Orient Express La Minerva: Timeless luxury reborn in the heart of Rome

On April 7, 2025, Orient Express unveiled its very first hotel in the world: Orient Express La Minerva, a jewel of elegance and history located on Piazza della Minerva, just steps from the Pantheon. Set in a 17th-century palace, once known as the Grand Hotel de la Minerve, the property has been completely reimagined by Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro, blending Roman heritage with contemporary sophistication.

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A building steeped in history

Originally built in 1620 for the Portuguese Fonseca family, this historic landmark has welcomed literary legends such as Stendhal and Herman Melville. Today, it houses 93 rooms and 36 suites, each designed as an homage to the golden age of travel. Think bespoke bedside trunks, rich wood paneling reminiscent of the Orient Express train cabins, and fine linens from Rivolta Carmignani, the historic supplier for the legendary train.

Interior design by Hugo Toro

Hugo Toro brought a fresh vision to La Minerva, drawing inspiration from Roman domus and Art Deco elegance. Every room features a hand-painted ceiling fresco representing the Roman sky. Throughout the corridors and lounges, polished details evoke the refined ambiance of luxury train travel, immersing guests in a world of style and nostalgia.

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A refined culinary experience

The hotel features three distinct dining spaces:

• La Minerva Bar: Nestled under a glass canopy in the lobby, this elegant bar is centered around a statue of Minerva from 1854.

• Gigi Rigolatto: Opening to the public in May 2025, this rooftop restaurant offers sweeping views over Rome's rooftops.

• Mimi Kakushi: A Japanese restaurant inspired by 1920s Osaka, expected to open later this year.

  
  

Elegant event spaces

Orient Express La Minerva also offers five exquisite salons for private events and celebrations, including:

• Olimpo Ballroom: Featuring eleven marble statues by Rinaldo Rinaldi, representing the seasons, elements, and continents.

• Rinaldi Salon: A space inspired by the interiors of the legendary Orient Express train.

• Alfieri Salon: An intimate room with a vaulted ceiling and understated elegance.

A new chapter for Orient Express

This opening marks a milestone in the renaissance of the Orient Express brand, now under the Accor Group. The hotel is part of a broader vision that includes the launch of La Dolce Vita train and the upcoming Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice.

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