The Orient Express Is Opening Its First Hotel In A Historic Palace In Rome With Views Of The Pantheon

The first hotel under the Orient Express brand officially opened for bookings Dec. 4, allowing discerning travelers to indulge in the brand’s high standards of services and amenities within a hotel environment. Orient Express La Minerva, in the historic Piazza della Minerva in Rome, Italy, was formerly known as Palazzo Fonesca and dates back to the 17th century.

The reimagined rooms have art deco–inspired interiors.Courtesy of Orient Express

Arsenal SpA acquired the entire island site in 2021, comprehensively renovating and restoring the building with architect and interior designer Hugo Toro. Orient Express La Minerva spans 93 luxurious guestrooms, including 36 suites, four of which are signature suites. The Stendhal Suite, La Minerva Suite, Obelisco Suite and Orient Express Suite feature unique configurations and are the epitome of opulence.

All accommodations come with bespoke bathroom amenities; Rivolta Carmignani linen; a minibar with complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea; and more.

Upon entering, guests can peruse La Minerva Bar, home to the building’s historic skylight and honoring the Roman goddess Minerva, which serves cocktails, Italian snacks and afternoon tea with pastries. An on-site rooftop restaurant and bar also graces the property, offering Mediterranean cuisine and craft cocktails. Voliera sits on the seventh floor, meaning guests can take in views of St. Peter’s Dome, Altare della Patria and Piazza della Minerva.

Guests are welcome to celebrate special occasions within the hotel’s Olimpo Ballroom, adorned with Murano chandeliers and 12 marble statues by Rinaldo Rinaldi. There’s also three additional meeting rooms available.

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Opens July 1st Following Extensive Renovations by Jean Philippe Nuel

The redesign will transform the property into an elegant Roman retreat, fusing La Dolce Vita heritage with modern French art de vivre

  

Rome (April 17, 2019) – Situated in the heart of Rome, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese will reopen on July 1st, unveiling extensive renovations by contemporary architect and interior designer, Jean-Philippe Nuel. Modern luxury travelers are invited to eat, sleep, enjoy, travel, stay, celebrate and live the French way at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese.

Situated on a quiet street in the epicenter of Rome, this former 19th century Roman palazzo lies within walking distance of some of the city’s best-known cultural landmarks and parks, including the Trevi Fountain, Villa Medici and Spanish Steps. Evoking the feel of a Roman home, guests will appreciate the hotel’s relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and the sense of being truly immersed in the essence of this picturesque Italian city.

The hotel will offer 78 rooms and suites, with the unveiling of larger suites, a new fitness center and wellness program, and three large event rooms. Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese will also be home to Settimo, an elegant rooftop lounge and restaurant, offering panoramic views overlooking the picturesque Villa Borghese gardens and St. Peter’s Basilica. Adorned with eclectic furnishings and lush green interiors, Settimo will provide a garden escape on the 7th floor and serve contemporary Roman cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. Paying respect to local mastery and heritage, while highlighting the personality of the hotel’s Executive Chef, Giuseppe D’Alessio, signature dishes will incorporate traditional Roman culinary styles such as ‘cucina povera’ and ‘Tripolina.’

Jean Philippe Nuel’s chic redesigns will combine the heritage and classicism of ‘La Dolce Vita’, with the modernism and design of French ‘art de vivre.’ The hotel entrance will feature an iconic display of chromatic counterpoints and vibrant colors, creating a modern lounge with a classical feel. Guest rooms will also exhibit an iridescent ceiling masterpiece, creating the illusion of the bright sky above.

At Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, guests will feel instantly at home, with dedicated and personalized attention through thoughtful gestures and delightful surprises. The hotel will feature a dedicated candle ritual, inspired by the lighting of the streets of Paris during the reign of Louis XIV, which provided citizens with a sense of welcoming and safety. At sunset, the hotel will light giant candles outside the entrance to welcome guests back from their evenings out touring the city, accompanied by atmospheric music.

The ‘home away from home’ atmosphere with personalized wellness and fitness therapies with the SofitelFIT Wellness Programme, and the Sofitel MyBed Sleep Menu, a signature in-room service, transform the bathroom into a private sanctuary with luxurious options for relaxation. Guests can choose between two complimentary baths – a therapeutic Soothing Bath that invites a lazy soak with calming essential oils, or a Bubble Bath that injects fun into the bath time experience. Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese also provides guests with personalized bathrobes to enhance the bespoke nature of the experiences.

The French joie de vivre and the Roman carpe diem of the renovated hotel will create a uniquely sophisticated, yet simple and contemporary experience where desires are magnified after a day of exploring the historical Roman streets.

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is now accepting reservations for stays from July 1st. Rooms start from $390 per night (excluding breakfast). For more information, visit:sofitel.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1312-sofitel-roma-reopens-renovated-in-summer/index.shtml

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese joins more than 120 Sofitel Hotels & Resorts strategically positioned in key destinations around the world. Sofitel will also introduce stunning new properties including Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, Sofitel Legend Panama Casco Viejo, Sofitel Dubai Wafi, and Sofitel Adelaide. Sofitel is a global ambassador of modern French luxury, where passionate travellers can indulge in chic experiences that artfully blend the essence of each destination with the brand’s French art de vivre spirit.

About Sofitel

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts is an ambassador of modern French style, culture and art-de-vivre around the world. Established in 1964, Sofitel is the first international luxury hotel brand to originate from France with over 120 chic and remarkable hotels in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Sofitel exudes a refined and understated sense of modern luxury, always blending a touch of French decadence with the very best of the locale. The Sofitel collection includes such notable hotels as Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema, Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. Sofitel is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique and meaningful experiences in 4,800 hotels, resorts, and residences across 100 countries. 

sofitel.com | group.accor.com

Curio Collection By Hilton Opens First Hotel In The Eternal City, Aleph Rome Hotel.

Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company’s (ARTIC’s) Newly Renovated Aleph Rome Hotel Reopens as Part of Hilton’s Collection of Distinctive, One-of-a-Kind Properties

 

ROME  – Following an extensive restoration,  Aleph Rome Hotel – an elegant property in the heart of Rome – has reopened as part of the exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of upper upscale, independent hotels and resorts.

Acquired by Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company “ARTIC” in early 2015, Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is now an 88-room hotel based just a short stroll from the legendary Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Villa Borghese and many other key attractions. The 1930s-built property is the first in Rome and the second in Italy for the rapidly growing Curio Collection by Hilton of locally authentic hotels.

Sheikh Mohammad Bin Faisal Al Thani, Vice Chairman of ARTIC, owner of Aleph Rome Hotel, commented: “We are excited to announce that Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is now open. We are very proud of this property which has undergone substantial renovation and restoration work to transform it into one of Rome’s most distinctive and iconic hotels. This project reflects ARTIC’s strategy to add value to its portfolio properties, enhancing their growth and development and increasing the returns on our investments. We are confident that Aleph Rome Hotel will be another long term successful investment and another step in strengthening our position as a growing international hotel investment group.”

“We’re proud to bring Curio Collection to Rome, a city full of classic treasures,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton. “Aleph Rome Hotel – with its historic yet modern charm and prime location – epitomizes our commitment to allowing guests to discover and experience distinctive hand-picked properties, each with its own character and story to explore.”

Mr. Tarek M. El Sayed, Managing Director and CEO of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company “ARTIC” also commented:

“This project reflects ARTIC’s commitment to maintaining a strong investment presence in the world’s leading hospitality markets. The renovation of the Hotel adds significant value to its existing attributes, its central location and beautiful architecture.  As part of the Curio Collection, our partnership with Hilton will now ensure it operates to the highest standards, further enhancing its value and demonstrating the continuing momentum of ARTIC’s growth as a global hotel investment company.”

Roman Charm, Contemporary Features

The property-wide renovation of Aleph Rome Hotel focused on blending its Roman charm with contemporary features, while preserving its spirit, grandeur and historical treasures, including authentic Cipollino marble. Guests will enjoy a distinctly remarkable experience, taking advantage of a wide range of uniquely re-designed guest rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, along with a rooftop pool overlooking the city of Rome. The hotel is conveniently located near the Barberini metro station, between Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini.

Hotel Highlights

Comfort with Style

·         Spacious Guest Rooms: The hotel offers 88 guest rooms, including 14 suites and a junior suite, each featuring modern Italian furniture, high ceilings and marble floors. Guests may also enjoy contemporary comforts, such as an interactive TV, Nespresso® machine and walk-in shower.

·         Rooftop Swimming: Guests can enjoy the rooftop swimming pool, overlooking the city of Rome. The hotel also offers a wellness spa, fitness center and indoor pool.

·         Exquisite Meeting Space: The hotel has a meeting room adorned with marble flooring. With a 100-guest capacity, it is well-suited for both business meetings and events. A private suite on the fifth floor can accommodate up to eight guests in a more intimate setting.  

Delectable Dining Options

·         Dinner with a View: Sky Blu Restaurant is the hotel’s rooftop dining option, serving a creative reinterpretation of Italian cuisine featuring local ingredients. It offers fantastic views of Rome from its private outdoor terrace.

·         Bountiful Buffet: Restaurant 1930 serves creative local dishes, including a sumptuous lunch buffet.

·         After Hours: The late-night cocktail bar, Onyx Bar, offers fantastic dining and drink options – such as the signature Aleph cocktail.

·         Cognac Lounge: Guests are invited to make their choice from the sizable collection of cigars and spirits in the hotel’s own Cognac Lounge. 

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development EMEA, Hilton said: “Italy remains one of the most attractive destinations in the world for tourists, yet less than 5 percent of its hotel stock operates under an international brand. Curio Collection by Hilton offers owners the chance to become part of Hilton and enjoy the benefits of our global network, while maintaining the unique identities of their individual properties.  With two Curio Collection hotels now open in Italy we look forward to sharing the benefits of this approach with the market and laying the foundations for further growth.”

To receive instant access to the benefits they care about most – including exclusive discounts, free Wi-Fi and Honors Points towards free nights – guests are encouraged to join Hilton Honors and book directly through preferred Hilton channels.