Orient Express La Minerva

We went to the Minerva Bar to have a drink. The place is marvellous and the cocktails were great. Two points nonetheless have to be noted. First and foremost, it was really annoying to receive the bill with the tip already included. Maybe this is common practice in Italy (even though we have never encountered it in any other restaurant or bar), but it is absolutely not in line with the hotel’s standards, nor with international luxury standards. You could simply ask for a signature on the bill and let guests write in the appropriate line if they wish to leave a tip. That would be much more elegant. It is a pity, because this is the last thing we experienced at the hotel and the bar, and it leaves a bitter taste. Second, to a lesser extent, the waiter asked if we wanted a glass of water and then brought the whole bottle. We know that water is not free in Italy, but billing two bottles (for a total of €16) in that manner felt quite unfair.

Amazing hotel with the best ever service. |We have been travelling a lot over the world but this hotel has everything. |Perfect location, size, rooms, beds. |But what really stands out is the team. |From reception, cleaning, breakfast, rooftop, it’s a perfectly managed team. |A very special thanks to the outstanding concierge, under the manager Alessandra, they arrange everything. |This is a luxury hotel but feels like home. |We stayed 4 nights but can’t wait to get back.

Orient Express La Minerva – Rome As the flagship property of Orient Express in the heart of Rome, expectations were understandably high. Sadly, our experience left us underwhelmed. While the hotel has undergone renovations and recently opened last Spring, the overall impression was that of a space still in transition, dated in appearance, as if the refurbishment had been left incomplete or constrained by budget. On the 7th floor, the iconic rooftop restaurant and bar invite guests to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails while enjoying breathtaking views of Rome’s legendary landmarks. However, the space is in need of a complete renovation, including updates to the staff uniforms to truly reflect the sophistication and prestige associated with the Orient Express brand. For a brand renowned for timeless elegance, luxury and impeccable detail, La Minerva fell short. The charm and grandeur one associates with Orient Express were noticeably absent. In a city as iconic as Rome, this debut deserved a more polished execution. We left disappointed, hoping future updates will bring the property closer to the standard its name evokes.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that La Minerva is far more than a luxury hotel, it’s an experience of refinement and calm that captures the spirit of Rome in every detail.||The design is exquisite: soft light, hand-crafted materials, and perfectly balanced spaces that feel timeless yet deeply contemporary. Our suite was beautifully appointed with rich woodwork, custom furniture, and thoughtful touches, from the curated mini-bar and artisan teas to the fresh flowers and Bellavista on ice. Every element feels intentional, crafted with soul rather than excess.||Breakfast in the atrium was a highlight, serene, elegant, and delicious, while aperitivo on the rooftop terrace, overlooking the Pantheon’s dome at sunset, was pure magic. The atmosphere throughout is quietly luxurious, never showy, with a rhythm that invites you to slow down and simply take it all in.||The location is absolutely the best, just steps from the Pantheon and handy to everything Rome has to offer, yet still peaceful and secluded.||The team embodies genuine hospitality, gracious, intuitive, and sincerely warm. Service feels personal without being intrusive, perfectly in tune with the Orient Express philosophy of understated excellence.||La Minerva is not just a place to stay; it’s a place to feel Rome at its most graceful and poetic. One of the finest hotel experiences we’ve ever had.

We spent 5 nights at Orient Express La Minerva as part of an anniversary trip. We had originally booked another hotel, and changed into OE. And boy, how lucky we were. Everything is flawless, starting from staff interaction, a beautiful breakfast with a live Harpist music background, to the room which is just perfect. Couldn't have been a better venue to cap off our anniversary trip. I would say at least a top 3 hotel I have been to... at least. Congratulations to the staff and owners for being able to deliver such an outstanding product. Very well done. (Makes sense to try the rooftop restaurant. Beautiful views, excellent food and drinks)

Refined Newcomer with Timeless Soul Only a few months old, yet it feels like it’s been part of Rome forever. Every detail has been thought through, from the perfectly balanced interiors to the atmosphere that makes you feel as if you’ve arrived at your own summer residence. This isn’t about showing off—it’s about beauty, harmony, and quiet enjoyment. The design is warm, elegant, and deeply inviting. It strikes that rare balance between luxury and comfort, making it the kind of place you don’t just stay, but settle into. Pro tip: The rooftop bar and restaurant are an absolute must—stunning views, relaxed ambiance, and the perfect spot to end your evening.

We visited this hotel prior to Orient Express acquiring the property (2022) and it was wonderful. We patiently waited years for it to re-open while the new ownership did a total makeover. After the long wait, we were able experience the new La Minerva and all we can say is; ottimo lavoro (great job)! I didn’t think it could get better and that was a huge mistake. Orient Express has taken this hotel to a whole new level. From the moment you arrive you’re treated like returning family. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely happy to be there. The main lobby and bar area is a relaxing oasis where you can enjoy a meal or drink after a long day of exploring Rome. The rooms are spacious and well appointed. Every detail has been thought of to ensure a comfortable stay. The rooftop bar and restaurant is a perfect mix of relaxed sophistication. Once you settle into your seat, the views, drinks, and food will make you want to linger late into the night. All of this is curated by an amazing staff that is there to meet your every need. We had the pleasure of sitting with the General Manager, Phillip. His pride and enthusiasm was evident as we talked about the hotel, the renovations and future additions. ||The La Minerva is the first hotel opened by Orient Express, if it’s any indication of their dedication to perfection, we eagerly look forward to visiting their future hotels. We’ve had the privilege of traveling all over the world, without question this is our new favorite place to stay and will be the bell-weather by which all others are judged.

This is the best hotel in Rome. Let me start by saying thank you to Luna, Arianna, Claudia, Alberto and the team. They really made us feel like we were at home. We booked it for a weekend and then booked immediately again for a week later. The location, the decor, the design. It’s all surreal. The aroma and scent is one of the bests I’ve smelled at a fancy hotel. The cappuccino is arguably better than any other in town. I can’t say enough about the service. Don’t stay anywhere else. From start to finish this is it. The new level for Rome. Other hotels take note, try to be like the Minerva. You can’t. And let me say this, the breakfast is to die for. The montage statue, the harpist, the quietness. I love this hotel more than any I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to a few.

To put it simply - stay here! It is close to many of the main sightseeing spots, but is tucked away on a quiet street, so you don't feel crowded by tourists. The front desk is helpful and will get you what you need. They gave us a free upgrade to a larger room. We had initially booked a second Rome hotel for later in the week (we went to Florence and Venice for a few days). We loved it so much we wanted to return. When we asked if they had rooms available for our return date, they gave us the upgraded room again, and only charged us for a small room. We didn't even think to ask for that and it was very sweet. Exceptional customer service, cleanliness and decor! Oh- and turns out that Pablo Picasso has stayed here too!

OK the rooftop bar is really nice. You can sit outside and you have a nice view of the pantheon in the Piazza below. But we ordered a ravioli dish for €30 and got three ravioli. THREE buckwheat ravioli. That's 10 euros per ravioli. Give me a break. Even the wealthy need to eat.

Best sleep!!! Rome is home. I've been coming here for over a decade. Spent over 6 -12 months here. Family is here. Even had a cool apartment in busiest shopping street!! This time around I wanted to stay in a hotel! And I've stayed at the hotel Albergo next door last year. Saw the roof top of this spot from my room! It was magic! So here I am!! Location: in old town! And behind pantheon! It's my favorite location next to via delcorso! I love being able to wake up and see the Pantheton!! Or walk up to it. And since it's in the back, it's never as insanely busy! The best part: the bed! It is a "fancy" hotel. They have men in suits directing traffic for Uber's/ taxis. My Uber eats! Fancy, a little uptight and have that rude undertone but once you open your mouth (conversate in Italian) you're oh so welcome! I've spent a week in Rome this time without plans! Stayed here for a few nights and moved on to the hotel Santa chiara next door since they were sold out! Love being able to compared the rooms. Probably stick to Santa chiara next time though. 1/3 cheaper minus all the huge /luxurious amenities!! No massive meeting room, no restaurant or roof top garden there! Less weddings and crowd!! It was a little too crowded here for my liking. Best sleep though!!

A bit noisy at night sometimes late and early morning. Overall had a very nice stay. The rooftop was lovely:-) The only thing was they were late on one wake up call the day we had a Coliseum visit . Didn't have time to do my hair.. oh well everything else was great service... unfortunately I got a horrible stomach flu the night before we checked out ;( So packing in the morning in a rush with absolutely zero energy.. I probably left some things behind just shoveling things in my suitcase...

Enjoying our stay so much! Friendly and accommodating staff - beautiful hotel and it's in a great location!

Outstanding hotel. Outstanding location. Outstanding staff. E.g. m, my wife was sick and all normal farmacias were closed. Doorman wrote out address and explained directions to the after-hours pharmacy, making me my wife's hero. Much later, manager Stefano ("Stefano el magnifico") did me a big favor to obtain something else (legal) that we needed quick after hours Room service came in a pair--they were both super-friendly. Food was excellent. I will never Stad anywhere else in Rome. (And did I mention the awesome location). Picked for the location and the AMEX recommendation, but will stay for the best service in the city. Kudos to whoever trained this staff. They are top-notch.

Great location. For such an old property, I was impressed with how well they've kept it. AC worked well, every single elevator(tiny European kind) worked, no problems with door keys. And best of all, staff provided excellent service. Not only is it next to the Pantheon, but also just steps away from affordable cafes, pizzerias and gellato.

Location, Location, Location!! This hotel was fantastic ~ right behind the Pantheon + walking distance to Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill. The staff were very professional. They have a fantastic rooftop bar where we ended each day with drinks & looking at the Pantheon. Older hotel but it has been renovated. We had a package which included daily breakfast - worth it for a quick start to our day.

I don't get the bad reviews. The staff is really helpful, especially for making reservations or scheduling sightseeing. The room is nice and spacious (the tub/shower is definitely more than a small stall with showerhead, which is definitely not always the case in Italy). The rooftop is dope, but they do put an enclosure around it and have odd hours during the winter. The location is about the best you can get. To the guy complaining about a traffic ticket, who (1) drives in Rome and then (2) gets mad at the hotel when he doesn't know all of the rules?

After arriving at the hotel around noon after a full day of traveling, the hotel was a welcome sight. They had our room ready (check-in time listed was 3:00 pm) and I was pleasantly surprised at its size knowing that European hotel rooms are notoriously small. Two queen beds, high ceilings, and a spacious bathroom. The location is great right behind the Pantheon and within close walking distance to Trevi Fountain. I would stay here again.

We absolutely love this hotel. It's beautiful, a great location, and everyone is wonderful. We highly recommend it. We have stayed 3 out of our 4 nights and we are sad we are leaving tomorrow.

If you drive your car to the hotel Minerva Rome Police will send you a costly (over 300.00) ticket for "unauthorized" access of the "Zone!" So be very careful!!! The hotel has been NO help in resolving it so far and now a US based collection agency is chasing me down to pay it. All for driving to their hotel to unload bags!

This was a fantastic hotel. I would highly recommend Hotel de la Minerve. It is pricey. But you pay a buck, you get a buck! Service was impeccable. The hotel was beautiful and the restaurant upstairs was incredible. Breakfast was served everyday in the restaurant. The array of food provided was dizzying. And the location could not have been better. The Pantheon was within walking distance along with the Trevi Fountain and a few other sights in Rome. I wish I was there right now.

*The best part about this hotel is the location. Right across the street from the Pantheon and walking distance to all the major sites. While the rooms are nicer than most places you will find in Europe, definitely not five stars. Perhaps what I liked least about this hotel was how snooty the staff was. Not helpful at all. One night, the concierge made us reservations at a restaurant which was not even open. Considering the price, there are other hotels where I will stay when I return to Rome.

I did not stay at the hotel. I had dinner at the rooftop restaurant. My husband made a reservation for my birthday. On arriving the woman who seated us was too busy sorting papers to attend to us. When she did finish what she was doing , she seated us at the one table in the place that had no view. I could only assume that the other tables were already booked. I kept getting up and walking around the to see the beautiful view of St. Peter's rising above the entire city. We ordered our dinner and were told they did not have the wine that we had chosen from the wine list and the wine steward suggested a wine that was over twice the price. The waiters gave us bread and rolls that were petrified, the soup was absolutely tasteless and the pasta was so salty that you could taste nothing else. At that point ( 30 minutes into the experience) I noticed that only one other table was occupied. All of the tables with views of the city were empty. It was at this point that we decided we had had enough. After paying a 126 euro bill we stopped at the restrooms before departing. There was no tissue in the toilet and there was 1 paper towel to dry my hands on after washing them. No air dryers either. We had nothing but wonderful experiences at every other restaurant that we visited in Rome. This restaurant was so utterly disappointing that I feel the need to warn others. Don't waste your time here.