The first ever hotel from Orient Express has officially launched with Orient Express La Minerva now welcoming guests in Rome – a huge milestone for the Accor-owned brand.
This debut follows the recent launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express rail journey and precedes the opening of Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice later this year – another partnership with Arsenale Group.
Set with a meticulously restored 17th-century palazzo at Piazza della Minerva 69 right in the heart of the city, Orient Express La Minerva is steeped in rich history, with past visitors including luminaries like Stendhal and Melville. The hotel features 93 rooms and 36 suites – each with a unique feel and layout that pays tribute to the “golden age of travel”.
“Opening the doors of Orient Express La Minerva marks a powerful moment in our journey,” Orient Express CEO Gilda Perez-Alvarado said. “A city of layered beauty and bold character, Rome offers the perfect canvas to reimagine the legacy of Orient Express through new purpose and experience – where Romans gather, and international aesthetes unite.
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“In partnership with Arsenale Group and through the visionary work of artist-architect Hugo Toro, we have the privilege to breathe new life into a heritage property deeply rooted in the fabric of this timeless city.”
Just steps from the Pantheon, the hotel is within easy walking distance of Rome’s cultural treasures and offers an “authentically Roman experience”. It has been brought to life by artist-architect Hugo Toro, known for fusing historical gems with contemporary style.
Rooms feature a hand-painted representation of Rome’s sky above each bed, bespoke bedside trunks, rich wooden detailing reminiscent of the legendary carriages, and luxurious bedding by Rivolta Carmignani, the same linens that once graced Orient Express sleeper cars. The hotel’s corridors recall the polished elegance of the luxury train, while its lounges and public spaces recreate the feeling of a journey with diverse textures and perspectives.
The hotel offers three dining venues with La Minerva Bar situated in the heart of the hotel’s lobby with a grand glass roof a statue of Minerva, complete with original marble columns.Opening to the public in May 2025, Gigi Rigolatto will offer a Riviera-inspired dining experience on the hotel’s rooftop with 360° panoramic views of the city’s rooftops and monuments, including the Pantheon, the Vittoriano and the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Mimi Kakushi, which will open at Orient Express La Minerva later this year will transport guests to the Osaka of the 1920s,
Paolo Barletta, CEO Arsenale Group, said the new hotel gives shape to a “new concept of ultra-luxury hospitality”.
“This project combines the identity of a legendary brand with the entrepreneurial vision of Arsenale: transforming iconic places into world-class destinations,” he said. “We chose Rome because it represents the crossroads between history, culture, and Italian hospitality.
“This debut, alongside the one of La Dolce Vita Orient Express trains — with Rome as the centerpiece — confirms Italy’s ability to attract strategic investments and strengthens Arsenale’s role as a key player in international luxury development.”
