Taormina, Sicily, Italy
Enjoying a prominent lofty position next to the historic Greek amphitheatre, Grand Hotel Timeo is set in extensive landscaped gardens that snake up to its front door. From a large sunlit terrace are views of Mount Etna and Capo Taormina.
Our review
I was suffering a bit from ‘luxury hotel fatigue’ when we arrived at the Grand Hotel Timeo. We parked our car in the hotel car park at the foot of the hotel grounds and a golf buggy soon arrived, the porter loading up our cases and driving us up a very steep winding path to the hotel. However, as we drove through the extensive grounds – beautifully maintained – with beds of stunning bright Cuban red and contrasting Iceberg roses and at the top, terracotta pots of pink geraniums, I felt that familiar frisson of excitement when I know I am going to be staying somewhere special.
Once we had checked in and settled ourselves on the terrace, with the views of Mount Etna, the bay in the distance with visiting cruise ship and the manicured gardens beneath us, I really didn’t want to move away from my well-mixed fresh fruit cocktail.
We stayed in a Junior Suite Superior – a large, bright double aspect room with full-length windows and views of the swimming pool, Mount Etna and the sea. The room had a wooden floor, plain cream walls with soft blue and pale lemon colours picked up in the upholstery and cushions. As well as a king-size bed, we had a writing desk, table with chairs and a sofa. The all-marble bathroom had a separate shower, and bathtub and was spacious. As I have mentioned before, the Orient-Express bathrooms are very well designed and kitted out and this was no exception. The beautiful locally made ceramic dishes – for the soap, bath salts and general toiletries – will soon be on sale at the hotel shop. A bar of orange blossom soap, made on the island was also included, a nice touch. The wardrobe area was on one side of the corridor into the room. Although there was plenty of room for storage, when one faces the wardrobe, especially at the far end near the door, one’s body blocks out the light (which is fitted behind), so it was quite hard to find things.
This minor complaint aside, it was a lovely room and I particularly appreciated the large bathroom, which also has natural light, quite rare these days.
The swimming pool is small and wasn’t open when Paul tried to go before breakfast.
Breakfast was a satisfying affair, with a huge choice from the cold buffet. Make sure you help yourself to their homemade specialities when you see them – in this case doughnuts – as the next time you go up to the buffet, they may well have all been demolished. I enjoyed Eggs Benedict from the hot options, served efficiently.
The public rooms, with highly polished herringbone wooden floors are magnificent, replete with handsome antique furniture, chandeliers and huge vases containing lilies.
From the entrance lobby, just a few strides down a well-tended paved pathway flanked by red geraniums is the virtually pedestrianised road leading down to the town. Within a few minutes, one has shops, restaurants and bars to explore, as well as the Greek amphitheatre. (Tickets needed; it gets very busy). It was this aspect of the hotel that appealed to me most – being somewhere quiet and relaxing but having the town literally on one’s doorstep as well.
Final words: An excellent hotel in a prime position in the middle of Taormina with an wonderful sun terrace.
Rooms
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo offers approximately 70 rooms and suites, set across the historic main building and adjacent villas. Accommodation is styled with classic Sicilian elegance, featuring antique furnishings, period artworks and marble bathrooms. Most rooms and suites include private balconies or terraces, many with sweeping views across Mount Etna, the Ionian Sea or Taormina’s historic rooftops.
Food and Drink
The hotel’s main restaurant, Otto Geleng, offers refined Sicilian cuisine and has been awarded a Michelin star. The menu focuses on seasonal local ingredients, presented alongside panoramic views of Mount Etna and the coastline.
Bar Timeo is the hotel’s signature bar, set on a legendary terrace overlooking the sea and volcanic landscape, serving cocktails, wines and light dishes. Additional dining options include seasonal terrace dining within the gardens, offering relaxed meals and afternoon refreshments.
Wellness
Wellness facilities include an outdoor panoramic swimming pool set within the hotel’s landscaped gardens, alongside a fitness centre. A dedicated spa area offers sauna, steam room and massage treatments, providing a calm retreat with views across the surrounding scenery.
Facilities
- Panoramic outdoor swimming pool
- Landscaped gardens and terraces
- Michelin‑starred restaurant
- Bar with panoramic terrace
- Fitness centre
- Spa facilities and treatments
- Concierge service
- Private shuttle to sister property beach
- Event and private dining spaces
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is located in the heart of Taormina, directly beside the Ancient Greek Theatre. The hotel overlooks the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, with Taormina’s historic centre, boutiques and cafés just steps away. Nearby attractions include Isola Bella, Taormina’s beaches and the slopes of Mount Etna.
Getting there
Address: Via Teatro Greco 59, 98039 Taormina (Messina), Italy
Arriving by car: Motorway A18 Messina-Catania, exit “Taormina”
Arriving by train: Taormina-Giardini Naxos Railway Station (5 km – 3 miles), then 5 minutes drive to the hotelTrains from Palermo, Catania, Reggio Calabria, Naples, Rome
Arriving by air: Catania International Airport Fontanarossa CTA (60 km – 37 miles), 50 minutes drive to the hotel.Palermo International Airport Falcone-Borsellino PMO (260 km – 160 miles), 2 hours 50 minutes drive to the hotel.
More information
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Note: The hotel was originally reviewed in 2017 but was last checked in 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.