Orient Express Reveals Details of its First Hotel

The first Orient Express hotel is one step closer to its grand opening in Rome’s city center. 

Bookings are now available for stays at Orient Express LaMinerva, which will begin welcoming guests in spring 2025. In the same year, Orient Express will launch a new luxury train, La Dolce Vita Orient Express, and a second hotel, Orient Express Palazzo Dona Giovannelli in Venice. 

“Nestled in the heart of Rome, it is not only a destination for the most discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences, but also a place for Romans to come together,” said Orient Express CEO Gilda Perez-Alvarado. “Here, Orient Express meets the soul of the Eternal City, creating a unique space where stories are shared, and cultures converge.” 

The new hotel is housed in the former Palazzo Fonseca building, dating back to the 17^th century. Built in 1620, it later became a famous meeting place for Italian artists in the 1800s. The property’s rich history meshes well with Orient Express, which operated luxury rail cars from 1883 to 1977. Many of those original trains will be revived in this new iteration of Orient Express. 

Newly restored and refurbished, Orient Express LaMinerva will feature 93 rooms and suites and notably offer scenic views of renowned Rome landmarks from the Pantheon to Piazza della Minerva to the Roman skyline.  

The hotel’s food and beverage venues will include La Minerva Bar, which showcases the building’s historic skylight; and Voliera, the rooftop restaurant and bar. Orient Express LaMinerva will also have a spa inspired by ancient Roman baths, as well as elegant meeting and event spaces. 

Orient Express’s inaugural hotel opening will be followed by the aforementioned Venice hotel and rail debuts in 2025; the introduction of its first of two luxury yachts, Orient Express Corinthian, in 2026; and the eventual return of the original Orient Express train to railways.