We stayed at the Orient Express La Minerva last month and enjoyed a round of welcome drinks at Gigi Rigolatto, the hotel's rooftop bar and restaurant. We went at night, around 8:00 on a cold November Thursday, and the view was lovely even in the dark. We sat on the patio overlooking the Piazza della Minerva. Just past that was the literal Pantheon.
Gig was a very nice bar, befitting a very nice hotel. The space was attractive and well heated, the atmosphere sophisticated and lively. Service was great. There was some confusion about our free welcome drinks, which required a voucher that hadn't cleared on my Accor app, but everyone was friendly and helpful, and they got it sorted out.
We had a late dinner coming up but noshed on the complimentary snacks, olives and almonds and a colorful mix of chips. These were good, and I'd be surprised if the rest of the food weren't good, too, given the general quality of the hotel.
We ordered cocktails from a menu that leaned sweet and sparkling, not surprising for a scenic rooftop bar. The ones we picked were solid. The Giglio was a pretty pink margarita, made with Casamigos Blanco, hibiscus cordial, and salt. The Ventotene was fruity and refreshing, with Remy Martin VSOP, Flor de Caña 12-year rum, passion fruit, Fernet Branca, and orgeat.
Gigi isn't quite a destination bar, but if you're staying at the Orient Express, or want drinks on a Roman rooftop, I'd certainly recommend it. What's not to like about cocktails with a view of the Pantheon? read more