Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

After spending 4 days across the island at the Verdura resort we wanted to get out of there, we'd chosen the wrong hotel! I called the Belmond Grand Timeo and they had a car come and pick us up within a few hours (the hotels are 4 hours apart!). As soon as we pulled up I knew this was a whole different class of hotel and finally relaxed in Sicily. The location is just stunning with views either over the coastline or to Etna. There's plenty of things to do and see within walking distance of the hotel and a complimentary shuttle to and from their sister hotel on the beach. The town is very pretty and has lots of lovely shops and restaurants. The food at the hotel was very nice and tables all had wonderful views. The service was excellent. Rooms were clean and comfortable but as others have mentioned the interiors were not exactly inspiring but rather like a room you'd get if staying with a wealthy aunt. The terrace had those views again but the iron patio furniture could be replaced for something more comfortable. I absolutely loved my brief stay here and would very much like to return and spend longer exploring that side of the island. A note about the weather... we chose Sicily hoping for some sunshine in September however the rest of Europe was hotter and sunnier so we were disappointed in that respect, just unlucky.

Belmont Timeo is located in the heart of Taormina making it a perfect location for exploring local sights and restaurants. My husband and I stayed at the hotel for 3 nights in October arriving from beach of Mazzaro. Before arrival, we contacted the hotel to ask if we could use their transfer between Belmont Villa Sant???Andrea to arrive to the hotel. It took a few email exchanges and different responses but this was eventually arranged for us. One the arrival we were warmly welcome and taken to lobby for check in. Our room wasn???t ready but luggage was stored and we were told to enjoy the swimming pool and restaurants before check in. I think the hotel could do more about check in experience, in other Belmont properties or 5 star hotels we would be taken out on a terrace to enjoy the views with a welcome drink while the check in happens. In Belmont Timeo you just stand in a dark lobby. This is definitely a missed opportunity. When we got keys to our room we found out that we were moved to the annex building despite booking a room in the main property. The room was lovely but each time we went back to the main building, the doorman would ask us what we were there for. Not great when you get asked several times a day and you actually stay at the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel was a real highlight, the views from the terrace were to die for, service warm and welcoming and food selection varied from cooked to order dishes, pastries and fresh fruit. The quality of food was very good. During couple of rainy days, I wanted to organise a wine tasting at the hotel but the answer was a short no as??? they don???t do it???. This was disappointing as I would happily pay for full bottles to do the tasting and we had experience of organising private tastings in a number of hotels we stayed in. On the last day, we were leaving in the evening, our lugged was stored at check out and we were told that we could use facilities later to have a shower. The facilities turned out to be a public toilet by the pool without the door and transparent shower door. Given that anyone could just walk in on you being in a state of undress, I needed to point out to hotel staff this was not acceptable. After that they apologies and organised a shower at the more private setting in the gym. Overall we enjoyed our stay but felt the staff do not go over an above their duties and certainly this was the least friendly Belmont hotel we???ve stayed in.