Orient Express La Minerva
Hotel · Pigna ·
Luxury hotel blending historic palazzo with art deco, rooftop dining
Information
Piazza della Minerva, 69, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Get directions
Luxury hotel blending historic palazzo with art deco, rooftop dining
Piazza della Minerva, 69, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Get directions
"A historic 18th-century palazzo reborn as the first Orient Express hotel, this lavish property blends bespoke furniture and artisan details—beside steamer-trunk–inspired bedside tables and woven leather wardrobes—with a dramatic glass-ceilinged lobby and Lalique-inspired panels; the rooftop restaurant offers bird’s-eye views of the Pantheon, and the hotel rounds out its offerings with planned fine-dining, a patisserie, wine bar and spa." - Laura Itzkowitz, Erica Firpo
"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
"A luxury hotel housed in a 17th-century palazzo steps from a famed Roman piazza and the Pantheon, offering 93 rooms (36 suites) styled with art-deco flourishes, dark wood details and marble bathrooms, plus plans for a Turkish hammam and a rooftop restaurant to complement the historic-central-rome setting; opening April 1, 2025." - Jennifer Flowers
"A landmark hotel that has become part of a storied luxury collection and is expected to reopen after a multiyear renovation with 93 rooms and suites by rising designer Hugo Toro; the property is mentioned as one of several high-profile openings that will feed into a broader launch of luxury rail travel, La Dolce Vita Orient Express, which will feature sleeper carriages and cuisine from chef Heinz Beck." - Travel + Leisure Editors Travel + Leisure Editors Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A historic property located behind the Pantheon is being reborn under a new luxury collection from Accor as its first hotel in that brand, with a reopening planned for early 2025 as part of a broader expansion that also includes a La Dolce Vita luxury train concept." - Laura Itzkowitz