Palazzo Degli Abati

This hotel offers a truly unique and memorable experience, with its signature feature being the opportunity to stay in a luxuriously renovated cave room that provides stunning panoramic views of Matera's ancient Sassi. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service provided by the staff, the hotel's prime location within the historic center, and the delicious breakfast served with an unparalleled vista. It is an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore the city's landmarks, history enthusiasts who appreciate the unique historical context of the accommodations, and couples looking for a romantic and distinctive getaway. For travelers seeking unique experiences, the blend of ancient architecture with modern comfort is particularly appealing. To enhance your stay, guests recommend leveraging the highly knowledgeable staff for local insights and restaurant bookings, and preparing for the city's characteristic hills and steps.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a truly distinctive experience with its cave rooms, which are described as spacious, modern, and beautifully appointed, often featuring unique historical elements like a glass floor revealing an old bakery or furnace. Many rooms boast private terraces or balconies that provide breathtaking views of the city. Guests appreciate the convenience of the attached bistro and bar, which serves as a popular spot for drinks and snacks, especially given its incredible panoramic outlook. An elevator is available, which guests find very helpful for navigating the property. While most guests find the air conditioning effective, some have noted issues with its cooling capacity or noise. The bathrooms are generally large and modern, with some featuring unique cave showers, though a few guests mentioned a lack of privacy due to frosted glass doors or issues with the shower wetting the floor. Complimentary toiletries, slippers, and robes add to the luxurious feel.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and meticulously maintained. The room condition is frequently highlighted as excellent, with accommodations being spacious, beautifully decorated, and equipped with modern furnishings. Most guests found the beds to be super comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some noted the beds and pillows were a little too firm or stiff for their preference. While many reviews emphasize the quietness of the rooms, some guests experienced noise levels from the necessary ventilation systems or from the rooftop bistro, particularly at night. In-room amenities are well-regarded, including the large, modern bathrooms with unique cave showers and high-quality toiletries. Some guests noted a minor issue with the coffee maker only providing instant coffee sachets. The unique glass floors in some rooms, revealing historical elements, add to the distinctive comfort and ambiance.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience receives widespread acclaim from guests, consistently described as excellent, fabulous, and delicious. Served on an outdoor patio or terrace with an amazing view of Matera, it offers a wide variety of options, including local products, sweet and savory choices, and a buffet that guests found very filling. The quality of the food is highly praised, with many noting it as one of the best selections they have encountered. While the coffee served at breakfast is generally excellent, some guests expressed disappointment with the instant coffee sachets provided in the rooms. The attached bistro and bar is a popular spot for aperitivos and light meals, with many appreciating its stunning panoramic views. Most guests found the restaurant offerings to be very good, though a few mentioned a limited dinner menu or found the sandwiches to be mediocre.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location within the historic Sassi area is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests in the heart of Matera with easy walking access to all major attractions and landmarks. Guests particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views of the city available from various points within the property. While the hotel itself does not have on-site parking, the staff provides clear and detailed instructions for off-site options, including a secure garage with a convenient shuttle service directly to the hotel, which guests found very helpful despite the associated cost. The city's unique terrain, characterized by hills and steps, is a common theme, requiring guests to be prepared for walking. However, the hotel's position is often noted as being easily reachable with fewer stairs compared to some other properties in the area, and the presence of an elevator further aids accessibility.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive overwhelming praise, consistently described as exceptional, friendly, and incredibly helpful. Guests frequently highlight the team's attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. They are commended for their proactive communication before arrival, providing detailed directions and information. During the stay, the staff are highly valued for their knowledgeable recommendations regarding local restaurants and tours, and their efficiency in arranging services such as airport transfers, taxi bookings, and guided walking tours. Many guests noted feeling welcomed and cared for, with specific examples including the provision of welcome drinks upon arrival and the thoughtful preparation of early breakfasts or packed lunches for guests with early departures. The overall impression is one of personalized and outstanding hospitality that significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
Beyond the main categories, guests appreciate the unique historical context of the accommodations, with rooms often being converted ancient structures like an old bakery or part of a church, offering a tangible connection to Matera's past. The hotel's intimate size, with only a limited number of rooms, contributes to a private and exclusive atmosphere. However, some guests noted that the terraces outside rooms can be accessible to the public, leading to a lack of privacy as visitors pass by to admire the views. While generally well-equipped, a few minor points were raised, such as the dehumidifier noise in cave rooms, which is essential but can be disruptive, and the absence of milk for in-room coffee. The hotel's commitment to providing a unique and historically rich stay, combined with modern comforts, is a recurring theme, making it a truly distinctive choice for visitors.