Simone Giorgi, a distinguished figure with over 20 years of luxury hospitality leadership, has been appointed General Manager of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, effective next month. His extensive portfolio includes prestigious positions at Park Hyatt Milano, Il Salviatino Florence, and JK Place Capri. The appointment signals a strategic move by the brand to strengthen its Italian operations, with Giorgi’s proven track record of transforming guest experiences set to guide the recently opened Roman property through its crucial early phase.
The appointment brings together two decades of luxury hospitality expertise with one of Italy’s most anticipated hotel openings. Giorgi will assume full operational responsibility, overseeing strategic positioning, development initiatives, and daily operations at the property owned by Arsenale Group and developed through partnership with Orient Express.
A Career Forged in Luxury Hospitality
Giorgi’s career trajectory demonstrates consistent progression through Italy’s most prestigious hospitality addresses. Beginning as Director of Food & Beverage at Park Hyatt Milano in 2000, he advanced to Director of Operations at Starhotels Italy in 2007, where his remit extended across properties in Venice, Milan, Trieste, Paris, and New York.
His subsequent General Manager appointments at Il Salviatino in Florence, JK Place Capri, and Villa Cora established his reputation for operational transformation. Since 2018, he has led Park Hyatt Milano as General Manager whilst simultaneously serving as Chairman of the Board of Feasibility for Hyatt operations throughout Italy.
The recognition of his leadership capabilities culminated in 2024 when Virtuoso awarded him Hotelier of the Year, acknowledging his ability to create transformative guest experiences. This accolade reflects the industry’s recognition of professionals who combine operational expertise with innovative guest experience strategies.
Guiding La Minerva into Rome’s Luxury Landscape
The appointment forms part of Orient Express’s broader Italian expansion strategy, which encompasses luxury train journeys aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express and hotel developments in Rome and Venice.
“With the appointment of Simone Giorgi, we reinforce our commitment to Italy. His leadership will be instrumental in bringing the Orient Express philosophy to life in Rome, ensuring that our unique spirit of travel, refined and immersive, flourishes in the Città Eterna.”
Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express
Giorgi’s mandate extends beyond traditional hotel management, encompassing the distinct challenges of positioning a luxury brand within Rome’s competitive hospitality market. Located just steps from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, the property requires sophisticated operational strategies that harmonise heritage preservation with contemporary service excellence.
Preserving Legacy, Elevating Experience
Orient Express La Minerva occupies a meticulously restored 17th-century palazzo on Piazza della Minerva, a site historically favoured by Grand Tour luminaries including Stendhal, George Sand, and Herman Melville. The property opened in April 2025 following extensive restoration by artist-architect Hugo Toro. The hotel’s 93 rooms and suites preserves it’s architectural heritage while integrating modern and luxurious amenities.
Gigi Rigolatto, the rooftop restaurant and bar on the seventh floor, offers sweeping views over the Pantheon and demands specialised food and beverage management. The lobby lounge, La Minerva Bar, sits beneath a restored glass-and-iron roof and features the original Minerva goddess statue by Rinaldo Rinaldi.
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Luxury Travel
The timing of this leadership transition is particularly significant. Luxury hospitality has undergone profound changes in the post-pandemic era, with guests seeking not only comfort but experiences that are authentic, culturally rich, and tailored to their individual expectations. Giorgi’s extensive experience in operational transformation equips La Minerva to navigate these evolving preferences, ensuring that the hotel not only launches successfully but continues to set new standards of luxury service.
Beyond operations, Giorgi is recognised for his ability to cultivate high-performing teams that deliver exceptional service. His leadership style combines meticulous attention to detail with a collaborative approach, fostering a culture where employees are engaged, empowered, and aligned with the brand’s vision.
In projects of this scale, the operational expertise and vision of a seasoned General Manager are as critical as architectural design or brand prestige. For Giorgi, this role represents both a pinnacle of professional achievement and an opportunity to shape the future of luxury hospitality in one of the world’s most celebrated cities.