Orient Express La Minerva: Hotel in Rome

Orient Express La Minerva: The Soul of Rome, Reimagined

Just steps from the Pantheon, in the hushed intimacy of Piazza della Minerva, Orient Express La Minerva rises with quiet majesty. Here, the hum of the city fades into stillness. The gaze lingers on Bernini’s marble elephant, the gilded domes of Rome, and timeworn alleyways bathed in golden light. In this historical haven, the first hotel from the Orient Express brand unveils a discreet and refined atmosphere—far from the tourist trails and nestled at the very heart of eternal Rome.

This hospitality gem opened its doors in April 2025, marking the grand return of the legendary Orient Express travel house, now owned by Accor. The hotel is housed in a 17th-century palace, once home to a noble Portuguese family, and over the centuries transformed into a discreet refuge for diplomats, artists, and royals. Today, Orient Express La Minerva revives that splendor with a fresh vision, combining opulent heritage and contemporary refinement.

The renovation was entrusted to Franco-Mexican architect and designer Hugo Toro, renowned for his sophisticated interiors that fuse historical references with modern flair. Italian classicism flirts with Art Deco: travertine columns, fine marbles, geometric patterns inspired by Carlo Scarpa, sculptural lighting, and baroque frescoed ceilings come together in perfect harmony. The result feels like a dreamlike palazzo—cinematic, timeless, unmistakably Roman.

The hotel features 93 rooms and suites, each with a unique layout, reflecting the building’s original character. Several signature suites—such as the Stendhal Suite, Obelisco Suite, and La Minerva Suite—boast spectacular views over Rome’s rooftops or the Pantheon’s majestic façade. Inside, every detail invites comfort: patinated leather headboards, rich fabrics, custom-designed furniture, and luminous marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Each room is an intimate pause, a suspended moment in a journey beyond time.

Dining here is rooted in the purest expression of Italian elegance. On the rooftop, Gigi Roma serves radiant Mediterranean cuisine—locally sourced ingredients, reinvented Roman classics, and cosmopolitan inspirations. The panoramic setting offers breathtaking views of the Eternal City: domes, stone pines, and a sea of terracotta roofs. On the ground floor, La Minerva Bar, beneath a majestic glass canopy, is the vibrant heart of the hotel. Guests sip signature cocktails inspired by the goddess Minerva, in an atmosphere that merges poetic mixology with refined ambiance.

Wellness finds its sanctuary in an exclusive spa, inspired by ancient Roman baths. Hammam, sauna, and a tranquil plunge pool invite relaxation. Treatments blend time-honored techniques with modern sensory innovation. A state-of-the-art fitness center, bespoke butler service, and an exceptional concierge complete an experience crafted for travelers in search of beauty, serenity, and inspiration.

More than just a hotel, Orient Express La Minerva is a destination for connoisseurs—an intimate sanctuary of luxury and history in the heart of Rome. A place where every moment becomes a story, every night a journey within. And where the true meaning of staying in the Eternal City reveals itself.

We love Orient Express La Minerva for:

Opened in 2025 – First hotel of the Orient Express brand
93 elegantly designed rooms and suites
Interiors and concept by Hugo Toro
Refined culinary offering with Gigi Roma rooftop restaurant
Wellness space inspired by Roman thermal baths
Prime location in the heart of historic Rome

Budget

Double room from 1 200 € per night during low season.