Accor is preparing a hotel in Rome to be the first to launch under the Orient Express brand. Orient Express La Minerva will open its doors for guests in spring 2025.
The former Palazzo Fonseca sits on an island site in the centre of Rome, and dates back to the 17th century. Investor Arsenale bought the property in 2021, and has been overseeing a comprehensive restoration, retaining key historical features that will deliver a hotel like no other.
Travelling in style
The reimagined hotel will have 93 rooms and suites, and a comprehensive food and beverage offering. Guests will be able to enjoy views across the city from a rooftop restaurant and bar.
Accor acquired a 50% stake in the Orient Express business in 2017, from French rail operator SNCF. It bought full ownership of the Orient Express brand in 2022, when it acquired the remaining stake from SNCF, giving it full control over the future growth of the brand. Accor’s luxury and lifestyle division, Ennismore, has been given the responsibility of guiding its growth.
In mid 2024, Accor signed a strategic partnership with LVMH, to help drive the Orient Express business forward. LVMH, through its Belmond business, already has considerable experience offering both luxury rail experiences, and providing hospitality aboard floating vessels.
“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,” said Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO Orient Express. “Here, Orient Express meets the soul of the Eternal City, creating a unique space where stories are shared, and cultures converge. It is with great pleasure to officially introduce the first asset to Orient Express’ iconic portfolio of hotels, trains, and sailing yachts.”
And that portfolio of travel experiences will open up in the next five years. Orient Express La Minerva, as the first hotel under the brand, will shortly be joined by Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovanelli, opening in Venice in 2025. Orient Express train experiences will start the same year, with the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, to be joined the following year by Orient Express Corinthian.
Taking to the water
Work is already under way on two luxury Orient Express cruise ships, as the brand joins other luxury names including Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Aman in taking to the seas with bespoke cruise liners offering the ultimate in floating hospitality. The Orient Express Silenseas is expected to start sailing in 2026 with guests in its 54 suites. Under construction by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the first vessel features innovative sails on three masts, to enable emission-free cruising, supported by a gas powered engine when conditions require.
Further hotels are planned, with Accor already having signed to add an Orient Express hotel in Diriyah Gate, Saudi Arabia as well as planning a Dream of the Desert luxury rail experience. Istanbul, London and Paris are also target destinations for the establishment of future Orient Express hotels.
