Having opened its doors in April 2025, Orient Express La Minerva marks a defining moment in luxury hospitality as the first hotel by Orient Express worldwide. Located at Piazza della Minerva 69, in the heart of Rome and just steps from the Pantheon, this reimagined 17th-century palazzo has been transformed into a sanctuary of sophistication and cultural richness, offering 93 rooms and 36 distinctive suites.
Images © Alexandre Tabaste
Steeped in history, the building once welcomed iconic literary figures like Stendhal and Herman Melville. Today, it blends heritage and modernity under the artistic direction of acclaimed French architect Hugo Toro. His design pays homage to the golden age of travel with thoughtful nods to the original Orient Express trains — from bespoke wooden trunks and Rivolta Carmignani linens to rich textures and sky-inspired ceilings above each bed. The grand Stendhal Suite stands out as a refined tribute to one of the palazzo’s most storied former guests.
This elegant, adult-oriented property captures Rome’s vibrant spirit across three standout dining venues. The atmospheric La Minerva Bar is set beneath a glass atrium and watched over by a preserved marble statue of the goddess Minerva, creating a peaceful retreat within the hotel’s lobby. From May 2025, Gigi Rigolatto will bring Riviera charm to the hotel’s rooftop with panoramic views of the Pantheon, the Vittoriano and St Peter’s Basilica. This glamorous venue, designed by Toro and developed with Rikas Hospitality Group, fuses timeless Italian charm with a spirited, contemporary buzz.
Later this year, Mimi Kakushi will open its doors within the hotel, transporting guests to 1920s Osaka through its award-winning fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine — a concept already celebrated across the Middle East.
For reservations, visit Orient Express La Minerva
