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Sextantio Albergo Diffuso

Via Principe Umberto SNC, 67020 Santo Stefano di Sessanio Italy
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Room & Suite (493)
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#1 of 1 hotels in Santo Stefano di Sessanio
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Travelers' Choice
A medieval fortified village in Abruzzo region where its rooms, wine bar, restaurant, meeting room and reception lie scattered in separate buildings formerly used as barns, stables, pigsties, wine cellars and farmers' or shepherds' lodgings. Wood and stone cottages have been restyled as suites, the village dungeons serve as a wedding room and a former witch's lair now hosts business meetings. At Albergo Diffuso - literally 'scattered hotel' - in the mountains of Abruzzo, two hours east of Rome, a hamlet that had fallen into disrepair has been revived, extending to the local traditions of soap-making and wool-spinning, both now thriving once more.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Hiking
Horseback riding
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Conference facilities
Full body massage
Parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Bicycle tours
Canoeing offsite
Walking tours
Massage
Neck massage
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Shops
24-hour front desk
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Room features
Desk
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Bath / shower
Hair dryer
Room types
Mountain view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Italian
987Reviews18Q+A52Room tips
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Claudia D wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
Want to step back in time a live like a local of one century ago in a Medieval setting? This is the place. We've been there in January with my kids and we enjoyed every minute. The rooms restored in the most authentic way possible, the delicious local and traditional food, the activities connected with the soul and the roots of that land, the accommodating and very polite staff. Can't wait to go back in summer. Bravo!
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Try the activities and forget about the amenities of a standard chain hotel, you won't need those :)
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LeoDavoe wrote a review Oct 2023
Santa Barbara, California76 contributions56 helpful votes
This is not what we thought. We expected a great hotel, nestled at the foot of a beautiful national park. We got a cave dwelling in some scruffy sagebrush covered foothills. In the middle of a construction zone. With a cracked-in-half toilet seat. Positives: The staff is nice, service is good. The food in the one and only restaurant in town is quite good for both dinner and breakfast. The bed was comfortable. Negatives: There are nice mountains to the north of Santo Stefano— we saw them driving over from the Abruzzo coast. But you’d not know that from this location. The views from town are uninspired. The hiking looks fairly lame…no one is going to confuse this with the Dolomites. Our room was like a cave. Dark, claustrophobic, one small slot of a window. The door didn’t fit the door frame, so noise from everywhere came right through. Speaking of noise, the ‘bathroom’ was defined as the toilet/bidet/shower/ hiding behind a half wall, open at both ends. So everyone hears everything. The shower curtain didn’t reach the floor, so water splashed out all over the ‘bathroom’, and our toilet seat was broken in half. Charming. And you risk a concussion every time you brush your teeth and go to rinse and spit in the sink, which is under a concrete shelf. If you need to find something in the room, even with every light on, make sure you have a flashlight. The ‘town’ is the hotel, essentially. The staff member who checked us in and showed us to our room told us they were trying to attract more people to move there, make the town more like Pienza. Having stayed there, we’re not surprised to learn that this project is going, um, slowly. There is no reason to come to this town. Like, at all. Oh, and adding to all this charm were the not one, but two enormous construction cranes looming over everything. Which was enhanced also by all the scaffolding around (watch your head). No one is getting this place confused with Pienza. Conclusion: A nice idea, and we like their optimism, but ultimately a failed project. If you want a mountain experience, try Cortina. If you want charm, try basically anywhere in Tuscany. It’s not hard in those two areas to find great views, nice rooms, and toilet seats in one piece. There’s a reason you never hear about Abruzzo as a tourist destination,
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Altro at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
Responded Oct 30, 2023
Dear guest, Thank you also for the compliments to our staff, and also for the free insults. We deeply regret you felt as a failed idea while the international press (The New York Times, CNN, BBC, The Times, etc) praises our attempt to keep alive a place at risk of abandonment. Our philosophy bases its roots in the conservative restoration of original buildings of the past century, by preserving its very old identity as a result of researches made with the Museo delle Genti d'Abruzzo. The use of modern furniture, doors and supplies that you can find in any standard hotel would have been totally in contrast with our cultural project. Maybe our property was just not fitting for your tastings. Thank you again and greetings from all the staff!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Liz P wrote a review Oct 2023
London, United Kingdom18 contributions5 helpful votes
I loved this hotel which has rooms spread out throughout the village. It’s a fantastic restoration project and staying there is like going back in time. Rooms are lit by candles (although there are some electric lights too,) beds are the old fashioned high type with a metal frame and hard mattress- but we actually found it very comfortable. Each room has a fireplace which you are welcome to light, although when we went it was too warm, but a lovely, cosy touch if you’re here during colder months. All very sustainable with not a piece of plastic in sight!! Rustic bar of beeswax soap and a wonderful oil-based shower gel / shampoo. Breakfast served in the restaurant, about 5 minutes walk from our room, was an amazing spread of local cured meats, cheese, fresh ricotta, honey, organic jams and wonderful sweet pastries. We had dinner there as well one night which was good too. Staff were all very welcoming, helpful and professional. This hotel is not for everyone, but I loved the experience - it felt like a film set!! I definitely want to try their other hotel in Matera.
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Altro at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
Responded Nov 10, 2023
Hi Liz, thanks for being our guests and for your kind review. We are glad you appreciated our project and captured the very essence of Sextantio experience. A special thanks for the compliments to our breakfast and all the staff! We really hope to welcome you again soon and we look forward to meeting you at Sextantio Le grotte della Civita in Matera,. We are sure you will love the atmosphere of our cave rooms! Thank you again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Kieran57 wrote a review Oct 2023
Los Angeles, California29 contributions7 helpful votes
We had a lovely 4 night stay here and it is a very different experience than a hotel. You stay in somewhat spartan old village houses or rooms which are full of character. If you want TV you won't find it here but there is lots to see and do in the area. We had a problem with our Sixt Rental Car which broke down and the staff here were fantastic in helping us out (the same cannot be said for Sixt) particularly Simone, Steph,Jessica and Marco. There are 3 or 4 good restaurants including the hotel's close by. Highly recommended for the adventurous !
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Altro at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
Responded Nov 10, 2023
Dear Kieran, thanks for your kind review and for choosing Sextantio for your stay. We are glad you appreciated our philosophy and the experience in our village. A big thank you for the compliments to our staff! We hope to wlecome you in future and we strongly suggest also to experience our sister hotel in Matera, Sextantio Le grotte della Civita. Warm regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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purple_dk wrote a review Sep 2023
Copenhagen, Denmark717 contributions104 helpful votes
Don't miss out of this awesome experience! I stumbled across a photo of a lovely "genuine" Italian rustic restaurant and my curiosity was aroused. It appeared to be from the Locanda Sotti Gli Archi and reading more about the project - I was all in. It was our first visit to this region, but my husband and I did not regret fitting in an overnight stay here. An absolute "must" when in the area, I will claim! We booked directly and were very pleased with the truly swift and personal response we got to all our inquiries. We felt welcome even before we arrived. Although having seen the photos and read about the project, well, we didn't really know what to expect - but everythng was really as described. And yet it is impossible to describe the feeling of entering a more than 1000 year old building and in the dark candlelit room finding it looking like a museum with its old rustic furniture, raw walls and functioning fireplace... Awesome is all that come to mind. OK we were not left with antique bathroom facilities but did find - discretely established behind the bed – a fine state or the art toilet and shower while a ditto sink was finely integrated in the wall of the room. But otherwise, it was like a museum... And eco friendly in all aspects. The temperature was expected to drop till 10 degrees, but even without the fireplace lit, we did not freeze using the thick handwoven woolen blanket. The fortress/village is quite small, so it is easily covered and explored. Apart from this establishment we did find a few other restaurants and little shops - all well fitted into the atmosphere of the place and yet not being too touristic. The latter we do not hope will occur... We popped into the The Cantinone for a drink only to find likewise here the same awesome surroundings plus good wine and snacks. Dinner required two seatings due to its capacity - but in spite of same we did only experience the first seating carried through. It would be nice if the amount of guests could be limited till same. The menu was interesting and based on the local producs and herbs and were very well prepared and tasty - albeit not outstanding in any ways. Yet again the ambiance of the medieval room and rustic interior addeds to an unique experience though. But breakfast does require a special mentioning - it was none the less than overwhelming and a feast for the eye! The buffet was overflowing with delicious homemade breads and cakes; local honey and jams; fine cold cuts and speciality cheeses; soups; fresh fruits and you name it - they got it! Only impossible to taste more than a tiny part of it all - you get full just enjoying the sight! Apart from being an unique experience the drive up to Santo Stefano is a "must" too. Never having visted Abruzzo before we were actually not aware of the highs and consistance of the mountains to be passed... so we were in for a surprise in more than one way. The Sasso National Park is beautiful !!! Not in any way similar to the nature of Tuscany - no, no - the mountains are a lot higher and barren with a desert-like ambiance. Like an American prarie... The little winding roads took us up to some 1700 meterss, which was a truly unexpected thing. Add to that, that we lost our way totally due to our GPS loosing contact and our old fashioned maps not being sufficiently detailed - so we had to drive on instinct and the few village names we could recall. Hence we ended up driving by means of so tiny and small little local roads that you couldn't pass another car and they looked like "goat-pathes" - or should I rather say "horse-pathes" as in the middle of no-where we were stopped by a flock of wild horses that had decided to occupy the road... We didn't meet many cars or people and were a bit out of our comfort zone, but the experience was exceptional and when finally we reached the road we were originally to drive we did breath freely again and laughed. What a drive – what a scenery! So a piece of good advice: Get yourself a detailed map, don't count on driving more than 20-30 km per hour in average and be ready for some skillfull driving requirements. PS: To everyone, please note that - in similarity with us - you may end up with no cellphone or wifi-contacts, so be prepared. The hotel uses the app "What's App", but even that did not work on our cellphones and admittedly it is neither a digital means that we are familiar with and we do anticipate that many other elderly travellers do neither... The Hotel should be aware of this fact and not expect their guests to use this app. That's our only "complaint", otherwise we can only highly recommend a visit and/or overnight here!
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Date of stay: September 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Don't miss out. Have ample time for the drive up. Be aware that you may be out of contact with...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Greta M wrote a review Aug 2023
1 contribution
We loved the rustic experience in the beautiful little village. The staff were friendly at reception, slightly less friendly at the restaurant but we’re sure this was only based on slight language barrier. Breakfast each day was great and set in a magical spot. Having a car is a must to access the hotel and all the surrounding areas. It was a great 3 night stay!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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CHARLOTTE B wrote a review Aug 2023
1 contribution
Amazing historic hotel and village BUT beds are rock hard make for a really uncomfortable nights sleep. Need to upgrade to modern beds to justify the price point. Really disappointing as after walking the beautiful surrounding mountains (what you mainly come to the region for) a good nights sleep is essential.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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tracie wrote a review Jul 2023
4 contributions1 helpful vote
Finding the reception area and getting your bags there is a task. Once found, the check in staff are amazing. Jessica was super helpful, really kind and patient, and speaks multiple languages. 5 stars for her! Bags taken to your room - that part done well. The actual experience of the town is great. Every shop has a really helpful and lovely person in attendance. The superior room is very rustic. It looks cool but it’s not sound proof in any way. The rhetoric is that ‘we’re authentic’ however, when you can hear the people upstairs in the bathroom and most of their conversation, that’s just lazy. There’s no fridge, no tea and coffee making facilities in the room (authentic) and nothing in the town opens before 10am, which is actually inconvenient if you want to be out about during the day. Bring things with you… but no fridge. Lighting is also ‘rustic’. At 10am there’s only one restaurant open that serves food, it’s expensive and very ordinary. Dinner at the recommended restaurant was poor quality and expensive. La Locanda Palazzo Santo Stefano restaurant is a little more of a walk away but served a fantastic dinner - great food and reasonably priced. Other restaurants in town are pretty ordinary. Great marketing team, but a bit of work to do to make this an experience that people will want to come back to. Recommend 1 night stay for the experience.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Drop bags close to reception and then find a park. Nothing opens before 10am. No fridge.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Altro at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
Responded Jul 10, 2023
Dear guest, thanks for your review and for being our guests. Thank you also for the compliments to our staff, a special thanks from Jessica! We deeply regret you felt as a rethoric our attempt to keep alive a place at risk of abandonment. Our philosophy bases its roots in the conservative restoration of original buildings of the past century, by preserving its very old identity as a result of researches made with the Museo delle Genti d'Abruzzo. The use of modern furniture, doors and supplies that you can find in any standard hotel would have been totally in contrast with our cultural project. Thank you again and greetings from all the staff!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Kibi wrote a review May 2023
New York City, New York3 contributions
+1
This medieval village was abandoned long ago; then it was discovered, purchased, and turned into an air b&b. The 30 rooms are as they were, with original furniture (except for Wi-Fi and a small bathroom area). Bring good walking shoes! A view of snow-capped mountains denotes many spectacular nature walks in the area.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Eeva T wrote a review Nov 2022
8 contributions
If you love history, architecture and nature, this hotel is not to be missed. We had a wonderful stay enjoying Santo Stefano di Sessanio and hiking in the Gran Sasso National Park. Service in the hotel was generally great but special thanks go to Carlo at the Reception who supported us with everything in a very professional way, and even helped us find motor oli for our car. We will never forget this level of hospitality! We also loved the truffle hunting trip with Andrea and his dog Hugo.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Do not miss hiking/sightseeing in the Gran Sasso National Park.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
₱7,509 - ₱12,571 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sextantio albergo diffuso hotel santo stefano di sessanio
LOCATION
ItalyAbruzzoProvince of L'AquilaSanto Stefano di Sessanio
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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SEXTANTIO ALBERGO DIFFUSO - UPDATED 2024 Hotel Reviews & Price Comparison (Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Italy) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
Which popular attractions are close to Sextantio Albergo Diffuso?
Nearby attractions include Santo Stefano di Sessanio (0.03 km), Porta Medicea (0.06 km), and Palazzo della Bifora (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso?
Top room amenities include a desk, a fireplace, and a view of the mountains.
What food & drink options are available at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Sextantio Albergo Diffuso?
Conveniently located restaurants include L' Elisir del Poeta, La Bettola di Geppetto, and Ristorante La Locanda sul Lago.
Is Sextantio Albergo Diffuso located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.4 km away from the centre of Santo Stefano di Sessanio.
Are pets allowed at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, and Italian.
Are there any historical sites close to Sextantio Albergo Diffuso?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Rocca Calascio (4.0 km), Centro Storico di Castel Del Monte (7.0 km), and Convento di San Colombo - Dimora storica (4.7 km).
Does Sextantio Albergo Diffuso have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.