Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall, such as Grand Hotel Fasano.
Why we love it
The hottest new hotel in Rome, Orient Express La Minerva represents a renaissance not only for the legendary Orient Express brand — which just launched a new luxury train — but also for the esteemed Grand Hotel de la Minerve near the Pantheon.
What to expect
Five-star luxury all the way. French-Mexican architect Hugo Toro, a rising star in the design world, was given carte blanche for the interiors — and boy are they dazzling. A painter as well as an architect, Toro brought an exacting eye to the design details, from the textured plaster walls and custom carpets inspired by the Pantheon to hand-drawn patterns on the serving platters at the rooftop restaurant. The interiors deftly blend influences from Art Deco, mid-century and contemporary design, resulting in a place that somehow feels timeless yet very of-the-moment.
Background
Originally built in the 17th century as a noble residence, the Grand Hotel de la Minerve opened in the 19th century and was popular among aristocrats and writers on the Grand Tour, including Stendhal, George Sand and Melville. It closed for renovations in 2021 and just reopened as the world’s first Orient Express hotel. Backed by French conglomerates Accor Group and LVMH, and owned by Italian developer Arsenale (the company behind Santavenere), this reborn legendary brand encompasses trains, hotels and yachts.
Location, location, location
The hotel is tucked away on Piazza della Minerva, a quiet square just steps from the Pantheon, where you might see kids playing soccer in the shadow of Bernini’s elephant statue crowned by an obelisk. This is the heart of Rome’s picturesque centro storico, full of restaurants, bars, shops and things to do. Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and Campo de’ Fiori are all within a 10-minute walk.
Where you’ll sleep
The 93 rooms and 36 suites are full of bespoke details, including bedside tables inspired by vintage steamer trunks, wardrobes with woven-leather details, sumptuous Rivolta Carmignani sheets, and bathrooms made with Rosso di Verona stone and red travertine. Some, like the spacious suite I stayed in, feature very high ceilings, while others have a terrace or original frescoes. They all have a warm color palette accented by pale blue velvet sofas and Art Deco-inspired chrome lamps. The bespoke minibar filled with complimentary soft drinks and snacks is a nice touch, too.
Dining & drinks
La Minerva Bar in the lobby is the hotel’s all-day dining destination that serves Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful space with a glass ceiling, potted plants, and an original statue of the goddess Minerva. The chic rooftop restaurant, Gigi Rigolatto, serves Italian cuisine by way of France and Dubai — the brand created by Rikas Hospitality Group and Paris Society has other outposts in Paris, Saint Tropez, Bodrum and Dubai — with bird’s eye views of the Pantheon. Coming soon: a Japanese restaurant, a wine bar, a patisserie and a speakeasy.
Service notes
When I attended the pre-opening, the staff were firing on all cylinders. The team includes veterans of the hotel industry who have worked in some of Italy’s top five-star hotels, so they definitely know a thing or two about how to make guests feel pampered. During my stay, the head concierge worked her magic to get us an exclusive after-hours tour of the Pantheon.
Spa time
The spa is not yet open, but it will have a Turkish hammam. Treatments will include massages and facials using products by Furtuna Skin, a sustainable Italian skincare brand.
Family perks
You might be wary of bringing small children to such a sophisticated hotel, but Orient Express La Minerva is family friendly and pet friendly. A kids program called “Les Petits Voyageurs” includes amenities such as coloring books, bathrobes, slippers and toys. Furry family members are welcomed with bowls, soft toys and snacks.
Accessibility
- The hotel has an elevator.
- ADA friendly rooms/bathrooms
Features & amenities
- City setting
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Spa
- Fitness room
- Rooftop terrace
- Pets allowed
- Family friendly
Contacts
Orient Express La Minerva
Piazza della Minerva, 69, Rome
Tel. +39 0699748181
Website
