The legendary Orient Express steps off the rails and into the world of high-end hospitality with its first hotel, La Minerva, in Rome —along with plans for Venice and the open seas. Here are Orient Express hotels.
When we think of the Orient Express, it’s hard not to picture Agatha Christie. Her 1930 classic Murder on the Orient Express, set aboard the most luxurious train of its era, immortalized the brand in the world of mystery and glamour. That she penned part of it at Istanbul’s iconic Pera Palas Hotel only deepens the allure, allowing readers to almost feel the opulence of the journey —even if they’ve never set foot on the train.
Now, the storied 140-year-old Orient Express brand—acquired by French hospitality giant Accor in 2017—is making a grand return. But this time, it’s not the train that’s making headlines. It’s La Minerva, a newly opened luxury hotel in Rome, which raises the bar with its design, heritage, and elegant suites.
Set in the heart of Piazza della Minerva, the 17th-century building was originally built in 1620 as a residence for the Portuguese Fonseca family. In 1811, it was purchased by the French Sauve family and transformed into a hotel known as Palazzo Fonseca.
La Minerva’s revival bears the creative signature of French-Mexican architect and designer Hugo Toro. In his restoration, Toro preserved the building’s historical soul while weaving in the Art Deco style of the Orient Express, adding a layer of modern sophistication.
Located just steps from the Pantheon, La Minerva offers 93 rooms and 36 uniquely styled suites. Echoes of Rome’s past are present throughout, from wooden elements inspired by Orient Express carriages to original marble works by celebrated sculptor Rinaldo Rinaldi. Named after the Roman goddess Minerva, the hotel seamlessly blends mythology, history, and high design.
The hotel is also set to become a new hotspot in Rome’s dining and nightlife scene. Its terrace restaurant and bar, Voliera, offers refined Mediterranean dishes paired with panoramic views of the city. Later this year, the much-anticipated Japanese restaurant Mimi Kakushi will open its doors, promising a culinary journey to 1920s Osaka.
Orient Express has more luxury in store. The brand is preparing to open the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, just 10 minutes from the Santa Lucia train station and adjacent to the Cannaregio shopping district. Set in a 15th-century palace designed by architect Filippo Calendario, the hotel promises to be another architectural and cultural gem.
The expansion doesn’t end there. Within this year, the La Dolce Vita train will begin its routes across Italy. And in 2026, the Corinthian—a sleek, 120-passenger cruise ship—will bring the Orient Express experience to the high seas.
