Located in the historic Piazza della Minerva, in the heart of Rome and just a few steps from the Pantheon, the Orient Express La Minerva, opens its doors in the spring of 2025 but reservations lines are now open for bookings.
The long-awaited opening of the first Orient Express hotel in the Italian capital marks the true rebirth of one of Rome’s most important historic hotels within the venerable Palazzo Fonseca. The style was entrusted to the French-Mexican architect and interior designer Hugo Toro, originally from the east of France. This is the first opening of an Orient Express hotel after the acquisition of the historic palace in 2021 by Arsenale SpA.
“This milestone proudly marks the long-awaited opening of the world’s first ever Orient Express hotel: Orient Express La Minerva. Nestled in the heart of Rome, the hotel is not just a destination for travellers looking for exceptional experiences. It is also a place where Romans like to meet. A place where the history of the Orient Express meets the soul of the Eternal City. A unique place where cultures and travel stories merge. It is with great pleasure that we officially present the first property in the Orient Express portfolio of hotels, trains and sailboats,” says Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express.
Built in 1620 to serve as the residence of the Fonseca, a family of Portuguese nobility, then acquired in 1811 by the wealthy French Sauve family who turned it into a hotel, the palace became the haunt of renowned artists such as Stendhal, Vittorio Alfieri or Melville during the “Grand Tour”, and even received a visit from Pope Pius IX. The restoration work bears witness to a project rooted in the history of Rome, drawing inspiration from the Roman domus and the riches of the Eternal City. A clever blend of Art Deco style and contemporary elegance, it is the perfect relay of the mysterious charm characteristic of travel on the Orient Express.
Travelers will appreciate the beauty and magic of La Minerva Bar. A true tribute to Minerva, the Roman goddess of arts and crafts who inspired the project, the place also houses the building’s historic skylight. On the rooftop terrace, the Voliera Restaurant and Bar offers Mediterranean cuisine and creative cocktails in a breath taking panorama overlooking the domes of the Church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza and St. Peter’s Basilica, the Altare della Patria and the Quirinal Tower. The imposing statue of Minerva that welcomes visitors is the original work of Rinaldo Rinaldi, a disciple of Canova, sculpted in 1854. The spa immerses you in the atmosphere and rituals of the Ottoman baths, a traditional place of well-being and purification.
Combining historical heritage with a contemporary touch, richly equipped seminar rooms and event spaces welcome you to celebrate special occasions or for your exclusive business meetings. These include the Olimpo Ballroom, which has sublime Murano glass chandeliers, and twelve magnificent statues, also by Rinaldi, representing the four elements, the four seasons and the four continents known at the time. Three further inviting seminar rooms complete the offer.
“In this period of the city’s renaissance, Rome is the ideal setting for a global project to create a luxury hospitality experience that is authentic, memorable, tailor-made and marked by excellence. With the opening of the Orient Express La Minerva, we are reviving a historic place in the city that has been for many years the haunt of renowned intellectuals and artists. We are also bringing to the city of Rome the mythical name Orient Express, synonymous with escape, refinement and the art of travel in the world since 1883, which, in addition to the country’s other assets, reinforces Italy’s position as a leading destination for discerning and demanding tourists,” adds Giampaolo Ottazzi, General Manager of Orient Express Hotels Italy.
Reservations are open today at the following address laminerva.orient-express.com or by contacting your reservation centre on +39 06 844 290. Orient Express La Minerva offers ninety-three luxurious rooms ranging in size from 25 to 235 square meters, including 36 suites, including 4 Signature Suites offering spectacular views of the Pantheon and the picturesque Place de la Minerve and its famous elephant, the work of Bernini. Rates for a classic room start from €1,000, breakfast included. For a suite, rates start from €2,500, breakfast included. For a Signature Suite, rates range from €3,500 to €15,000, including breakfast.