Book the Orient Express La Minerva with VIP Benefits

In the heart of Rome, where ancient ruins, Renaissance architecture, and timeless romance converge, a new chapter of luxury hospitality is unfolding. The Orient Express La Minerva, set to open its doors in late 2024, promises to become one of the most iconic addresses in the Eternal City. Developed by Orient Express in partnership with Arsenale S.p.A., and brought to life through the visionary designs of Hugo Toro, this hotel is more than just a place to stay - it is a celebration of Roman history, culture, and elegance.

From Grand Hotel to Grand Reawakening

The building that now houses the Orient Express La Minerva carries centuries of noble legacy. Originally constructed in 1620 for the Portuguese Fonseca family, the palace has long stood as a testament to Roman grandeur. In 1811, the structure transitioned from aristocratic residence to luxury hotel under the ownership of the French Sauve family. It quickly became a sanctuary for intellectuals, artists, and nobles traversing Europe during the Grand Tour, including papal figures like Pope Pius IX.

The spirit of La Minerva has always been intertwined with the city's cultural and religious tapestry. High-ranking clergy once celebrated mass in its private chapel. Today, that spirit endures, reimagined by the Orient Express brand—a name synonymous with elegance, exploration, and a deep respect for history.

The Visionary Behind the Design

At the helm of the hotel's transformation is French-Mexican architect Hugo Toro. Known for his work on projects like Booking Office 1869 in London and the Gigi restaurants in France, Toro brings an eclectic, travel-infused perspective to his creations. His deep love of Rome is evident in every design detail he has envisioned for La Minerva.

Toro's journey through the historic center of Rome inspired his approach. Sketching Roman icons such as Bernini's elephant obelisk and Michelangelo's Pietà, and spending contemplative moments in the Piazza della Minerva, he absorbed the layers of history that shape this city. His interpretation of the Roman domus—a home rich in textures, mosaics, and layered spaces—will influence the interior styling, resulting in a space that feels simultaneously ancient and avant-garde.

As Toro puts it, "Rome is a symbolic city that evokes emotion and amazement in everyone who visits. It is a place that feels like magic."

A Hotel Inspired by the City's Soul

Orient Express La Minerva is more than just another five-star property in Rome. It is designed as a place of intimate connection with the city's essence. Set on Piazza della Minerva, just a stone's throw from the Pantheon and the Italian Parliament, the hotel offers a unique vantage point of some of Rome's most famous sites. Its panoramic terraces provide sweeping views of the Sant'Ivo dome, the Quirinal Palace roof, and the ancient dome of the Pantheon—turning every moment into a feast for the senses.

The architecture pays homage to the classical and baroque traditions of Rome while infusing them with a contemporary lightness. Inside, elements of travertine, richly colored velvets, Roman-inspired frescoes, and sculptural lighting fixtures are all set to bring Toro's vision of a modern Roman sanctuary to life.

Elegant Living: Rooms and Suites

Orient Express La Minerva comprises 93 keys, with accommodations ranging in size from 25 to 235 square meters. Each room has been crafted with the utmost attention to detail, celebrating the Orient Express brand's legendary standard of hospitality. The inventory includes a variety of Classic, Superior, and Deluxe Rooms, some offering views over the iconic Minerva Square. Junior Suites, with and without terraces, create the perfect blend of space and luxury, while the hotel's signature Suites—including the Stendhal Suite, the La Minerva Suite, and the crowning Orient Express Suite—will offer unmatched grandeur.

These suites are more than just luxurious spaces; they are storytelling environments, each designed to evoke a different facet of Roman culture, mythology, or architecture. The ambiance within is curated to mirror a refined traveller's dream—a place where comfort meets narrative and where modern elegance honors centuries of tradition.

Culinary Journeys Above the City

Dining at Orient Express La Minerva is designed to be as spectacular as the views. The hotel will house several gastronomic venues, each uniquely tailored to provide guests with unforgettable culinary experiences.

On the seventh floor, a rooftop restaurant with seating for up to 200 guests promises a lively ambiance with sweeping city views—perfect for sunset aperitivos and long Roman dinners under the stars. One floor below, a more intimate Japanese restaurant will offer a refined alternative, seating just 45 guests and combining Japanese precision with Mediterranean freshness.

On the ground floor, the Lobby Lounge Bar and the nostalgic Wagon Bar evoke the golden age of travel. Both are inspired by the classic train journeys of Orient Express and serve as chic gathering points for guests seeking sophisticated drinks and small plates.

For gourmet enthusiasts, the DAV Selection Shop and an exclusive wine shop will offer curated products from Italy's finest regions, reflecting the hotel's commitment to excellence in every detail.

Reviving Roman Wellness

In keeping with the hotel's theme of rejuvenation, wellness plays a central role in the guest experience. The spa facilities, spanning 210 square meters, will feature traditional Ottoman hammam baths—a nod to both ancient Roman bathing culture and Eastern influences. Guests will also find a modern fitness center and yoga area on the first floor, offering a balanced sanctuary for both body and mind.

For those seeking to host private events or corporate functions, the hotel offers a 165-square-meter ballroom, aptly named Olimpo, as well as three versatile meeting rooms. These spaces are ideal for intimate gatherings, cultural events, or luxurious business retreats.

A Panoramic Finale

La Minerva's 6th and 7th-floor terraces are perhaps its most symbolic features. These are not just rooftops—they are sanctuaries. They offer the rare opportunity to step back from the city's buzz and admire it from above. From these heights, guests can take in the awe-inspiring panorama of ancient domes and baroque spires while enjoying fine cuisine or simply a moment of stillness.

It's in these spaces that the essence of Orient Express truly comes to life: the intersection of travel, beauty, and introspection.

An Integrated Luxury Experience

The Orient Express La Minerva is part of a broader movement by the brand to redefine luxury travel in Italy. The hotel complements the upcoming launch of the Orient Express La Dolce Vita trains, which will connect Italy's cultural capitals with its hidden rural gems. Together, the hotel and trains form an integrated, ultra-luxury hospitality network that allows travelers to journey through time, culture, and geography in the most elegant fashion possible.

As Gilda Cotzias of Arsenale S.p.A. notes, "It's a chapter that is part of a dynamic global project for the tourism sector...for travellers who choose to explore and discover Italy."

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

The Orient Express La Minerva is a beacon of luxury, sophistication, and cultural reverence in Rome. It is a hotel born from history, shaped by vision, and destined to redefine the art of travel in one of the world's most enchanting cities.

Whether you come for the architecture, the view, the food, or simply the allure of Rome itself, La Minerva offers an experience that is as deep and layered as the city around it. It is more than just a hotel - it is a portal to the Eternal City's soul.