Once synonymous with transporting Europe’s elite across opulent train carriages, the iconic Orient Express brand is making a grand return — this time, off the tracks and into the heart of luxury travel. In spring 2025, the first hotel under the new incarnation of the Orient Express will open its doors in Rome, Italy, marking the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for the brand.

A Historic Revival

The Orient Express La Minerva is set in a building originally constructed in 1620 and later transformed into a hotel in the 19th century. This landmark has been meticulously restored to celebrate Rome’s rich history while incorporating elements of Art Deco style and contemporary elegance. The hotel aims to recreate the timeless charm that made the Orient Express legendary.

With 93 luxury rooms, including 36 suites, La Minerva offers a sophisticated experience for both international tourists and Romans. Amenities include a rooftop bar and restaurant, a Turkish hammam, and rooms starting at €1,000 per night.

Prime Location in the Eternal City

Located in the historic Piazza della Minerva, just steps from the Pantheon, La Minerva boasts unparalleled views of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. From its rooftop, guests can marvel at the domes of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza and Saint Peter’s Basilica, as well as the Altare della Patria and the Quirinal Tower.

The hotel’s central location also provides easy access to the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, and numerous museums, restaurants, and boutiques.

Luxurious Living Spaces

Designed by Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro, La Minerva blends classic Roman architecture with sleek modernity, offering guests the feeling of a private residence rather than a traditional hotel. Rooms range from 25 to 235 square meters, featuring king-size beds, marble bathrooms, walk-in showers, and Italian linens. Select signature suites offer private terraces with stunning city views and amenities like turntables with vinyl records and Dyson hair dryers.

Guests staying in these suites can enjoy dedicated butler service, complimentary transfers to and from major transport hubs, and personalized unpacking and packing assistance.

Culinary Experiences

Dining at La Minerva lives up to the Orient Express legacy of indulgence. Guests can choose between two venues: an elegant lobby restaurant and a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the Eternal City.

Expanding Horizons

La Minerva is just the start of Orient Express’s bold expansion. The brand’s parent company, Accor, plans to open a second hotel, Palazzo Donà Giovanelli, in Venice later in 2025. Beyond hotels, the Orient Express will soon venture into luxury maritime travel with two Silenseas ships: La Dolce Vita in 2025 and the Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, in 2026.

For those yearning to experience the golden age of train travel, the original Orient Express cars from the 1920s and 1930s will return to service in mid-2026. Redesigned for modern luxury, the trains will feature intimate dining and bar cars adorned with marble columns, soft lighting, and reimagined suites with private bathrooms and dressing rooms.

A Legacy Reborn

“After 140 years of history, this brand is coming to life again,” said Giampaolo Ottazzi, general manager of Orient Express Hotels Italy. With its expansion into hotels, ships, and refurbished trains, the Orient Express is setting a new standard for luxury travel, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.