Italy
, Matera 
Maria
This hotel was truly spectacular. What struck me most was how well the design showcases Matera's distinctive architecture without sacrificing comfort or luxury. The rooms are genuinely comfortable and beautiful inside — modern, while still respecting the character of the city's stonework, and never losing that cozy feel. Our room in particular opened directly onto the street, almost like a little house of its own. It was one of our favorite stays ever.
There's one important thing to flag. The hotel's listing advertises free on-site parking, which was actually one of the reasons we chose it. A few days before arrival, we got an email letting us know that the hotel is in a restricted vehicle access zone, and that parking is actually a 10 minute walk away. When I wrote back pointing out that this wasn't what was advertised, I was just told that the hotel is in a restricted zone as mosts hotels in Matera, which I of course completly understand, but doesn't change the fact that the listing isn't accurate.
So: factor this into your budget — the shuttle to the parking lot costs €15 per trip. And if you're thinking of just walking instead, it's just 10 minutes but it's uphill with a lot of steps, so it's very hard with luggage — fine if you only have a backpack or hand luggage.
None of this would stop me from booking again or recommending it — the hotel itself is excellent and one of my favorite stays of the trip. Just go in with the right expectations about parking.
There's one important thing to flag. The hotel's listing advertises free on-site parking, which was actually one of the reasons we chose it. A few days before arrival, we got an email letting us know that the hotel is in a restricted vehicle access zone, and that parking is actually a 10 minute walk away. When I wrote back pointing out that this wasn't what was advertised, I was just told that the hotel is in a restricted zone as mosts hotels in Matera, which I of course completly understand, but doesn't change the fact that the listing isn't accurate.
So: factor this into your budget — the shuttle to the parking lot costs €15 per trip. And if you're thinking of just walking instead, it's just 10 minutes but it's uphill with a lot of steps, so it's very hard with luggage — fine if you only have a backpack or hand luggage.
None of this would stop me from booking again or recommending it — the hotel itself is excellent and one of my favorite stays of the trip. Just go in with the right expectations about parking.
