Sant'Angelo, Matera

Sant'Angelo, Matera, a Michelin Key Selected property and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers a truly distinctive and luxurious experience nestled within the ancient Sassi di Matera. This unique "diffuse hotel" blends historical authenticity with contemporary elegance, providing guests with an unforgettable stay in a UNESCO World Heritage site.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Sant'Angelo, Matera, is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a unique, wonderful, and exceptional destination. It holds an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 950 reviews on TripAdvisor and a "Wonderful" rating of 9.0 based on 406 reviews on Booking.com. The hotel is praised for its ability to offer an extraordinary experience by combining the allure of cave dwellings with luxury and comfort.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about the stunning views of centuries-old churches, Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, and the Murgia Park, which can be enjoyed from many rooms and terraces. The unique design of the hotel, with rooms carved from historic dwellings and palazzos, is a major draw, offering a blend of tradition and modern touches. The central and picturesque location within the Sassi is another key highlight, providing easy access to Matera's attractions. Furthermore, the attentive and friendly service from the staff is frequently commended.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Sant'Angelo are celebrated for their individuality, luxury, and stylish design, seamlessly blending ancient structures with contemporary fixtures and comforts. Accommodations vary, with some bedrooms nestled deep inside caves and others situated within palazzos offering town views. Each room provides amenities such as king beds, air conditioning, free WiFi, minibars, and safes, often featuring spacious bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and bidets. While many praise the large, beautifully decorated cave suites with generous baths, some guests have noted that certain cave rooms can be dimly lit, slightly damp, or have smaller showers with weaker water pressure.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers excellent dining options, including Regia Corte, an elegant restaurant known for its creative dishes and sublime reinterpretations of traditional Lucanian cuisine using seasonal, local ingredients. Guests particularly enjoy the stunning lounge terrace at Regia Corte, which offers spectacular views of Piazza San Pietro Caveoso for al-fresco aperitivi. Breakfast is consistently lauded as delicious, generous, and outstanding, with fresh food and a wonderful ambiance. For a more casual experience, Pizzeria Più Sud provides a gastronomic journey combining traditional dishes with the best products of Southern Italy.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Sant'Angelo is a significant highlight, with guests frequently commending the staff for their exceptional hospitality. Reviewers describe the team as welcoming, helpful, friendly, and highly attentive, with efforts made to please all guests. Specific mentions include excellent shuttle drivers, bellmen, and restaurant staff.

6. Location & Accessibility

Sant'Angelo is ideally situated in the heart of the historic Sassi of Matera, offering unparalleled views and serving as a strategic starting point for exploring the city. Key attractions like Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, the Church of Santa Maria de Idris, and the Sassi and Park of the Rupestrian Churches are just steps away. As a "diffuse hotel," its rooms are spread across a maze of caves, alleys, and steps, creating a truly immersive experience. However, its location within a restricted traffic zone means direct car access is not possible. The hotel offers a parking shuttle service, but guests arriving by public transport with luggage may find the many steps challenging.

7. Value & Pricing

As a 5-star luxury resort and a Michelin Key Selected property, Sant'Angelo, Matera, commands a premium price, with rates typically ranging from $279 to $341 USD or C$381 to C$521 CAD per night, depending on the room type and booking platform. Despite the cost, many guests feel it offers excellent value for the unique, luxurious experience and the breathtaking setting it provides.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues have been mentioned by guests. These include certain cave rooms being perceived as too damp or having dim lighting. Some have also noted small showers with weak water pressure in particular bathrooms. There have been instances of the centralized air conditioning being too warm for some guests' preferences. Occasionally, noise from events, such as weddings, has been a concern. Additionally, some guests have reported wasps being irritating during meals on outdoor terraces.

Sources

1. hilton.com
2. charmingpuglia.com
3. michelin.com
4. santangelomatera.it
5. booking.com
6. booking.com
7. slh.com
8. reserving.com
9. italyheaven.co.uk
10. kayak.com
11. kayak.com