Orient Express La Minerva presents four prestigious Signature Suites, deeply linked to the history of Rome and, at the same time, characterized by a contemporary spirit. Each one encapsulates the soul of the Eternal City and evokes the legendary train: spaces designed as refined cabinets of curiosities, where original frescoes interact with gilded finishes, dark walnut wood, and Rosso Verona marble.
The names of the suites pay homage to the history of Rome, the hotel, and the brand: Stendhal, Obelisco, La Minerva, and Orient Express. The Stendhal Suite is dedicated to the illustrious guest who stayed at the hotel, while the Obelisco Suite recalls the monument that symbolizes the square in front of it. The La Minerva Suite is a tribute to the Roman goddess who still welcomes guests in the lobby today.
The Orient Express Suite pays homage to the iconic brand and the art of travel. Each suite, in its own way, creates an intimate setting where the magic of Rome meets the imagination of travel.
A sensitive architectural language
The design project is centered on the refined vision of artist and architect Hugo Toro, who created custom furnishings made by Italian artisans. The nightstands recall the shape of travel trunks, the rugs reflect the color palette of Rome, and the hand-painted headboards in shades of pink evoke the colors of the sky and light of the city. The curtains, in delicate shades of blue, are reminiscent of the classic shutters of the surrounding buildings. Many of the fabrics were designed by Hugo Toro, including the sofa upholstery, rugs, and window treatments. Every detail creates a deep connection between the Suites and the spirit of the city. Alongside books, games—a tribute to the leather backgammon set created by designer Hector Saxe for Orient Express—and rare objects, each suite also features unique contemporary artworks commissioned for Orient Express La Minerva: Alexander Onimus took a series of photographs during the restoration work; Lucy Naughton created a collage of maps on fabric, mounted on panel and bound in black leather; Studio Blaau contributed geometric paintings on wood; Studio Ulgador designed works in gold glass; and Gaultier Rimbaud-Joffard conceived a collection of works inspired by the lights of Rome.
The Signature Suites of Orient Express La Minerva
Stendhal Suite – 89 m²
A tribute to the French writer who stayed here and to the great personalities who found inspiration within these walls. Unique within the hotel, the suite is distinguished by its vaulted ceilings, embellished with restored frescoes, creating a perfect balance between majesty and intimacy. This suite, which overlooks the Pantheon and Piazza della Minerva, includes a bedroom, a private sitting room with an elegant desk, a guest toilet, and a Verona marble bathroom with a bathtub in the center under an impressive frescoed vault. All the furnishings are unique and custom-made.
La Minerva Suite – 108 m²
Inspired by Minerva, the Roman goddess of the arts and wisdom, from whom the hotel takes its name, this one-bedroom suite is an elegant retreat on the top floor, featuring high ceilings and spacious rooms. It has a separate living room, a private dining room with kitchen, and a Rosso Verona marble bathroom with double sinks, a generous walk-in shower, and a freestanding bathtub. The windows frame Piazza della Minerva and, just beyond, the Pantheon. The suite can be connected to an adjacent Suite with a view, creating a two-bedroom apartment with a total area of 166 m².
Obelisco Suite – 144 m²
Conceived as the private residence of an aesthete, this one-bedroom suite opens onto a large living room dominated by a custom-made travertine fireplace, carved with figures of dancing nymphs and featuring an integrated mirrored television—a sculptural masterpiece crafted using traditional techniques. Every piece of furniture, from the fireplace to the sinuous sofa, has been custom-designed by artist and architect Hugo Toro. The living and dining areas are connected by a monumental curved boiserie in polished wood, which serves as a private bar on one side and transforms into a sideboard and TV cabinet on the other. The curved wall, covered in burl wood and extending to the bedroom, leads to a spacious walk-in closet finished entirely in burl wood and forest green marble. A private kitchen allows for dinners prepared by a dedicated chef. A guest bathroom, vanity desk, and walk-in closet harmoniously complete the space. In the Rosso Verona marble bathroom, a wall of carved white marble reflects the light above the bathtub. From the windows, the view opens onto Bernini’s famous elephant sculpture supporting the Egyptian obelisk in Piazza della Minerva, with the Pantheon in the background. A turntable with a curated selection of vinyl records adds an extra touch of personality. This suite can be connected to an adjacent Deluxe Room with a view, creating a 178 m² two-bedroom apartment.
Orient Express Suite – 190 m²
The largest and most prestigious of all, this suite pays homage to the legacy of the legendary Orient Express: a place of mystery and opulence. The Suite leads to an intimate study, while the living room revolves around a sculptural masterpiece by Hugo Toro: a custom-made sofa that combines seating, a travertine coffee table, and a monumental bookcase that conceals a reading bench. This central element defines the identity of the suite, creating a theatrical and relaxed atmosphere. The living room and dining area are connected by a majestic curved structure in polished wood: a dual-function design that houses a private bar on one side and transforms into a sideboard with TV cabinet on the other. The dining room is embellished with a travertine fireplace. A private kitchen is ideal for a personal chef or for private gatherings. The suite also includes a vanity desk, a guest bathroom, and a large walk-in closet. In the Rosso Verona marble bathroom, a white marble engraved wall rises above a scenic bathtub, flanked by double sinks and a walk-in shower. A turntable with a curated selection of vinyl records adds a refined musical note. With spectacular views of the Pantheon and Piazza della Minerva, this Signature Suite offers an oasis of elegance and refinement. The Orient Express Suite can be connected to a Deluxe Room overlooking Piazza della Minerva, creating a 235 m² two-bedroom apartment.
All Orient Express La Minerva Signature Suites offer unparalleled impeccable service and exclusive amenities: personalized welcome upon arrival in Rome, private round-trip transfers to and from the airport or train station in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, full laundry service, and the dedicated attention of a guest experience team. Each stay also includes an Honor Private Bar available to guests in the Suite and a personalized 60-minute spa treatment for two people.
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ORIENT EXPRESS
Artisans of travel since 1883, Orient Express sublimates the art of travel through luxury trains, exclusive experiences, and collections of rare objects. Following the opening of its first hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, in Rome (April 2025), the brand will inaugurate a new hotel in Venice in 2026. The exclusive collection also includes the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train (April 2025), which will be followed by the Orient Express Corinthian yacht (2026), the first of two Orient Express sailing yachts, until the legendary historic Orient Express train returns to the tracks. Since 2022, Orient Express has been part of the Accor group, one of the world leaders in high-end hospitality. In 2024, Accor entered into a strategic partnership with LVMH to accelerate the brand’s development.
Discover the journey on Instagram @orientexpress or visit www.orient-express.com.
ORIENT EXPRESS LA MINERVA
Orient Express La Minerva, opened in April 2025, is located in the heart of Rome and enjoys an unparalleled view of the Pantheon. Originally built in 1620 and converted into a hotel in 1811, Palazzo Fonseca is home to the world’s first Orient Express hotel, combining a rich historical heritage with contemporary elegance in its 93 rooms and suites. The hotel is also home to one of the capital’s most fascinating gastronomic concepts: Gigi Rigolatto, located on the rooftop with a 360° view of the Eternal City, breathing new life into one of Rome’s most iconic and evocative terraces. In the lobby lounge, La Minerva Bar, a sophisticated all-day dining space, welcomes guests under the glass and iron skylight, where the original statue of the goddess Minerva sculpted by Rinaldo Rinaldi stands.
