Matera's Sassi district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a collection of boutique cave hotels carved directly into the limestone rock. These properties blend primitive stone architecture with modern comforts-think stone floors, hand-carved furniture, and private terraces overlooking the ancient city. Guests can expect free WiFi, buffet breakfasts, and often on-site spas or thermal pools. Prices range from mid-range (around €130/night) to luxury (€300+), with most hotels located in the restricted-traffic Sassi areas of Caveoso and Barisano.
Top-rated options include Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita (96 rating) with rooms set in large caves and a panoramic terrace over the Murgia Park, and Palazzo Gattini (94 rating) offering a spa in former cisterns with a thermal pool. Sant'Angelo (91 rating) operates as a diffuse hotel spread across a maze of caves near Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, featuring a restaurant with city views. Note that cars cannot access the Sassi-use partner parking lots (discounted rates available) and explore on foot.