Standing regally upon the sun-drenched Piazza della Minerva just steps from the monumental dome of the Pantheon, Orient Express La Minerva opens an intoxicating new chapter in Italian luxury hospitality. Originally erected in 1620 for the aristocratic Fonseca family and transforming into a grand hotel in 1832, this legendary residence welcomed the great luminaries of the Grand Tour—including author Stendhal, Herman Melville, and European royalty.
Now reborn under the visionary creative direction of Franco-Mexican architect and designer Hugo Toro, the palace fuses classical Roman majesty with the decadent Art Deco romance that defined the golden age of the world's most famous luxury train. Every detail honors the Italian art of living, from Roman terracotta and lapis lazuli color palettes to fluted woodwork, brushed brass, and custom-woven Rubelli velvets.
The hotel's crowning glory is its iconic 7th-floor rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar, where guests gaze directly across to the ancient columns and dome of the Pantheon, the church of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, and Rome's timeless horizon. Below, the dramatic skylit Winter Garden centers around an antique marble statue of Minerva, surrounded by a glamorous cocktail salon where aperitivo culture reaches its zenith.
Intimate and theatrical guest rooms decorated in warm Roman terra cotta and rich sapphire blues. Features bespoke fluted oak paneling, custom brass fixtures, Italian marble walk-in rain shower, and signature Orient Express linens.
Spacious and light-filled guest rooms featuring high ceilings, a comfortable lounge area, a curated cocktail bar cabinet, and an opulent Italian marble bathroom complete with a deep soaking tub and separate rainfall shower.
A glamorous open-plan suite offering postcard-perfect views of Bernini’s famous Elephant and Obelisk in Piazza della Minerva. Boasts an expansive living salon, rich velvet armchairs, double vanity marble bath, and personalized check-in.
Dedicated to author Stendhal who lived at the palace during his Italian travels. Features authentic 17th-century vaulted ceilings, a separate dining salon, an ornamental fireplace, and a freestanding soaking tub framing Roman rooftops.
The crowning jewel of the palazzo. An extraordinary penthouse suite spanning an expansive private terrace directly facing the Pantheon dome, a private dining room for eight, master dressing room, personal bar, and dedicated butler.
Perched on the 7th floor with open-air terrace seating offering front-row views of the Pantheon dome. Celebrates refined Roman culinary traditions infused with contemporary Mediterranean flair and an exceptional wine list.
An intimate ground-floor jewel box channeling the golden age of Orient Express train journeys. Features signature cocktails, bespoke spirits, artisanal aperitivi, and refined cicchetti in a sultry velvet setting.
Set within the soaring glass-domed central courtyard centered around an antique marble statue of Minerva. Serves sumptuous Roman breakfast buffets, specialty coffees, and afternoon tea service.