The Orient Express opens a luxury hotel in Rome

Once famous for transporting wealthy passengers across Europe in luxury train carriages, the Orient Express has been… derailed in Italy to… develop into a luxury hotel.

The Orient Express La Minervadue to open in central Rome in spring 2025, is the first hotel to open with the latest incarnation of the legendary brand. Another hotel and a pair of branded ships are to follow.

As cnn.com reports, originally built in 1620 and converted into a hotel in the 19th century, the La Minerva renovated to highlight Rome’s rich history. The hotel claims to combine “Art Déco style” with “contemporary elegance” while striving to capture its authentic, timeless charm Orient Express.

With 93 luxurious rooms — including 36 suites, a rooftop bar and restaurant, and a Turkish bath — the Orient Express La Minerva it appeals to sophisticated tourists and locals alike, with prices starting at €1,000 (about $1,055) a night.

World class location

In the heart of Rome, just a few steps from the Pantheon, the La Minerva it boasts what its promotional material calls one of the most “breathtaking panoramic settings” in the city.

From its rooftop bar and restaurant La Minervavisitors can admire the view of the domes of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza and St. Peter’s Basilica, the Altare Della Patria and the Quirinal tower.

The hotel’s prime location in historic Piazza della Minerva allows guests to walk to some of Rome’s must-see attractions, including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, as well as other popular museums, restaurants and boutiques.

Luxurious rooms

The Franco-Mexican architect and designer Hugo Toro meticulously curated the hotel to feel more like a private home than a hotel, according to him Giampaolo Ottazziits general manager Orient Express Hotels Italy.

Its rooms and suites La Minerva — ranging from 25 to 235 square meters (269 to 2,530 square feet) — all feature king-size beds, marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and luxury Italian linens.

Some suites have a private terrace, allowing guests to enjoy their own unique views of the city landscape.

Travelers staying in select designer suites will find in-room vinyl record players and Dyson hair dryers. Additionally, guests can request exclusive butler service to unpack or pack two items per person during their stay and one-way transportation to and from the airport or central train station.

As you would expect from a brand associated with fancy railway carriages, the La Minerva it has two dining areas and bars: one on the rooftop and the other in the elegant lobby.

Building a legacy

The La Minerva is just the beginning of what the owners of the brand Orient Express they hope it will be a new chapter. The hotel group Accor gained control of the brand in 2017 after buying a 50% stake from the French railway company SNCF.

Later in 2025, the Orient Express will open its second hotel, the Palazzo Donà Giovanelli in Venice.

The Orient Express also brings its luxury travel experience to sea, launching two ships Orient Express Silenseas: the La Dolce Vita in 2025 and the Corinthian, the largest sailing yacht in the world, in 2026.

“After 140 years of history, this brand is coming back to life and it is our responsibility to set the standard… to last for another 140 years”Ottazzi said.

And for those who missed the chance to experience the iconic train journey or want to experience it again, the trains Orient Express they will soon return to the railways.

In mid-2026, travelers will have the opportunity to board the original cars Orient Express from the 1920s and 1930s. The dining and bar cars have been carefully redesigned to evoke intimacy and elegance, with soft lighting and marble columns as focal points.

Suites have also been redesigned for maximum comfort, with embroidered headboards, along with private bathrooms and walk-in closets to enhance the experience.