In December 2024, the esteemed Orient Express brand announced the opening of reservations for its inaugural hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, set to welcome guests in Spring 2025. Situated in Rome’s historic Piazza della Minerva, mere steps from the Pantheon, this establishment promises a harmonious blend of the city’s rich heritage and contemporary luxury.
A Historic Transformation
Originally constructed in 1620 as the residence of the Portuguese Fonseca family, the building underwent its first transformation into a hotel in 1811. Over the years, it has hosted luminaries such as Stendhal, Vittorio Alfieri, and Herman Melville, and even welcomed Pope Pius IX.
Acquired by Arsenale SpA in 2021, the property has been meticulously renovated under the artistic direction of Franco-Mexican architect and interior designer Hugo Toro. The design draws inspiration from Roman domus, seamlessly integrating Art Deco elements with modern elegance.
Luxurious Accommodations
Orient Express La Minerva offers 93 opulent rooms and suites, ranging from 25 to 235 square meters. This includes 36 suites and four signature suites that provide breathtaking views of the Pantheon and the picturesque Piazza della Minerva, renowned for its distinctive Bernini elephant sculpture.
Room rates start at €1,000 for a classic room, €2,500 for a suite, and between €3,500 and €15,000 for a signature suite, with breakfast included in all options.
Culinary Delights and Amenities
Guests can indulge in the La Minerva Bar, situated beneath the building’s historic skylight and dedicated to Minerva, the Roman goddess of art and craftsmanship. The rooftop restaurant and bar, Voliera, serves Mediterranean cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails, all set against a stunning panoramic view of Rome’s skyline, including landmarks such as Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Altare della Patria, and the Quirinal Tower.
The hotel also features a spa that evokes the ambiance and rituals of traditional Roman baths, offering a serene space for wellness and purification.
For events and meetings, the Olimpo Ballroom is adorned with exquisite Murano chandeliers and twelve marble statues by Rinaldo Rinaldi, representing the four elements, the four seasons, and the four continents known at the time. Three additional meeting rooms are available to accommodate various occasions.
A New Era for Orient Express
Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express, expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s expansion into Rome, stating, “This milestone proudly marks the long-anticipated arrival of our first Orient Express hotel – Orient Express La Minerva.
Nestled in the heart of Rome, it is not only a destination for the most discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences but also a place for Romans to come together.”
As of December 2024, reservations for Orient Express La Minerva are open, inviting guests to experience a unique fusion of historical grandeur and modern luxury in the Eternal City.