5-star hotel in the heart of Rome, steps from the Pantheon, with a panoramic rooftop, art deco design and first-class service by Orient Express.
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Orient Express La Minerva is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Rome, a two-minute walk from the Pantheon and about 450 metres from Piazza Navona, housed in Palazzo Fonseca, a historic building from 1620 turned into a hotel in 1811. It is the first Orient Express Hotel in the world, where art deco style blends with the architectural heritage of the palazzo across all 93 rooms and suites.
The property is designed for those seeking a luxury stay in the historic centre, from couples on romantic getaways to design-conscious travellers. The rooms, ranging from Classic to Suites with terrace, offer air conditioning, soundproofing, a minibar and private bathrooms with tub; the higher categories add a view of Piazza della Minerva or private terraces.
Among the highlights is the panoramic terrace overlooking the rooftops of Rome, home to the Gigi Roma restaurant, and the Minerva Bar in the lobby, dominated by the original statue of the goddess Minerva by Rinaldo Rinaldi. The staff organises tailor-made experiences to discover the city, from breakfast with a view to evening aperitifs, in one of the most central locations in the entire capital.
Orient Express La Minerva offers eleven types of rooms and suites, all with air conditioning, soundproofing, a minibar and a private bathroom with tub or walk-in shower. The Classic and Superior Rooms, between 25 and 29 sqm, are the most compact options, designed for couples’ stays in the heart of the Pantheon; the Deluxe Rooms, from 35 sqm, add a tea and coffee set and, in the view version, a direct view of Piazza della Minerva.
The Suites and Junior Suites, between 46 and 96 sqm, offer a living area separate from the bedroom and bathrooms with amenities and bathrobes; the Suite with Terrace, the largest in the range, has a private outdoor space overlooking the historic palazzo’s inner courtyard. Every accommodation includes a flat-screen TV and free WiFi connection.
Spacious double room, wheelchair accessible, with a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and an adapted tub. Air conditioned and soundproofed, it has a minibar and a living area with a flat-screen TV, designed for those seeking comfort and accessibility in a single space.
Identical in size to the Deluxe Room but with a direct view over Piazza della Minerva, this room adds a tea and coffee set and welcome chocolates. The private bathroom keeps both tub and shower, while the soundproofed walls insulate from the noise of the square below.
More compact than the Deluxe rooms, this air-conditioned double room focuses on wellness details: walk-in shower, bidet, amenity kit and bathrobes. The flat-screen cable TV and the tea and coffee set complete a practical solution for short stays in the historic centre.
The smallest room type in the property, at 25 sqm, still comes with a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower, bidet and complimentary bath products. Air conditioning, soundproofed walls and welcome chocolates make it a simple yet complete base for exploring Rome on foot.
The largest suite in the property, 91 sqm split into a living room and separate bedroom, with a bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and complimentary bath products. The view opens onto Piazza della Minerva, ideal for those seeking space and a view over the historic heart of Rome.
At 63 sqm, this suite features a living room separate from the bedroom and a bathroom with a walk-in shower and complimentary bath products, without a specific view but with more space than the Junior Suites. A minibar and welcome chocolates complete the stay.
The largest suite overall, 96 sqm with a living room, separate bedroom and the only private terrace in the range, overlooking the historic palazzo’s inner courtyard. A minibar, tea and coffee set and soundproofed walls make it the ideal choice for a long stay or a special holiday.
Junior Suite with a single bedroom and a private bathroom featuring both a walk-in shower and a tub, a detail that sets it apart from the property’s other Junior Suites. Soundproofed walls, a minibar and welcome chocolates complete the welcome.
Orient Express La Minerva offers a 24-hour reception, concierge service and luggage storage, as well as room service, ironing and laundry service for those staying longer in the centre of Rome. The property has a spa and wellness centre, a gym, two restaurants and a bar, with the option of having breakfast served directly in the room.
General services include a lift, air conditioning, heating and soundproofed rooms, along with a garage for those arriving by car and a shuttle service on request. Rooms for disabled guests and spaces for meetings and events complete an offer designed for a demanding clientele. A safe, free WiFi connection and cable and satellite TV channels are available in all rooms.
The hotel occupies Palazzo Fonseca on Piazza della Minerva, a quiet little square just steps from the back of the Pantheon, in the pedestrian heart of Rome’s historic centre. The area, amid medieval alleys and Renaissance palaces, is among the most history-dense in the city: 30 metres away stands the Palazzo del Rettorato, and 150 metres away is Piazza della Rotonda, with the Pantheon and its baroque fountains.
Walking a few minutes brings you to Piazza Navona (about 250-350 metres), Largo di Torre Argentina (250 metres) and Piazza Venezia (400 metres); the Trevi Fountain is 550 metres away and the Spanish Steps about 950 metres. A little further, the Imperial Forums can be reached in about 800 metres, while Castel Sant’Angelo and the Trastevere district are 1 km and 1.1 km away respectively, both an easy fifteen-minute walk. For those travelling by public transport, the Barberini and Spagna metro stations are both 1.2 km away, while Roma San Pietro railway station is 1.9 km away. The nearest airports are Ciampino, 13 km away, and Fiumicino, about 18.5 km away.
In the immediate surroundings there are restaurants such as Santa Chiara and Osteria di Agrippa, both about 50 metres away, as well as historic cafés like Tazza d’Oro, 200 metres away, a classic stop for authentic Roman coffee. The neighbourhood is enjoyable to visit all year round: in spring and autumn, walks between the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori (500 metres) are ideal, while on summer evenings the hotel’s panoramic terrace offers a privileged vantage point over the rooftops of the old city.
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Reviews particularly reward cleanliness and comfort, both close to the maximum score (9.9), along with a location rated nearly perfect (9.9). Staff also receive very high ratings (9.8). The value for money, while still solid (9.1), turns out to be the relatively least appreciated aspect compared to the rest of the experience.
Orient Express La Minerva is located at Piazza della Minerva 69, just a two-minute walk from the Pantheon and about 450 metres from Piazza Navona, in the heart of Rome’s historic centre.
Yes, Orient Express La Minerva accepts pets on request; a surcharge may apply.
Check-in at Orient Express La Minerva is possible from 15:00 to 00:00, while check-out is at 12:00; a photo ID and a credit card are required upon arrival.
Yes, Orient Express La Minerva has a panoramic terrace overlooking the rooftops of Rome, home to the Gigi Roma restaurant and convivial moments with a view over the city.
Yes, the minimum age required to check in at Orient Express La Minerva is 18 years.
Orient Express La Minerva has a private garage for guests arriving by car, convenient for those visiting Rome’s historic centre.
Rates at Orient Express La Minerva vary depending on the season, room type and dates of stay. You can check the updated price from our search partners.
