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Matera Accommodation Guide

Matera Accommodation Guide

Basilicata, Italy

Accommodation Types

Unique Stays

  • Sassi Cave Hotels & B&Bs

    Meticulously restored cave dwellings transformed into charming B&Bs or luxurious boutique hotels. Each room often has a distinct character.

  • Guesthouses & Affittacamere

    Family-run options providing a personal and intimate experience. Owners often share local insights.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Available through platforms like Vrbo, these have kitchens and more living space, suitable for families or longer stays.

  • Camping & Outdoor Accommodation

    A few campsites outside Matera cater to travelers with vehicles or tents, offering a rustic, budget-friendly stay.

Conventional & Shared

  • Traditional Hotels

    Mainly in the modern city or on the edges of the Sassi, these provide conventional room layouts and amenities. Explore options on IHG Hotels.

  • Homestay & Community Tourism

    Many family-run B&Bs offer a sense of local immersion, providing breakfast and interaction.

  • Hostels

    For budget-conscious travelers, Hostelworld lists options for meeting other travelers.

  • House/Pet Sitting

    Consider platforms like TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Neighborhood Guide

Matera's neighborhoods present distinct characters, each with its own advantages and considerations for lodging.

Sasso Barisano

Advantages
  • Easier access from modern city and train/bus station.
  • Many well-maintained, luxurious establishments.
  • Lively with activity.
  • Good for upscale experiences.
Considerations
  • Can be busier with tourists.
  • Some perceive it as less "raw" than Sasso Caveoso.
  • Higher degree of commercialization.
  • Less dramatic historical feel.

Sasso Caveoso

Advantages
  • Deeply authentic and atmospheric cave experience.
  • Closer to ancient rupestrian churches.
  • Stunning, dramatic views of Murgia Materana Park.
  • Immersed in history.
Considerations
  • Involves more steep climbs and uneven paths.
  • Navigation can present a challenge.
  • Fewer large-scale hotel choices.
  • Dominated by smaller B&Bs.

Piano Modern City

Advantages
  • Easier access for vehicles and luggage.
  • Modern amenities, including larger supermarkets.
  • Often offers budget-friendly lodging.
  • Streets are flatter.
Considerations
  • Lacks the unique historical ambiance of the Sassi.
  • Requires a walk to reach the Sassi entrances.
  • Typical city noise, traffic.
  • Less active nightlife than Sassi areas.

Safety & Proximity

Safety Notes

All areas of Matera are generally very safe, with low crime rates. In the Sassi, paths can be dimly lit at night; a small flashlight is useful.

Proximity to Hubs

Sassi areas are ideal for walking to most major attractions. Piano is best for accessing the FAL train station, main bus terminal, and car parking.

Booking Strategies

Plan your Matera stay with these booking tips for a smooth experience.

Advance Booking by Season

  • Peak Season (Spring, Autumn, Major Holidays): Highly book unique Sassi cave accommodations several months in advance (3-6+ months).
  • Shoulder Season (March, November): Booking 1-3 months ahead is advisable for specific preferences.
  • Low Season (Dec-Feb, excluding holidays; July-Aug): Booking a few weeks to a month in advance is still a good approach.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Highest prices during Spring and Autumn. Lowest prices in deep winter.

Booking & Policies

  • Trusted Platforms: Major online booking platforms like Booking.com and Agoda have a good selection.
  • Negotiation: Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not customary for hotels; prices are typically fixed.
  • Deposit Policies: Policies vary by property. Check specific deposit requirements and cancellation terms.
  • Cancellation: Look for flexible cancellation options if travel plans are uncertain.

Practical Considerations

Direct Booking
  • Many local B&Bs and smaller hotels have their own official websites.
  • Booking directly might sometimes bring better rates or special inclusions.
  • Direct contact with hosts.
  • Directly support local businesses.
Travel Planning
  • Be aware of peak season crowds.
  • Understand the terrain of Matera (steps, uneven paths).
  • Choose accommodation based on accessibility needs.

Important Notice

Read Carefully

Always carefully check the specific terms and conditions of each booking before confirming.

Local Regulations

Be aware of any local tourism taxes or city fees that might be applied upon arrival.

Arrival Instructions

Confirm check-in procedures, especially for cave dwellings which may have specific access details.

Accommodation Recommendations

Matera presents excellent choices for various budgets and traveler types.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Stays

Simple B&Bs in the Piano or a basic room in a renovated cave dwelling.

  • Clean bed and basic amenities.
  • Value-focused.
  • Practical for extended trips.
  • Located in various areas.
Mid-Range Options

Well-rated cave B&Bs or guesthouses in Sasso Barisano or Sasso Caveoso.

  • Authentic charm.
  • Comfortable amenities.
  • Good service, often with breakfast.
  • Balanced cost and experience.

Luxury & Family

Luxury Experiences

High-end design hotels carved into caves, with sophisticated interiors, spa services, and fine dining.

  • Pampered stays.
  • Panoramic views.
  • Exclusive services.
  • Unforgettable ambiance.
Family-Friendly Choices

Apartments or B&Bs with multiple rooms or suites, providing ample space.

  • Kitchen facilities for meals.
  • Separate sleeping areas.
  • Consider Piano for strollers or very young children.
  • Comfort for all family members.

Traveler Specific

  • Solo Traveler

    Guesthouses or smaller B&Bs for a personal touch and interaction with hosts. Hostels are also available for meeting others.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals with kitchens are best for extended stays, providing home-like amenities and self-catering options.

  • Helpful Tip

    When booking a cave dwelling, check for windows. Some cave rooms naturally have limited light.

  • Confirm Features

    Always confirm specific amenities and services directly with the property.

Cultural Significance

  • Ancient Dwellings

    Many cave hotels and B&Bs are restorations of ancient homes, offering a direct experience of living within the Sassi.

  • Historical Context

    Look for properties that emphasize their history, perhaps sharing information about the original use of the cave or the restoration process.

  • Original Features

    Some properties incorporate original features like ancient cisterns or olive presses into their design, enriching the stay.

  • Heritage Immersion

    Staying in such a property deepens your appreciation for Matera's unique heritage and its journey.

Further Considerations

Accessibility

The Sassi areas feature many steps and uneven surfaces. Consider this if you have mobility needs.

  • Some properties have steep access.
  • Flat shoes are highly recommended.
  • Inquire about specific property accessibility.
  • The Piano offers flatter terrain.
Parking

Parking inside the Sassi is restricted. Many accommodations in the Sassi offer solutions or advice for nearby parking.

  • Public parking areas exist in the Piano.
  • Consider transferring luggage via shuttle.
  • Some properties have limited private parking.
  • Check parking arrangements in advance.

Community Integration

Authentic Feel

Experience daily life alongside residents in Matera's unique historical setting.

Unique Perspectives

Gain a appreciation for Matera's rebirth and the dedication of its community.

Accommodation Guide: Matera - MileHacker