Experience the Timeless Charm of Rome: Orient Express La Minerva Opens for Reservations Ahead of Spring 2025 Debut

Ninety-three rooms and suites to book today. Culinary and wellness experiences in an enchanting setting, with idyllic views of the Pantheon and Rome’s most iconic monuments. The hotel also inaugurates a new rooftop bar-restaurant with breathtaking views of the Eternal City, reviving one of the most beautiful and famous terraces in the Italian capital.

Rome, December 4, 2024 – 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 spring 2025. 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 design was entrusted to the French-Mexican architect and interior designer Hugo Toro, originally from eastern France. This is the first Orient Express hotel to open after the acquisition of the historic palace in 2021 by Arsenale SpA.

“This milestone proudly marks the long-awaited opening of the very first Orient Express hotel in the world: the Orient Express La Minerva. Nestled in the heart of Rome, the hotel is not just a destination for travelers seeking exceptional experiences. It is also a place where Romans love to gather. A place where the history of the Orient Express and the soul of the Eternal City meet. 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 sailing ships  ,” said Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express.

Built in 1620 as a residence for the Fonseca family, a Portuguese noble family, 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 and 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 intended to be the perfect relay for the mysterious charm characteristic of travel on the Orient Express.

Guests will appreciate the beauty and magic of La Minerva Bar. A tribute to Minerva, the Roman goddess of arts and crafts who inspired the project, the venue also houses the building’s historic skylight. On the rooftop terrace, the Voliera Bar and Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and creative cocktails with breathtaking views of the domes 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 an original work by 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. Notable examples include the Olimpo Ballroom, which features 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 other welcoming seminar rooms complete the offer.

“In this period of rebirth of the city, Rome is the ideal setting for a comprehensive project aimed at creating 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 location in the city that was for many years the haunt of renowned intellectuals and artists. We are also bringing to the city of Rome the legendary name Orient Express, synonymous with escape, refinement and the art of world travel 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 now open at laminerva.orient-express.com or through your reservation center on +39 06 844 290. The Orient Express La Minerva offers ninety-three luxurious rooms ranging 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, a work of Bernini. Rates for a Classic Room start from €1,000, including breakfast. For a Suite, rates start from €2,500, including breakfast. For a Signature Suite, rates range from €3,500 to €15,000, including breakfast.