STEP INTO ROME'S ETERNAL CHARM: RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN FOR ORIENT EXPRESS LA MINERVA, THE BRAND'S FIRST HOTEL ASSET, ARRIVING SPRING 2025 (Italy)
Ninety-three rooms and suites housed in one of Rome’s most iconic hotels, bookable from today. La Minerva will make its debut as the inaugural hotel of the Orient Express collection, with breathtaking views of the Pantheon, Piazza della Minerva, and the captivating Roman skyline. . |
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STEP INTO ROME'S ETERNAL CHARM: RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN FOR ORIENT EXPRESS LA MINERVA, THE BRAND'S FIRST HOTEL ASSET, ARRIVING SPRING 2025 (Italy)
Ninety-three rooms and suites housed in one of Rome’s most iconic hotels, bookable from today. La Minerva will make its debut as the inaugural hotel of the Orient Express collection, with breathtaking views of the Pantheon, Piazza della Minerva, and the captivating Roman skyline. . |
Category: Europe - Italy - Industry economy
vRenovation / Addition
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2024-12-09
The hotel will also unveil one of the city’s most exciting and comprehensive food and beverage programs, featuring a new rooftop restaurant and bar with immersive views of the Eternal City, bringing a new life to one of Rome’s most beautiful and iconic locations.
Situated in the historic Piazza della Minerva, in the heart of Rome and just steps from the Pantheon, Orient Express La Minerva is set to open in Spring 2025 as the first hotel under the Orient Express brand.
The property, formerly known as Palazzo Fonseca dating back to the 17th century, occupies an entire island site and was acquired in 2021 by Arsenale SpA. Following a comprehensive renovation, the building’s interiors and historical features have been meticulously designed and restored under direction of Franco-Mexican Artist architect and interior designer Hugo Toro.
“This milestone proudly marks the long-anticipated arrival of our first Orient Express hotel – Orient Express La Minerva. Nestled in the heart of Rome, it is not only a destination for the most discerning travellers seeking exceptional experiences but also a place for Romans to come together. Here, Orient Express meets the soul of the Eternal City, creating a unique space where stories are shared, and cultures converge. It is with great pleasure to officially introduce the first asset to Orient Express’ iconic portfolio of hotels, trains, and sailing yachts” – said Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO Orient Express.
Originally built in 1620 as the residence of the aristocratic Portuguese Fonseca family, the historic building was transformed into a hotel for the first time in 1811.
It soon it became a favorite destination for prominent artists and intellectuals during the Grand Tour, hosting figures such as Stendhal, Vittorio Alfieri, and Herman Melville; and even hosted a visit from Pope Pius IX. The restoration work reflects a project rooted in the history of Rome, inspired by Roman domus and the riches of the Eternal City, combining Art Déco style with contemporary elegance, in perfect harmony with the mysterious identity of the Orient Express journey.
Upon visiting, guests can savour the allure of La Minerva Bar, home to the building’s historic skylight and serving as a tribute to Minerva, the Roman goddess of art and craftsmanship who inspired the project.
Meanwhile, Voliera, the rooftop restaurant and bar, offers Mediterranean cuisine and artfully crafted cocktails against a breathtaking panoramic backdrop. Nearby include views of the domes of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza and Saint Peter's Basilica, the Altare della Patria, and the tower of the Quirinal. The imposing statue of the deity welcomes guests in its original 1854 form, sculpted by Rinaldo Rinaldi, a disciple of Canova. The spa evokes the atmosphere and rituals of Ottoman baths, a traditional place of wellness and purification.
In line with its history but remaining contemporary, sophisticated meeting and event spaces are available to celebrate special occasions and organize exclusive business meetings. Among these, the Olimpo Ballroom, decorated with exquisite Murano chandeliers and twelve splendid marble statues by Rinaldo Rinaldi, depict the four elements, the four seasons, and the four continents known at the time. Three additional welcoming meeting rooms complete the offer.
"In a period of renaissance for the city, Rome is the ideal setting for a global project aimed at creating an authentic, memorable, and personalized luxury hospitality experience, marked by excellence. With the opening of Orient Express La Minerva, we restore a historic stage to the city that for years has been a refuge for renowned intellectuals and artists. At the same time, we are bringing an iconic name like Orient Express to the Capital, a universal symbol since 1883 of the art of travel and bold, refined adventures, now tied to the allure of our country and positioning Italy at the center as a privileged destination for sophisticated and demanding tourists” states Giampaolo Ottazzi, General Manager of Orient Express Hotels Italy.
Reservations are available from today at laminerva.orient-express.com or via your reservations center at +39 06 844 290. Orient Express La Minerva is composed of ninety-three luxurious rooms, ranging from 25 to 235 square meters, including 36 suites, with 4 Signature Suites boasting spectacular views of the Pantheon and the picturesque Piazza della Minerva with its characteristic Bernini elephant. Prices for a classic room start from €1,000 with breakfast included; for a Suite: starting from €2,500, breakfast included; for a Signature Suite: from €3,500 and up to €15,000, breakfast included.About Orient ExpressArtisan of travel since 1883, Orient Express sublimates the art of travel with luxury trains, unique experiences and collections of rare objects. And coming soon: its first hotels around the world, with the opening of Orient Express La Minerva Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovanelli, Venice in 2025. The luxury travel experience will continue with the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express in 2025, followed by Orient Express Corinthian in 2026, the first of two Orient Express Silenseas ships, and finally, the return of the legendary Orient Express train to railways. Follow the journey at @orientexpress on Instagram or visit the website at www.orient-express.com
 Orient Express La Minerva
Photo credit © Mr.Tripper
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