo Viceconte
An aristocratic 17th-century palace turned hotel at the edge of the Piano, with a rooftop terrace that looks directly onto the Sassi skyline. Rooms are decorated with period furniture and frescoed ceilings in some suites. The location is excellent, 3 minutes from the Palombaro Lungo entrance. Best for travelers who want historic character with modern convenience. Check rates and availability
B&B La Casa di Lucrezia
A family-run B&B on Via del Corso with bright, simple rooms and a generous breakfast of homemade cakes and local produce. Rooms have modern bathrooms and air conditioning. The owners provide excellent local tips and can arrange Sassi walking tours. Best for solo travelers and couples on a budget who want a personal touch. Check rates and availability
