Grand Hotel de la Minerve

We were fortunate enough to stay in this extraordinary hotel for several days over the Christmas holidays. I cannot praise this hotel enough. In advance of our arrival, the concierge team (and it is truly a team of several talented individuals led by the incomparable Alessandra) was able to procure us impossible tickets to Christmas Day mass in St Peter’s as well as many restaurant and other site tickets. The concierge team worked with me over a couple of weeks in advance to plan the perfect itinerary for our stay. The rooms are truly luxurious. We were in their basic suite which was very well appointed, spacious, and comfortable. (We also had a junior suite for the kids which was also great.) The mattress was the most comfortable mattress we have ever slept on. It truly was heavenly. The bathroom room was very nicely laid out with a decadent bath/shower room with two rain-head showers and a bath tub. Housekeeping was amazing. Breakfast was served in the lovely downstairs lounge area. Best cappuccino I’ve had. Pastries and baked goods were outstanding. The location of the hotel is perfect, allowing you to walk everywhere in central Rome for the sites and restaurants. While everything about the hotel was extraordinary, what really stood out was the level of service by the concierge team. The hotel is extremely expensive but they deliver in providing exemplary service and luxury to their guests. After staying here it will be hard to ever find another hotel that will ever compare. I think Rome has its new undisputed hotel champion.

My wife and I had an amazing vacation to Italy and our stay at La Minerva was a standout! We were thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of the staff, the beauty of the property and decor, and the personal touches as well. The concierge staff was a particular standout, they were very attentive and responsive to my questions and made the logistics a breeze. The hotel is in prime spot near the pantheon, but is more tucked away in a quiet plaza nearby and wasn't noisy or disruptive.

Orient Express La Minerva – Rome As the flagship property of Orient Express in the heart of Rome, expectations were understandably high. Sadly, our experience left us underwhelmed. While the hotel has undergone renovations and recently opened last Spring, the overall impression was that of a space still in transition, with a dated appearance, as if the refurbishment had been left incomplete or constrained by budget. On the 7th floor, the iconic rooftop restaurant and bar invite guests to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails while enjoying breathtaking views of Rome’s legendary landmarks. However, the space is in need of a complete renovation, including updates to the staff uniforms to truly reflect the sophistication and prestige associated with the Orient Express brand. For a brand renowned for timeless elegance, luxury and impeccable detail, La Minerva fell short. The charm and grandeur one associates with the Orient Express were noticeably absent. In a city as iconic as Rome, this debut deserved a more polished execution. We left disappointed, hoping future updates will bring the property closer to the standard its name evokes.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that La Minerva is far more than a luxury hotel, it’s an experience of refinement and calm that captures the spirit of Rome in every detail. The design is exquisite: soft light, hand-crafted materials, and perfectly balanced spaces that feel timeless yet deeply contemporary. Our suite was beautifully appointed with rich woodwork, custom furniture, and thoughtful touches, from the curated mini-bar and artisan teas to the fresh flowers and Bellavista on ice. Every element feels intentional, crafted with soul rather than excess. Breakfast in the atrium was a highlight, serene, elegant, and delicious, while aperitivo on the rooftop terrace, overlooking the Pantheon’s dome at sunset, was pure magic. The atmosphere throughout is quietly luxurious, never showy, with a rhythm that invites you to slow down and simply take it all in. The location is absolutely the best, just steps from the Pantheon and handy to everything Rome has to offer, yet still peaceful and secluded. The team embodies genuine hospitality, gracious, intuitive, and sincerely warm. Service feels personal without being intrusive, perfectly in tune with the Orient Express philosophy of understated excellence. La Minerva is not just a place to stay; it’s a place to feel Rome at its most graceful and poetic. One of the finest hotel experiences we’ve ever had.

Amazing hotel with the best ever service. We have been travelling a lot over the world but this hotel has everything. Perfect location, size, rooms, beds. But what really stands out is the team. From reception, cleaning, breakfast, rooftop, it’s a perfectly managed team. A very special thanks to the outstanding concierge, under the manager Alessandra, they arrange everything. This is a luxury hotel but feels like home. We stayed 4 nights but can’t wait to get back.