In-Depth Review of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome - AFAR

"Housed in a 17th-century noble residence that became a hotel in the 19th century, this is the first hotel from the legendary Orient Express company and marks the brand’s hotel expansion. The redesign spares no expense: Paris-based designer Hugo Toro created bespoke, almost entirely made-in-Italy interiors (furniture, lighting and even porcelain), and the lobby—with a glass ceiling, original columns, lacquered-wood walls and abundant plants—feels both elegant and intimate. Set on Piazza della Minerva just behind the Pantheon, the location is central but slightly removed from crowds, with major attractions a short walk away. There are 93 rooms and 36 suites, each with a warm palette; some rooms feature very high ceilings or frescoed ceilings, terraces, or views of the Pantheon dome. Suites are generously proportioned with large comfortable beds, vintage steamer-trunk–style bedside tables, curved velvet sofas, a mirrored TV, complimentary minibar snacks, walk-in showers, hand-painted window tiles, woven-leather wardrobes, Rivolta Carmignani Italian sheets and plush robes. Dining highlights include the lobby Minerva Bar (where an octopus with tomato consommé was enjoyed) and the rooftop restaurant Gigi Rigolatto—an Italian-by-way-of-France-and-Dubai concept—known for dishes like tuna tartare with avocado, seabream carpaccio with lemon, and fregola with langoustines, calamari and citrus; breakfast offerings included pastries and a notable eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. Service felt impressively seamless despite the recent reopening, helped by a leadership team with deep luxury-hotel experience. Public areas, elevators, restrooms, dining outlets and the spa have been made accessible, and the spa (coming soon) will include a Turkish hammam and facials in collaboration with sustainable Italian brand Furtuna Skin." - Laura Itzkowitz