Stay here: Orient Express La Minerva Rome

What’s the deal?

Orient Express La Minerva  derives its name from the Piazza della Minerva on which it stands: a charming cobblestone square that still bears the marks of antiquity, from the Egyptian obelisk at its centre to the walls of the mighty Pantheon, just visible in one corner.  

The luxury hotel occupies a grand 17th-century palazzo that was once the home of an Iberian noble family. A broad stone entrance leads to a gorgeous, courtyard-style lounge lined with marble columns, palms and fig trees. Sunlight filters through a glass conservatory roof, brightening accents of cool sage, rusted orange and earthy red that echo the colours of the Mediterranean. At the far end of the lounge, behind a gleaming cocktail bar, a statue of the goddess Minerva presides over the room. 

During languid mornings in this tranquil space, a harpist plays celestial music as guests spear slices of fresh melon, slather homemade jam on pastries and dunk almond biscotti into frothy cappuccinos. Come evening, the room fills with the low, mellow tones of a saxophonist while patrons sip on the bar’s signature espresso martinis and converse beneath the soft glow of elegant glass chandeliers.  

On the upper floors of the property, commodious guest rooms channel early-20th-century interior design with carved mahogany furniture and plush velvet upholstery, finished with a contemporary gloss. At once beautiful and unpretentious, exuding both character and calm, they feel made for the seasoned traveller. Peek out your window and you’ll see the piazza below bristling with sightseers, street musicians and football-playing youngsters. The Pantheon, mere steps away, is naturally a must-visit landmark when in Rome, but the neighbourhood is also home to hallowed churches, stately libraries and ornate fountains. Tucked among these are specialist boutiques, from antique bookstores to quaint calligraphy shops. 

Why stay? 

La Minerva’s excellent location and impeccable appearance are obvious draws. More subtle are the countless thoughtful acts of service performed throughout your stay. Exacting about your coffee? Have a favourite breakfast spot in the lounge? Want to mix and match different menu items or turn a single dish into a sharing plate? Consider every preference met and request fulfilled. 

This level of hospitality extends to guest rooms: inside our Junior Suite, fresh flowers and chocolates covered the coffee table, pressed juices and sparkling wines filled the minibar, and bath products from Guerlain lined the huge rosso Verona marble vanity. Bellhop and nightly turndown services complete the package, leaving you utterly at ease.

editors say:

“One of the Eternal City’s greatest charms is its ability to transport you through the ages. At La Minerva, classical augustness, Renaissance beauty and turn-of-the-century glamour all converge, promising to ignite your imagination and elevate your comfort. Allow yourself ample time to soak up the magic of your surroundings – ideally from snug rooftop restaurant Gigi Rigolatto Roma, which puts you at eye level with the city’s domes and spires as the afternoon sunlight bounces off them.”