Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina

I can’t say enough wonderful things about our brief stay here. The location can’t be beat. In the heart of Taormina yet still secluded and white at night. Anything we needed (a bucket of ice for our champagne) was delivered immediately and the breakfast? It was hard to tear ourselves away. Stop looking and book here!

There is history at the Grand Hotel Timeo. One of the original hotels in Taormina it retains its old world charm and elegance. You are warmly welcomed at the door and as you are checking in you are offered a glass of local almond water that is so refreshing and a great touch of local hospitality. You feel you are in Sicily. My room was pretty and large, and overall I couldn't find anything wrong with it except the decor is a bit simple and lacking in overall style, but still attractive and comfortable. But the big let down was the very odd bathroom. Sort of two bathrooms. The bathroom was split into 2 parts as you walked into the room: on the right was a tiny bathroom of a sink and toilet, the second bathroom on the left had squeezed in a toilet, bidet and a small shower that was dark and very basic. Not what I would call a luxury bathroom and not what I would call a luxury bathroom in a Belmond hotel. To say this was disappointing is an understatement, not only was this an ugly bathroom but it didn't have a bathtub either, something that is usually standard in Belmond accomodation. For the money I was paying, as the hotel is very expenisve even in April, this all should have been much much better. I have stayed at the Timeo twice before and usually the rooms are much nicer, but perhaps a bit hit or miss it terms of style. The property itself is absolutely sublime. To begin with they have the most beautiful terrace is Sicily with breathtaking views of Mount Etna. Aperitivo hour is enchanting with cocktails and the volcano. And of course the staff is fantastic serving up elegant cocktails and engaging service. Try their smokey Negroni! Follow that up with the fine dining in their restaurant which served modern Sicilian flavours in their delicious menu. I ate there twice I liked the food and the surroundings that much, not to mention the friendly service offering helpful information and wine suggestions. I really appreciated the local wine selections they paired with my meal. After a good night's sleep in a very comfortable bed -slept so well there!- the breakfast is a real treat. They start you off with a small local Sicilian pastry, differnt each day from a different part of Sicily. Loved this delicious history as I sipped my coffee. They have anything you might want for breakfast, I loved the morning granita and homemade brioche -the best I've had anywhere! I had that every day and I still miss it now. And of course to be able to start your day on that terrace overlooking the sea and volcano is uplifting. There is a pool and extensive formal gardens to enjoy, not to mention you can go down to their sister property Villa Sant'Andrea which is in Taormina Mare should you want to spend time by the sea. I had a really wondeful time at the Timeo and am already thinking of when I can go back. It is a wonderful hotel that really captures a sense of place. I had lovely interactions with everyone at the hotel and the service was just excellent. Thank you to everyone who made it a memorable stay.

5 Star hotel is exquisite, we thoroughly enjoyed out short stayl The rooms were very comfortable and the staff was particularly attentive. Everyone was so kind. The food was wonderful, the wait staff was great, one in particular, but I don't remember her name. She spoke multiple languages.