Flagship Orient Express Hotel is Now Open
by Briana Bonfiglio
Photo: Alexandre Tabaste / Orient Express
Orient Express La Minerva has just opened in Rome, marking the first-ever Orient Express branded hotel in the world and following the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train debut last week.
The property occupies the former Palazzo Fonseca building, dating to the 17th century. Built in 1620, it later became a famous meeting place for famous Italian artists in the 1800s. The property’s rich history meshes well with Orient Express, which operated luxury rail cars from 1883 to 1977. Many of those original trains will be revived in this new iteration of Orient Express.
“Opening the doors of Orient Express La Minerva marks a powerful moment in our journey. 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,” said Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express. “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.”
Newly restored and refurbished, Orient Express LaMinerva features 93 rooms and suites and notably offer scenic views of renowned Rome landmarks from the Pantheon to Piazza della Minerva to the Roman skyline.
The hotel’s food and beverage venues include La Minerva Bar, which showcases the building’s historic skylight; and Voliera, the rooftop restaurant and bar. Gigi Rigolatto will open in May, and Orient Express LaMinerva also has a spa inspired by ancient Roman baths and elegant meeting and event spaces.
The inaugural hotel opening will be followed the debut of another hotel, Orient Express Palazzo Dona Giovannelli in Venice, the introduction of luxury yacht Orient Express Corinthian in 2026, and the eventual return of the original Orient Express train to railways.
