The Orient Express La Minerva plans to open in spring 2025 near Rome’s Pantheon. This new hotel introduces the Orient Express name into the world of luxury hospitality on solid ground.
Arsenale SpA acquired the historic Palazzo Fonseca in 2021. The company restored this building and created a hotel that honors its origins.
Visitors will find the hotel in Piazza della Minerva, steps from ancient landmarks. They will enter a world that blends history, art, and contemporary design.
Hugo Toro, a French-Mexican architect, oversaw the interior design. He drew inspiration from Roman domus styles and infused them with modern touches.
He introduced Art Deco accents that embrace Orient Express traditions. He aimed to unite old and new, revealing a subtle dialogue between centuries.
The hotel emerges as a rebirth of one of Rome’s grand historic residences. It once hosted travelers and intellectuals during the era of the “Grand Tour.”
Stendhal, Vittorio Alfieri, and Herman Melville once roamed these halls. Pope Pius IX also visited, leaving a mark on its storied past.
The Palazzo Fonseca dates back to 1620. The Portuguese Fonseca family constructed it as a residence before the French Sauve family turned it into a hotel in 1811.
Renowned figures chose it as a vibrant cultural salon. They found inspiration in its atmosphere, location, and elegant spirit.
Now, Orient Express La Minerva intends to recapture that energy. Management wants Romans and international guests to mingle and experience the city freshly.
Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express, recognizes this milestone. She emphasizes the fusion of heritage, travel stories, and the eternal charm of Rome.
She sees the hotel as a destination for seekers of art, culture, and refined hospitality. She anticipates that visitors will encounter a rich tapestry of influences.
Giampaolo Ottazzi, General Manager of Orient Express Hotels Italy, shares her excitement. He views Rome as the perfect stage for this new era of travel and luxury.
He believes the Orient Express brand enhances Italy’s appeal. He notes guests now associate the country with art, cuisine, scenery, and a legendary travel name.
La Minerva’s design does not simply focus on aesthetics. The team created spaces that encourage relaxation, conversation and inspired thought.
Guests can enjoy La Minerva Bar under a historic skylight. This bar pays tribute to Minerva, the Roman goddess of arts, and features carefully crafted drinks.
The Voliera Bar and Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine on the rooftop. Diners can admire panoramic views of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Altare della Patria, and the Quirinal Tower.
A majestic statue of Minerva, sculpted in 1854 by Rinaldo Rinaldi, greets arrivals. His work, influenced by Antonio Canova, enriches the sense of artistic legacy.
The spa invites guests to indulge in rituals inspired by Ottoman baths. Visitors can immerse themselves in this world of purity and relaxation.
The hotel’s event spaces cater to various occasions. The Olimpo Ballroom dazzles with Murano glass chandeliers and statues by Rinaldi that symbolize the elements, seasons, and continents.
This ballroom conveys a sense of global exploration that matches the Orient Express ethos. It stands ready for weddings, conferences, and private receptions that seek grandeur.
Three other seminar rooms offer more intimate venues for meetings. They provide a refined setting for corporate events, creative workshops, or exclusive gatherings.
Guests can choose from 93 rooms, including 36 suites. The rooms range from 25 to 235 square meters, ensuring a style and size for every preference.
Four Signature Suites offer extraordinary views of the Pantheon and Bernini’s famous elephant statue in Piazza della Minerva. These suites invite travelers to gaze at Rome’s timeless skyline.
The hotel sets rates that reflect its luxurious nature. A Classic Room starts from €1,000, including breakfast, while a Suite begins at €2,500.
Signature Suites cost between €3,500 and €15,000. They present unparalleled comfort and an unforgettable vantage point over the Eternal City.
Interested travelers may reserve through laminerva.orient-express.com or call +39 06 844 290. This step ensures guests can secure their place in this new hospitality chapter.
Italy’s capital thrives on reinvention. Orient Express La Minerva now enriches the city’s landscape by blending old-world charm and modern refinement.
Travelers can discover more than a typical luxury hotel. They can connect with a legendary brand that redefines the global travel experience.
Tourists who cherish history will find relics of the past in every corner. Those who crave sophistication will enjoy elegant décor and personalized service.
Locals can gather in a space that feels familiar yet elevated, and visitors can witness how a famed name in travel embraces a stationary home.
The launch represents more than an opening. It inaugurates a journey that celebrates craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and the romance of exploration.
The Orient Express La Minerva invites guests to explore Rome through its windows. It encourages them to discover new stories where old ones linger.
An era of hotels, trains, and sailing ships expands under the Orient Express name. This project sets a precedent for future properties that celebrate authenticity and excellence.
Travelers will remember these experiences long after they depart. They will recall how the Orient Express La Minerva united history, artistry, and contemporary style.
Ultimately, this new hotel introduces a harmonious merger of past and present. It offers a place for Romans and global explorers to engage with Rome’s eternal soul.