Orient Express La Minerva, Rome

Orient Express La Minerva sits a 2-minute walk from the Pantheon and 450 metres from Piazza Navona. Originally built in 1620 as Palazzo Fonseca, the building became a hotel in 1811 and today houses the first Orient Express hotel in the world. The hotel's Art Deco design is matched with a deep historical narrative, with 93 rooms and suites blending the original 17th-century structure with contemporary decor.

Gigi Roma offers Mediterranean cuisine on the 7th-floor rooftop with panoramic views of Rome's historic centre. La Minerva Bar, in the lobby lounge, serves all-day dining under the original statue of the Minerva goddess by Rinaldo Rinaldi. A unique falcon show takes place at the rooftop bar, enhancing guest entertainment during evening hours.

All 93 rooms and suites feature Art Deco design with marble bathrooms and complimentary soft drinks in the minibars. The hotel offers pet-friendly accommodations with dedicated service for animals, including pet bowls. Soundproof rooms, air conditioning, and a 24-hour front desk are available, along with a fitness centre and a spa & wellness centre with spa facilities.

The hotel team provides personalized services, including concierge arrangement of authentic local experiences such as tickets to the Vatican or private tours. A harpist plays during breakfast in the atrium restaurant, adding a live music element to the morning meal. The hotel offers late checkout upon request, as noted by multiple guest reviews, and can arrange airport transfers from Civitavecchia port.

The spa & wellness centre includes a hammam and treatment rooms, with Guerlain amenities provided in guest bathrooms. A fitness centre with modern equipment is available for daily workouts, and the hotel has meeting and banquet facilities for business events. Additional services include currency exchange, luggage storage, and a car hire desk, with wheelchair accessibility throughout the property.

Location: 2-minute walk from the Pantheon, 450 m from Piazza Navona

Rooms: 93 Art Deco rooms with marble bathrooms & complimentary soft drinks

Dining: Gigi Roma rooftop restaurant & falcon show at rooftop bar

Wellness: Spa with hammam, fitness centre, Guerlain amenities

Services: Personal concierge, harpist at breakfast, pet-friendly

History: First Orient Express hotel, originally built in 1620