Famed rail operator Orient Express has opened its first hotel. Located in Rome, the Orient Express La Minerva reflects the company’s iconic history and refined approach to travel as befitting its home in a revived a 17th-century palazzo in a city that has been an essential stop for Orient Express travellers dating back to 1883.
Situated in the very heart of the city at Piazza della Minerva 69, the hotel is steps from the Pantheon and within easy walking distance of Rome’s cultural treasures. The hotel houses 93 rooms and 36 suites – each space entirely singular in scale, layout, and in “spirit.”
This hotel’s debut follows the recent launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express and anticipates the opening of Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice later this year.
Meticulously restored by award-winning artist-architect Hugo Toro, known for reawakening historical gems with contemporary finesse, the hotel blends Rome’s heritage with new sophistication, offering guests an authentically Roman experience.
Each room is an homage to the golden age of travel, featuring bespoke bedside trunks, rich wooden detailing reminiscent of the legendary carriages, and luxurious bedding crafted by Rivolta Carmignani, the same linens once gracing Orient Express sleeper cars. The hotel’s corridors recall the polished elegance of the luxury train, while its lounges and public spaces invite guests to indulge in a Voyage of textures and perspectives.
Orient Express La Minerva hosts three exceptional dining venues – a testament to the connecting spirit and culinary curation of Orient Express, promising unforgettable gastronomy journeys aligned with Rome’s leisurely pace.
La Minerva Bar, situated in the heart of the hotel’s lobby, boasts a grand glass roof and adorned by the preserved statue of Minerva, complete with original marble columns, which glow softly throughout the day, creating an ambiance that shifts from natural Roman light to intimate sophistication.
Opening to the public in May will be the rooftop Gigi Rigolatto, an elegant dining experience featuring 360° panoramic views of the city’s rooftops and monuments, including the Pantheon, the Vittoriano and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“With Orient Express La Minerva, we are inaugurating the very first Orient Express hotel in the world, giving shape to a new concept of ultra-luxury hospitality,” says Paolo Barletta, CEO Arsenale Group. “This project combines the identity of a legendary brand with the entrepreneurial vision of Arsenale: transforming iconic places into world-class destinations. We chose Rome because it represents the crossroads between history, culture, and Italian hospitality.”
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