Journey

Luxury on a new track: Orient Express opens its first hotel in Rome

The Orient Express, best known for its legendary trains, is now expanding into luxury hospitality.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo April 19, 2025

Owned by the French hotel group Accor, the brand has just opened its first hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, in the historic heart of Rome / Photo via Orient Express La Minerva

Owned by the French hotel group Accor, the brand has just opened its first hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, in the historic heart of Rome. Nestled within a beautifully preserved 17th-century palazzo at Piazza della Minerva 69, the hotel features 93 uniquely styled rooms and 36 distinctive suites, each one varying in shape and design.

This prime Roman address—long a favorite meeting point for artists, thinkers, and explorers—places guests just steps from the Pantheon and many of the Eternal City’s iconic attractions. To transform the historic building, the Orient Express partnered with artist-architect Hugo Toro, who brought a modern vision to the space while honoring its deep Roman roots.

The hotel’s lobby is a stunning fusion of classic and contemporary: towering marble columns, earth-toned palettes, bursts of greenery, and mosaic-like floors all come together beneath the gaze of an 1854 statue of Minerva, goddess of wisdom.

The grand stopover

That same thoughtful attention to detail is present throughout the accommodations. Every room subtly pays tribute to the golden era of rail travel, with custom furniture inspired by vintage Orient Express carriages. Polished wood elements, bespoke bedside trunks, and luxurious bedding—sourced from Rivolta Carmignani and used on the brand’s trains—add elegance to the experience.

A hand-painted ceiling mural of the Roman sky above each bed provides a dreamy reminder of the hotel’s location. Among the themed suites, one is dedicated to Stendhal, the famed French author with ties to the palazzo’s past.

History reimagined

Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. The La Minerva Bar, located in the lobby under a glass canopy, offers refined cocktails and light bites. On the rooftop, Gigi Rigolatto—set to open in May—will offer panoramic city views and a Mediterranean menu crafted with help from Rikas Hospitality and Paris Society. Later in the year, the hotel will debut Mimi Kakushi, a stylish Japanese restaurant blending 1920s Osaka with European flair.

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Una publicación compartida por La Dolce Vita Orient Express (@ladolcevitaorientexpress)

But Rome is just the beginning. Orient Express has announced plans to open another hotel, Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, in Venice. Additionally, its luxury “La Dolce Vita” train experience now whisks guests through Tuscany in grand style. With these new ventures, the Orient Express continues to redefine opulence, now both on rails and beyond.

Key information

Where is the first Orient Express hotel located? In a 17th-century palazzo in Rome, near the Pantheon.
Who designed the interior of Orient Express La Minerva? Architect and artist Hugo Toro.
What unique detail is found above each hotel bed? A hand-painted motif of the Roman sky.
What new service has Orient Express recently launched? A luxury train journey through Tuscany called "La Dolce Vita."