Orient Express La Minerva

Rome, Italy

The Fonseca Palace, just steps from the Pantheon, first became a hotel in 1811 and, soon after, a fixture of luxury travel. In April 2025, it evolved into the Orient Express La Minerva, the famed rail group's first static project. Franco-Mexican artist-architect Hugo Toro designed every piece of furniture across the 93 rooms, no two alike, setting red travertine against Murano glass lamps, hand-painted ceilings and record players in briarwood cabinets. Downstairs, a statue of Minerva presides over the lobby bar and its martinis. Upstairs, the rooftop restaurant and bar frames Rome in 360 degrees at aperitivo. Gigi Rigolatto's menu keeps to the classics: linguine alle vongole, arancini and tiramisu. Service is formal but warm, and the concierge can secure a table at even the busiest trattoria.

Key Information

• Rooms: 93
• Starting Rate: $1154
• High Season: April-October
• Dining: Gigi Rigolatto Roma
• Drinking: La Minerva Bar
• At the Hotel: Gym, spa, Ottoman hammam, babysitting
• 39 06 844299
• Visit Orient Express La Minerva's Website

Location

Piazza della Minerva, 69, , Rome, 00186