Orient Express La Minerva, located on the Piazza della Minerva in the heart of Rome's historic centre, offers guests a tranquil escape with stunning rooftop views. The hotel is steps away from the Pantheon, a 10-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, and about 20 minutes on foot from the Colosseum. Rome's main train station is a 15-minute drive, while Fiumicino Airport is roughly 35 minutes by taxi.
Originally a palace built in 1620 for the aristocratic Fonseca family, the building became a hotel in 1811, attracting Europe's elite. Renovated last year as Hotel Minerva, it now blends Roman architecture with contemporary design and Art Deco touches. As part of the Orient Express family, railway heritage is reflected in the decor and staff uniforms.
The hotel's 93 rooms and suites range from 25-square-metre Classic Rooms to the 190-square-metre Orient Express Suite, which includes a living room, dining room and kitchenette. Brown tones dominate, with wooden furniture, leather accents, and teak and oak flooring. Beds feature crisp Italian linens, and bathrooms have marble sinks, rainfall showers and Guerlain toiletries.
The seventh-floor rooftop restaurant, Gigi Rigolatto, offers panoramic views of Rome and serves handmade pastas, fish dishes and grilled meats. The wine list is Italian-focused, and cocktails use Italian craft spirits. On the ground floor, La Minerva bar serves classic Italian dishes in a light-filled lobby with a glass ceiling and greenery. Breakfast includes an à la carte menu and buffet, with a harpist playing.
The spa blends Roman thermal baths and Ottoman hammam traditions, offering treatments using Furtuna Skin products. Facilities include a 24/7 gym with Technogym equipment and a Kinesis Room. Four accessible guest rooms are available, and the main entrance is wheelchair-friendly.
