Orient Express La Minerva: Rome's Serene Rooftop Retreat

In the heart of Rome's historic centre, Orient Express La Minerva offers a serene escape with breathtaking rooftop views. This elegant hotel combines Roman heritage with contemporary design, providing a quintessentially Italian stay.

Location

Step out onto Piazza della Minerva and you're surrounded by Rome's winding streets, pretty piazzas, and ancient monuments. The hotel is moments from the Pantheon, a 10-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, and about 20 minutes on foot to the Colosseum. Rome's train station is a 15-minute drive, while Fiumicino Airport is roughly 35 minutes by taxi.

Vibe

Orient Express La Minerva feels like a pocket of serenity. Housed in a former 1620 palace, it became a hotel in 1811 and was redesigned last year, retaining its history while incorporating contemporary Art Deco elements. The Orient Express heritage is reflected in the decor and staff uniforms.

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Service

Service is highly efficient and personable. Bags are whisked away, cocktails perfected, and cappuccinos refreshed before they cool. The knowledgeable concierge handles restaurant bookings, recommendations, and taxis, ensuring a seamless stay.

Bed and Bath

The 93 rooms and suites evoke Rome's history with contemporary touches. Classic Rooms start at 25 square metres, while the Orient Express Suite spans 190 square metres with a living room, dining room, and kitchenette. Brown tones, wooden furniture, leather accents, and teak and oak flooring create a sleek vibe. King-size beds have crisp Italian linens, and bathrooms feature marble sinks, rainfall showers, and Guerlain toiletries.

Food and Drink

On the seventh floor, Gigi Rigolatto rooftop restaurant offers stunning views. Handmade pastas like cacio e pepe with artichokes, fish dishes such as sea bream tartare and roasted grouper, and classics like grilled lamb and beef tenderloin are on the menu. Desserts include tiramisu, creme brulee with pineapple, and pistachio ice cream. The wine list is Italian-focused, and cocktails use Italian craft spirits. On the ground floor, La Minerva bar serves classic Italian dishes in a light-filled lobby with a glass ceiling and greenery. Breakfast features a harpist, an a la carte menu, and a buffet. Both restaurants accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets with prior notice.

Facilities

The SPA blends Roman thermal baths and an Ottoman hammam, offering treatments with Furtuna Skin products, including massages, clay wraps, rose foot baths, and kassa exfoliation. A 24/7 gym has Technogym equipment, and a Kinesis Room with foam rollers, medicine balls, and resistance bands. Personal trainers for fitness, yoga, and Pilates can be arranged.