La Minerva

The first Orient Express Hotel

Unveiling Orient Express La Minerva: an ode to the Legend of the brand and a love letter to the eternal city of Rome. Embark on a captivating journey between dreams and reality, where past evolves to present a reimagination of the essence of ultra-luxury hospitality.

The historic site, a reflection of the soul of Rome, was established in 1620 as the residence of the noble Portuguese Fonseca family. In 1811, it was inherited by the affluent French Sauve family, who transformed it into a sumptuous hotel, a beacon of opulence and grandeur. Nestled in the heart of Rome, mere steps from the Pantheon and Parliament, the hotel flourished in the 19th century as a haven for artists, aristocrats, clergy, and intellectuals who found solace within its elegant confines during the illustrious ‘Grand Tour’.

La Minerva at Glance

The exquisite design of Orient Express La Minerva captures the soul of Rome and the art of living of Orient Express, reimagined with unparalleled sophistication by the acclaimed designer Hugo Toro. Blending the timeless allure of classic and art deco styles with contemporary elegance, the hotel unveils 93 rooms and suites, ranging from 25 to 235 square meters, each uniquely adorned to embody the iconic spirit of Orient Express.

Ascend to the iconic rooftop restaurant and bar, where spectacular vistas of the Pantheon and Rome’s legendary landmarks await. Indulge in our wellness areas, inspired by the rituals of Ottoman baths, offering a serene and unforgettable Orient Express experience.

©Hugo Toro

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Among La Minerva’s cherished memories

The visit of Pope Pius IX who came to meet Cardinal Aguirre, bishop of Guayaquil, was an historic occasion. The frequent presence of high prelates led to the establishment of a chapel within the property, where priests could celebrate Holy Mass.

Dominating the grand hall is a statue of Minerva, crafted by Rinaldo Rinaldi, the first pupil of Canova. In the Olimpo Ballroom, twelve splendid statues, also by Rinaldi, depict the four elements, the four seasons and the four continents known at the time.

In this renaissance period for the city of Rome, Hugo Toro will revive the rich history of the Orient Express legend, through La Minerva. This Chapter forms part of a dynamic global project, linked to the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express trains, which will seamlessly connect Italy’s cities of art and culture with its picturesque villages, bringing guests the most exceptional of ultra-luxury experiences.

Hugo TORO, architect & designer

Born on the French-German border to a Mexican mother and a French father, architect and designer Hugo Toro shares a love of culture, encounters and travel with Orient Express. He is the interior architect behind the designs of the Gigi restaurants in Paris, Val d’Isère and Ramatuelle, in addition to exceptional apartments and private Parisian mansions.

Recently he ventured to London where he designed Booking Office 1869, the new restaurant in the 19th-century ticket hall at St Pancras station, and in 2023 Hugo Toro conceived the scenography of Orient Express’ pop-up at La Samaritaine in Paris.

An obvious collaboration at the centre of a space inspired by the world of Orient Express, which featured the brand’s first collection of travel objects entitled Steam Dream, created in collaboration with 18 houses and artisans.