L'Hotel In Pietra

We had chosen a room with a view, and although the windows were small, waking up looking at the main terrace of Matera was definitely stunning. The room was a tufa vaulted room, adequate in size with a nice bathroom and large shower area. It sat on top of the main hotel lobby (ex-church), and was completely quiet except for the sounds of the town rising up to this eerie. The sun streaming into the room in the morning was only slightly better than the glow of the reflected rose coloured stone of Matera in the evening sun. The breakfast were good although someone got to a lot of it before we arrived. Matera is stunning but watch out for the knees on those endless steps.

To have a room like this in Matera doesn't allow for silly grumbles!

Very unusual property set in the beautiful city of Matera. Postcard views of Matera from the window of our room. Nice relaxing music playing in our room. Good breakfast.

Very steep staircase within our room leading to bed area which we were aware of on booking however, it was much narrower than the photos would suggest. The light fitting on the staircase had the shade missing which meant the light was extremely bright when going down the staircase. The bathroom was very small. Toothbrush holders missing. Upstairs window could use a fly screen so the window could be opened instead of using the air conditioning. Within our room there was nowhere to sit other than the bed. Overall though we enjoyed our stay and would return to this hotel.

Matera is utterly beautiful. This hotel is very stylish and beautiful with exceedingly pleasant and helpful staff. They can't do enough for you and they are warm and encouraging in every respect. The room was fabulous and with a super jacuzzi. Service was classy. Breakfast was 'the best we've had' said our boys. We felt integrated into this magical city - you are located, and feel, at home in history. A short walk takes you to the most wonderful bars, restaurants and views of the ancient city. Everyone should visit Matera once and be grateful that they have done.

It's not a negative because it relates directly to the nature of the town but parking is difficult and carrying the bags down to the hotel is a little arduous. Factor this in and expect it because moaning about it is a bit like moaning about someone not carrying all your stuff up Everest. If you want to visit Matera accept that it's tricky to park. It's not the fault of the hotel and they were very helpful in carrying our bags back up the hill on check out. Pack light.

The location of the hotel was perfect as it was centrally located & close to both eateries & shopping. Our room was divine - gorgeous to look at, as well as being very comfortable and functional. We had a spa and our own private terrace with a view ........ simply beautiful. Breakfast was just perfect.

Reaching L'Hotel in Pietra initially was a bit of a challenge for my husband and I. I think the Hotel need to tell customers that the hotel is difficult to get to if you have large suitcases & offer assistance AFTER arrival by taxi. We are in our late 60's and reasonably fit, but it was really quite difficult with heavy luggage, I know many people arrive with only hand luggage, but we were spending 4 weeks touring southern Italy so had a large suitcase each. When leaving the hotel, reception organised someone to assist with the luggage to our taxi, which was great. Otherwise, L'Hotel in Pietra was absolutely PERFECT & enjoyed our stay very much !!!!

Usually, in Italy, it's only possible to eat a sweet breakfast - a little cornetto and coffee. Here I was positively surprised that they also serve salty/sour things to eat like focaccia, eggs, and cheese. I loved that! I stayed in a single room. Though it was small, it had everything I needed plus a lovely view at the Duomo from a small window. Absolutely lovely!

One of the best places i have stayed. Great atmosphere! Great location, everythin is near, yet the place is quiet. Its close to the bus station. Authentic place, partly dug in a rock. Amazing view from the terrace. My single room was so cozy and unique. The stuff was very nice and helpful. Breakfasts were very good, so many tasty choices (mini pizza, bruschettas, cheese or ham or spinat pies, croissants....and other standard choises like yoghurt, fruit, bread...). I cant imagine better choice to stay in Matera. I would definitely recommend this place.

Everything was perfect

This is the cheapest cave hotel I've booked during my stay and also the best one. The environment is beyond my expectation. If you want to stay in a cave hotel during your stay in Matera, this is highly recommended. Meanwhile, they also have these music speakers inside of each room, which creates great atmosphere. Location is at the heart of Sassi and only 10min walk from the main Piazza and 15min from Matera Centrale. It comes with a great view where captures the whole view of Sassi. You can hear the echo of the clock during day time and saxophone in the evening. Extremely romantic place. Also, if memory serves, the movie No Time To Die took a few seconds of shooting scene there. So definitely worth visiting. Breakfast is served at their reception hall, with harmonious design of crave and Francesco paintings.

Stunning room (1003 if I recall correctly, inside the hotel doors and to the left up a few steps) - with huge high ceiling given its previous function as a church. On a mezzanine level we had a huge jacuzzi spa bath for 2 with colour changing lights which was so relaxing after a hard day walking the steep streets of the town! Then off from the mezzanine was a small door leading out through rocks onto an outdoor terrace with metal table and 2 chairs and amazing views across the city to the cathedral on the other side. It really has the wow factor. We were given a complementary bottle of red wine which we enjoyed up there the first evening, and then breakfast could be delivered to your room on trays, so we took breakfast up there both mornings too - and its a suntrap, even at 9am. The continental style breakfast was lovely - a selection of savoury and sweet pastries. You could also take this in the main communal area of the hotel, and select from the buffet. Reception was very helpful in booking restaurants for us. We really loved Le Bubole (over behind the Cathedral - fantastic food and presentation) and Tierra closer to the hotel was good too.

Nothing except the hard slog with heavy suitcases, given the hotel is in a pedestrian area! We were away for a week so had no option but to take one good sized case and a smaller cabin case but do try to limit what you need to carry! Also parking is difficult - its street parking and you have to be careful what side of the street you park as one side is resident permits only- apparently wardens are vigilant and we initially parked the wrong side of the street so had to go back to find an alternative spot, but after a lot of circling we found a street where parking was free, thanks to reception marking the street options on a map. Its about as 10min walk in so beware. Matera is not a place for being who have difficulties walking!

The hotel is built within a cave which used to be a church. Lovely breakfast/ lounge area. The staff were friendly and flexible. I arrived before the official check in time and I was able to check in with no problems. On the day I had to leave I had to leave before breakfast. They started breakfast early for me .which was really nice The breakfast was really good. Wide variety of options

The room I was in did not have much wardrobe space or a convenient place to put an open suitcase.

The location is excellent, thr ambience really exceptional and very unique, the breakfast good, the staff pleasant and helpful and the beds and amenities really nice. I was lucky enough to spend one night in one of the bigger rooms as there was a problem with the small room, and it was AMAZING. if you can afford it, go for it!

The single room was very small, uncomfortably small and with the shower and toilet in the same shared space. This brings down the value for money ratio just a notch.