About the hotel
Orient Express La Minerva occupies a 17th-century palazzo on Piazza della Minerva in central Rome, near the Pantheon. According to Hospitality ON, the building was constructed in 1620 for the Portuguese Fonseca family and has operated as a hotel since 1835. The same source states that the Italian group Arsenale, led by Paolo Barletta, owns the property and entrusted its management to Accor. The hotel was announced as open on 8 April 2025 and was presented as the first Orient Express hotel.
The hotel has 93 rooms and suites; the opening release counts 36 suites among them. Architect Hugo Toro led the restoration and interior design. La Minerva Bar sits in the lobby beneath a glass roof, beside a statue of Minerva sculpted in 1854 by Rinaldo Rinaldi. The rooftop restaurant Gigi Rigolatto Roma was developed with Rikas Hospitality Group and Paris Society. There is a spa and five event venues, including the 165 sq m Olimpo Ballroom.
Rooms and keys
93 rooms and suites across 14 categories (Hospitality ON); the opening release gives 93 rooms and 36 suites
Inside the hotel
Restaurants and bars
- Gigi Rigolatto Roma
- La Minerva Bar
Facilities
- The Spa
- Rooftop restaurant and bar
- Five event venues including the 165 sq m Olimpo Ballroom
- Lobby under a glass roof with an 1854 statue of Minerva by Rinaldo Rinaldi
As listed on the hotel’s own website. See sources.
Architecture and design
Restoration and interior design by architect Hugo Toro, who also designed the Gigi Rigolatto rooftop concept.
Recognition
- No. 66
- The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026
Questions readers ask.
Who operates Orient Express La Minerva?
It is managed by Accor under the Orient Express brand; Hospitality ON reports that the owner is Arsenale Group.
How many rooms does Orient Express La Minerva have?
It has 93 rooms and suites.
When did Orient Express La Minerva open?
It was announced as open on 8 April 2025, in a building that has been a hotel since 1835.
Sources & context.
Facts are taken from the pages listed below. Where a detail could not be confirmed it has been left out. Profile last checked 10 October 2026.