Rome is all set to welcome a new icon in luxury travel. The legendary Orient Express — best known for its opulent trains — is stepping off the tracks and into the world of high-end hospitality with the opening of La Minerva, its first-ever hotel.
All Aboard: No Train Tickets Required
The famous Orient Express is entering the luxury hotel business with La Minerva, its first-ever hotel. It will open in spring 2025, just a short walk from Rome’s Pantheon. The hotel is located in a beautifully restored 17th-century building, once called Palazzo Fonseca. Architect Hugo Toro has redesigned the space, mixing Baroque style with Art Deco. The renovation keeps original features like marble columns, frescoed ceilings, and sculptures by Rinaldo Rinaldi, a student of Antonio Canova.
La Minerva: The First Hotel by Orient Express in Rome
La Minerva will have 93 rooms, including 36 suites and four luxurious Signature Suites. These rooms offer stunning views of Piazza della Minerva and the Pantheon. The rooms are inspired by the golden age of travel, with custom furniture, marble bathrooms, and vinyl turntables in some suites.
Guests can enjoy Mediterranean dishes at Voliera, the rooftop restaurant, which offers views of landmarks like Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Altare della Patria. For a more relaxed setting, La Minerva Bar, under a historic skylight, honours Minerva, the Roman goddess of art and wisdom.
The hotel offers more than just luxury. Guests can enjoy the spa, inspired by Roman baths, for relaxation. Event planners can host gatherings in the Olimpo Ballroom, which has Murano chandeliers and marble statues. There are also three meeting rooms for both small and large events.
Room Rates & Booking Details
Room rates start at ₹90,000 per night for classic rooms. Signature Suites can cost up to ₹13.5 lakh per night. You can now book rooms on the Orient Express website. With its prime location and stunning design, rooms are likely to fill up fast.
From its famous trains to its first hotel in Rome, Orient Express is setting new standards in luxury hospitality. Combining history, elegance, and modern comfort, La Minerva promises an unforgettable experience.
Cover Image Courtesy: OrientExpress/Instagram
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