Who's Going
Stylish Weekenders, Film Festival Visitors, Foodie Elite
Reason to Stay
Day Spa, Historic Location, Dramatic Views
Hotel Type
Luxury Hotel
Its one of Taormina's most iconic properties, located at the end of the historic village near the entrance of the Greek Theater along a long and narrow bluff where the hotel has been home for more than 100-years. Through a steep valet area that's not for driving novices, a glass-enclosed atrium encloses the main reception composed of formal furnishings and marble busts of various Italian noblemen. The entire Grand Hotel Timeo is surrounded by a cobblestone terrace with marble colonnades that frame staggering views of the Mediterranean, Mt. Etna and distant coastline that's not as easy to acc ess for those looking for easy in-and-out options to the beach. Shuttle service is provided to a private beach at the sister property Villa Sant Andrea on Bay of Mazzaro, a regal seaside palazzo with new upgraded beach. Recently the hotels became part of the Orient Express Collection, upping the infrastructure and decorr of the hotel while attracting a more upscale clientele than in previous years. Timeo is home to two fabulous eateries including Il Dito e la Luna, adjoining a dramatic outdoor terrace suspended in equal parts city and candlelight, serving a regional menu of Italian gourmet cuisine. A terraced pool deck is smaller than the one at nearby San Domenico, but with recently upgraded Timeo Wellness Centre offering a custom line of spa-based procedures and massages.
The Room
Alas, a total of 72 rooms have been slowly upgraded to the Italian luxury standards of resorts like Positano and Amalfi. Rich herringbone floors have been meticulously refurbished under muted white walls with glossy plaster detailing in a menagerie of modern touches yet unmistakably classic in design. Sadly, not all rooms were entirely redecorated or renovated, but in time that will surely be fixed. Rich upholstered curtains frame some of the most amazing views of the Sicilian coastline, with furnished terraces and gardens in select upgraded rooms. Standard double rooms are located either in the central hotel complex or in Villa Flora, an annex located across the street from the main hotel in a former private villa with decor of club chairs and cheery cherry wood furnishings.
Preferred Room
Junior Suite
Special Features
Celebrity Clientele, Gourmet Eatery, Romantic Destination
Amenities
Spa, Restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Views, Pool
