Accor’s Orient Express brand is set to launch in Rome in 2023, with the major refurbishment of the historic Grand Hotel de la Minerve.

Real estate investor Arsenale Spa has signed a preliminary agreement with the owners of the hotel, the Billi family, to carry out a luxury renovation of the 17th century property.

The hotel will continue its operations under the guidance and management of the Billi family before a 20-month refit process from 2022 (Note that the hotel is closed until March 26 due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic).