Reservations open for inaugural Orient Express hotel

Accor-owned brand Orient Express has opened reservations for its debut hotel La Minerva, set to welcome guests in spring 2025. 

Located in Piazza della Minerva in Rome, the property will feature 93 rooms and suites set in a restored 17th-century building. 

There will also be a rooftop restaurant and bar, Voliera, which will serve Mediterranean cuisine, and a La Minerva Bar. 

Accor purchased a 50% stake in the Orient Express brand from SNCF in 2017 in order to launch a chain of Orient Express hotels and use the name on a modern version of the train. La Minerva was originally slated to open in 2023. 

The opening comes after Accor entered into a partnership with LVMH earlier this year to “accelerate” the development of the brand and its upcoming product launches. 

Chief executive of Orient Express, Gilda Perez-Alvarado, said: “This milestone proudly marks the long-anticipated arrival of our first Orient Express hotel. Nestled in the heart of Rome, it is not only a destination for the most discerning travellers seeking exceptional experiences but also a place for Romans to come together.

“It is with great pleasure to officially introduce the first asset to Orient Express’ iconic portfolio of hotels, trains and sailing yachts.” 

Orient Express is set to open a second Italian hotel in Venice.