Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

There are two telltale signs of a truly five-star property: Managers always around and two, public restrooms. Grand Hotel Timeo shines in both aspects. We were met by Julia, the Villa manager and she gave us a tour of the immense property. The Villa just reopened after a two year renovation. It sits above the main hotel and has 21 rooms and suites. It has a small pool and small bar, both unspectacular compared to the main hotel. The public bathrooms are spectacular in every way. Our suite was impressive and had a sea view and outdoor seating against a mountain backdrop. Amenities are the best in Sicily featuring Acqua di Parma toiletries, Dyson appliances, sunscreen, after sun lotion and more. Fresh flowers changed daily. Evening turndown includes a nice treat from a chocolate bar to a Acqua di Parma candle. Being a fitness nut, they even sent over a fitness box, never seen that before. Service here is amazing. Speaking of fitness, the people in charge of the new fitness center apparently don’t exercise. The grounds here are stupendous from the gardens to the trails to the views. Yet they built a new gym without windows, without any outdoor pavilion for equipment and no yoga studio. The gym is very small for a Belmond property of this size. There are showers and a changing room available. The Dior spa is also a disappointment. Not open until 10:00am, there is no area for hotel guests to relax and enjoy nor are there locker rooms. The main pool doesn’t open until 9:30am another question why? It should be open at least by 7:00am. There is a complementary gelato cart, very nice and showers and changing room. As mentioned the grounds are spectacular and lots of stairs to climb. They offer a shuttle to their sister property at the beach, Villa Sant Andrea. This was acquired by Belmond in 2010 and resembles nothing like a luxury property. There is a small salt water pool and the beach is very small and rocky. There are three restaurants with Timeo the most popular open for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is far better featuring a nice buffet and freshly prepared hot selections. Of course they offer the traditional Sicilian breakfast: Granite with brioche and cream. Spectacular setting overlooking the gardens and sea. Dinner is disappointing, read my review. We didn’t dine at their Michelin restaurant or pool grill. Service here is the theme and makes up for the shortcomings. The staff is well trained in providing exceptional guest service. That and the prime location in the heart of central Taormina make this a must stay property. In case you are wondering, it was this or The Four Seasons since we are frequent guests there. The FS has a beautiful cliff setting but a good walk to central Taormina. My pick is Grand Hotel Timeo and recommend staying in the main hotel versus the Villa.

The hotel looks very nice . We stayed at 4seasons . Decided to try the grill for lunch . GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT . Grilled steak was probably frozen before as meat had no taste . Shrimps were tasteless as well . Ice cream was terrible

A disappointing experience at Grand Hotel Timeo. We arrived at around 11:25 p.m. hoping to enjoy a drink at Bar Timeo, but were told we could not enter. I understand that access may depend on opening hours or hotel policies, but being turned away was disappointing. Clear information about access for visitors and last admission times would help people avoid a wasted trip…. Unfortunately, this experience left us with a poor first impression.

This property is romantic and gorgeous! It’s like a beautiful dream. The staff are friendly and welcoming and will help with anything you need. Tickets special dietary needs postage stamps or a package to send home. Everything is organized and the employees are so gracious.

Fantastic hotel with great wiew, amazing staf, two pools. Great breacfast, lunch dinner and bar. Near the center and Greak teatro. Sister hotel by the beach with a beach bar, free hotel shutle and loungers, umbrellas and towels.