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The Orient Express La Minerva
Hotel in Rome

Step out the front door of the Orient Express La Minerva hotel onto the Piazza della Minerva, and you’re in the heart of Rome’s historic center with its winding streets, pretty piazzas, and ancient monuments.

The hotel is well-located to explore the Eternal City; it’s just moments from the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. The Spanish Steps are a 10-minute walk away, and the Colosseum is about 20 minutes on foot.

Rome’s Termini train station is a 15-minute drive, while Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport can be reached in around 35 minutes by taxi (a little more when there’s traffic).

Orient Express La Minerva
Hotel in Rome 

The Orient Express La Minerva hotel feels like a small oasis in the midst of the busy Italian capital. A former palace built in 1620, La Minerva was home to the Portuguese Fonseca family and became a hotel in 1811.

It became the Orient Express La Hotel Minerva in 2025 and has been beautifully redesigned around the building’s Roman architecture, while incorporating contemporary elements and a dash of Art Deco.

The hotel is part of the Orient Express group, and you can see the railway heritage reflected in the decor and the staff uniforms.

Orient Express La Minerva
Hotel in Rome

The service inside the hotel is efficient, but also personable. Our bags were taken from our hands on arrival; our cocktails were mixed to perfection; and our cappuccinos were refreshed before they could get cold.

A very knowledgeable concierge service is on hand for restaurant and excursion recommendations and bookings, as well as arranging taxis. The overall effect is a completely seamless stay.

A room at La Minerva

There are 93 rooms and suites, designed to evoke the history of Rome, while blending contemporary touches. They range from the Classic Rooms that are roughly 25 square meters up to Signature Suites, the largest of which, The Orient Express Suite, measures 190 square meters, featuring a living room, dining room and kitchenette.

A suite

In all rooms there are brown tones which create a sleek and elegant feel, with wooden furniture, leather accents, and teak and oak flooring. The king-size beds are supremely comfortable, with Italian linen sheets, and the bathrooms are spacious, with marble sinks, elegant rainfall showers and Guerlain toiletries.

Orient Express La Minerva
Hotel in Rome

Rooftop at La Minerva

Situated on the seventh floor with stunning views of Rome, La Minerva’s rooftop restaurant Gigi Rigolatto is a major draw of the hotel. There are:

• handmade pastas (the cacio e pepe with artichokes is excellent),
•  fish dishes, including sea bream tartare, yellowtail carpaccio and roasted grouper
• grilled lamb, 
• beef tenderloin with green sauce
• roasted spring chicken with lemon.
  
  Portions are generous, but it’s worth leaving room for dessert, which includes 
• tiramisu, 
• a creamy creme brulee with pineapple, 
• and pistachio ice cream.
  
  The wine list is Italian-focused, and includes a number of vintage bottles. There is also a carefully thought-out cocktail menu using Italian spirits.
  
  

Orient Express La Minerva
Hotel in Rome

La Minerva Hotel bar

On the ground floor in the light-filled lobby is La Minerva bar, where guests and visitors can enjoy classic Italian dishes. It’s a beautiful space with a high glass ceiling, an elegant bar and comfortable seating, all surrounded by greenery. Breakfast is served here too.

It’s an elegant affair, with a harpist playing in the background!There is an extensive al carte menu, as well as a buffet of cereals, fruits, pastries and sweets. Both restaurants have a good range of vegetarian dishes, and quite a few can be served as vegan. Most dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and lactose-free, can be accommodated with prior notice.

La Minerva Hotel SPA

The SPA at Orient Express La Minerva is designed to be a blend of Roman thermal baths and an Ottoman hammam, offering a range of treatments and bathing rituals using products from luxury Italian brand Furtuna Skin in a calming space. These include massages, ghassoul clay wraps, rose-infused foot baths and kassa exfoliation, as well as face and hair treatments

There is a 24/7 gym with Technogym equipment and weights, as well as a Kinesis Room decked out with with foam rollers, medicine balls, balance domes, free weights and resistance bands. A personal trainer can be arranged upon request for fitness, yoga and Pilates.

The Orient Express La Minerva is a family-friendly hotel with 17 connecting rooms and babysitting available upon request.

The hotel welcomes small dogs for €50 per night.