In Piazza della Minerva in Rome, a stone’s throw from the Pantheon, the world’s first 5-star luxury Orient Express hotel is a declaration of love to the history of travel and the Grand Tour.

Palazzo Fonseca: Four Centuries of Secrets

The history of the Orient Express La Minerva dates back to the 17th century. The Palazzo Fonseca, which houses the hotel, was built in 1620 for a noble family of Portuguese origin. By 1832, the building had become a luxury inn, becoming a must-see for young aristocrats on the Grand Tour and many artists and writers, including Stendhal, Herman Melville, and George Sand.

Opened in 2025, the hotel’s restoration was overseen by architect and interior designer Hugo Toro, who brought to light the original frescoes and period moldings, blending them with a design that celebrates Italian craftsmanship and the dreamy aesthetic of historic trains. Toro personally designed almost all the furnishings, from the carpets to the lamps, to the door handles.

The only way for us to become great and, if possible, unsurpassable, is to imitate the ancients. (Johann Winckelmann, on the Grand Tour)

Rooms and Suites

The hotel has 93 rooms and suites, each designed as a luxurious “immobile carriage”, many of which offer direct views of Bernini’s Elephant statue or the Pantheon dome. This includes the beautiful Stendhal Suite, named after the hotel’s illustrious guest, with frescoed ceilings and views of the Pantheon and Piazza della Minerva.

Here, Hugo Toro used materials reminiscent of Roman times, such as Pavonazzetto marble and travertine, pairing them with midnight blue velvet, lacquered wood, and brass details typical of the Orient Express, including the legendary custom-made travel trunks.

Gastronomy: The Taste of Travel

The hotel offers two spectacular restaurants and bars:
– La Minerva Bar: Under the splendid skylight and overlooking the historic statue of the goddess Minerva, a marble masterpiece sculpted in 1854 by Rinaldo Rinaldi, a student of Canova, the restaurant and bar offers a menu that pays homage to the stops on the historic train, combining Roman ingredients with French techniques and oriental aromas.
– Gigi Rigolatto: Located on the iconic seventh-floor terrace, it enjoys one of the most evocative views of Rome, from the Pantheon to the Vittoriano and the dome of St. Peter’s. This signature concept is by Rikas Hospitality Group and Paris Society, creators of the eponymous Parisian restaurant, and offers a culinary experience that blends the authentic spirit of Roman Dolce Vita with French elegance.

The Connection to “La Dolce Vita”

La Minerva is part of the Orient Express universe, which in Italy is represented by the Orient Express La Dolce Vita train and soon also by the Orient Express Venice hotel.
– The History: Launched in collaboration with Arsenale S.p.A. and the Accor Group, which owns the rights to the Orient Express brand, the La Dolce Vita train is a tribute to the 1960s and 1970s, the golden age of Italian design and Fellini’s cinema.
– The Experience: The train traverses Italy from north to south on iconic routes (from the Langhe to Sicily), offering designer suites inspired by Giò Ponti and Carlo Scarpa.
– The Roman Station: La Minerva serves as a “ground station” for train passengers arriving at Roma Ostiense, where the La Dolce Vita Orient Express Lounge welcomes travelers in a refined and timeless setting.

The Secret

Inside the hotel there is a library dedicated to the history of the Orient Express and the Grand Tour, accessible to guests for a dive into the past.

Ph. Alexandre Tabaste

Useful Info

Orient Express La Minerva
Piazza della Minerva 69
00186 Roma
Tel. +39 06 691908

La Dolce Vita Train Itineraries: 2 days / 1 night, from €3,500 per person
Rooms: from €900 with breakfast