Orient Express La Minerva Opens in Rome: A Historic 17th-Century Palazzo Transformed into a Landmark of Ultra-Luxury Hospitality with Iconic Dining and Event Venues

(IN SHORT) Orient Express La Minerva, the brand’s inaugural hotel in Rome, has opened its doors in a restored 17th-century palazzo near the Pantheon. The hotel offers 93 uniquely designed rooms and 36 suites, blending historical charm with modern elegance, exemplified by bespoke travel-inspired decor and luxury elements reminiscent of classic Orient Express sleeper cars. Meticulously redesigned by Hugo Toro, the property delivers a rich Roman experience through its distinctive lounges, three exceptional dining venues – including the rooftop restaurant Gigi Rigolatto with sweeping city views – and versatile event spaces such as the Olimpo Ballroom and themed meeting rooms. With a deep-rooted heritage and contemporary sophistication, La Minerva marks a milestone in luxury hospitality. CEO Gilda Perez-Alvarado emphasizes its role in reimagining the Orient Express legacy for a new generation, while Paolo Barletta of Arsenale Group highlights the project as a testament to Italy’s prowess in blending history with modern innovation in ultra-luxury development.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 2025-Apr-9 — /Travel PR News/ — Orient Express is proud to announce the opening of its very first hotel in Rome – Orient Express La Minerva – a refined blend of heritage and contemporary hospitality. Housed in a meticulously restored 17th-century palazzo on Piazza della Minerva 69, just a short stroll from the Pantheon, the hotel features 93 uniquely designed rooms and 36 suites. Steeped in history, the property once welcomed illustrious figures such as Stendhal and Melville, serving as an essential stop on the Grand Tour through Rome, the eternal city that has enchanted travellers since 1883.

Expertly revitalized by award-winning artist-architect Hugo Toro, La Minerva fuses classic Roman elegance with modern sophistication. Each room pays homage to the golden age of travel with bespoke elements like custom bedside trunks and luxurious bedding crafted by Rivolta Carmignani – reminiscent of the famed Orient Express sleeper cars. From its elegantly appointed corridors and lounges to three distinct dining experiences – including La Minerva Bar, the vibrant rooftop restaurant Gigi Rigolatto with panoramic city views, and the soon-to-open Mimi Kakushi which transports guests to 1920s Osaka – every detail is designed to evoke both timeless allure and contemporary energy.

Event spaces such as the Olimpo Ballroom, Rinaldi, Alfieri, and Bernini Meeting Rooms, along with The Gallery, provide versatile settings for refined gatherings, all under the watchful presence of the iconic statue of Minerva, crafted in 1854 by Rinaldo Rinaldi.

Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express, remarked, “Opening La Minerva is a transformative milestone in our journey, capturing Rome’s layered beauty and vibrant character to reimagine the Orient Express legacy for both local Romans and international aesthetes.” Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Group, added, “This debut, in parallel with La Dolce Vita Orient Express trains, reaffirms Italy’s leadership in ultra-luxury hospitality and strategic international investment.”

Media contacts:

Orient Express

Stéphanie Le Badezet
stephanie.lebadezet@accor.com

Jessaline Fynbo
jessaline.fynbo@orient-express.com

Orient Express La Minerva

Beatrice Scarano
beatrice.scarano@orient-express.com

France

Pierre Cauchois
Agence Douzal
pcauchois@douzal.com

USA

LDPR
Dana Curatolo
dana@ldpr.com

United Kingdom

Gribbonberyy
Jo Berry
jo@gribbonberry.com

Italy

Allumeuse Communications
Stefania Agnello
s.agnello@allumeuse.it

SOURCE: ACCOR