Orient Express La Minerva

After pioneering luxury slow travel since 1883, Orient Express is now encouraging travelers to stop and stay awhile in the Eternal City with the opening of its first ever hotel, La Minerva. The storied property first began life as a 17th century aristocratic mansion before being transformed into one of Rome’s grand hotels in 1811, when it pulled in a creative crowd such as Herman Melville, Stendhal, and George Sand. It has now been restored to its former glory by designer Hugo Toro, who has smoothly blended original elements such as marble statues and ornate Murano chandeliers with a more contemporary Art Deco style. Guests can enjoy evening drinks at La Minerva Bar under the building’s historic skylight, or head to the rooftop restaurant and bar for Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails with a view of the nearby Pantheon and the Roman skyline. The experience is further enhanced by Orient Express – La Dolce Vita, a luxury train offering 2-3 day journeys across Italy, featuring refined interiors created by Dimore Studio.