Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Overlooking Taormina and the coast, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is one of Sicily’s most stately properties and a landmark in its own right. Originally opened in 1873, the decor offers a sense of timeless elegance. Long stately corridors dotted with antiques link immaculately laid out rooms and beautifully furnished communal areas. The real highlight though is the panoramic terrace with views over the hotel’s tiered gardens and swimming pool to the dramatic coastline below, and to Mount Etna in the distance. Known as the ‘Literary Terrace’, it’s understandable that the spot has been known to inspire authors such as DH Lawrence, Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote who all spent time here over the years.
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Rooms
The hotel’s 44 rooms and 26 suites are divided between the main historic building on the edge of the hillside and the Villa Flora annex to the rear. Of the two, we prefer the rooms in the main building for their spectacular views, which are a real highlight of the property, though the rooms in the Villa Flora are still immaculately presented and offer the height of luxury. The decor throughout is classically elegant in style and offers an air of refined sophistication.
Location
Perched on the hillside, just inside Taormina’s Porta Messina, the hotel is just steps from the Greek Theatre and offers similarly spellbinding views. The main Corso Umberto shopping street can be accessed in less than five minutes on foot and is thronged with charming restaurants and elegant designer boutiques. For those wishing to head down to the beach, there’s a free shuttle bus to the sister property, the Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, a journey of around ten minutes.
Food and Drink
Breakfast is served in the main dining room, which opens out on to the hotel’s stunning Literary Terrace with its panoramic coastal views, and is a sumptuous buffet-style affair. During the day, guests can enjoy a light lunch menu at the pool snack bar, while in the evenings the main restaurant and terrace offer an exclusive fine dining experience, accompanied by live piano music.
Facilities and Activities
The hotel offers a wonderful range of facilities including a 24-hour gym, heated outdoor swimming pool and extensive spa complex. Guests can also make use of the free shuttle bus down to the hotel’s sister property, the Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, which has its own private section of beach exclusively reserved for Belmond clients, and a charming waterfront restaurant. During the summer months the hotel also offers complimentary boat cruises along the coast of Taormina.
Our opinion
For those looking for a slice of ‘La Dolce Vita’, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is the ideal choice. Offering refined elegance and impeccable service, we’ve found it to be one of the most impressive hotels in Sicily.
Taormina itinerary suggestions
Nearby accommodation
Nearby places
Places & hotels on the map
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea
A wonderful beachside hotel, located just below the main town of Taormina, the Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea offers plenty of sophisticated luxury, impeccable service and relaxed charm. Guests staying here also have full access to the facilities at the sister property, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, in the heart of Taormina.
The Ashbee
The elegant Ashbee Hotel is a refined and sophisticated property within easy walking distance of the heart of Taormina. Outside, a fabulous panoramic terrace boasts views across the sea and coastline below.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Mount Etna summit visit with wine tasting lunch
Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano. Reaching its summit involves an adventurous trip but reveals much about its history, temperament and geology, which you can then discuss over lunch accompanied by some of the region's finest wines.