Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina

A review for Bar Timeo: €26 for a cocktail and bad service - Rip off. When we arrived, we had high expectations - lovely building, nice decor and greeted by friendly bar staff. We were informed by the bar manager (?) (a female employee who greets guests and shows them to the tables, wearing a different uniform to the majority of waiters) that the front row of tables nearest to the railing and thus had the best views, were strictly for staying guests - which makes sense. As the bar was busy, my sister and I sat a few rows back from the front, on the assurance from the bar manager (?) that as soon as another table closer to the front became available, they would move us closer - this never happened. Once escorted to our table by the bar manager (?), that was it. We weren’t even given menus until 10 minutes later after making eye contact with her, which reminded her. The drinks menu was not even full, it contained no wine - when we asked if they served wine, we were then provided with a wine list. It then took another 15 minutes or so to order a drink, but only after flagging down a waiter. While we waited for our drinks, a group of young men sat on the table next to us with plastic cups containing cocktails, bought from the street vendor outside the hotel. The bar staff, amazingly, didn’t seem to mind provided they also bought a drink from the bar. This group arrived 10 minutes after us, but received complimentary olives and crisps before us. We ordered two cocktails, €26 each, which took about 15 minutes to arrive. By the time they had arrived, we had been sitting without a drink for circa 35-45 minutes. The espresso martini I had was ok, not worth €26. Unless I am mistaken, espresso martinis are supposed to be strained for a smooth texture, not contain bits of crushed ice? While we had our drinks, the group of men next to us asked a waiter to sit at a now vacant table at the front row - which, we were told earlier, was reserved strictly for staying guests - these men were not guests (we know because they spoke loudly about the fact). When we flagged to another bar manager/head waiter (a man wearing a suit jacket) that they had been moved to another table before us, and that we were told non-residents could not sit at such tables, he said he would look into the issue immediately and revert. He would also see about moving us to a nicer table with a view, as promised by his colleague. He, nor any of his staff, returned to us. While the above was happening, I sat with an empty glass for 10 minutes, it was then collected, then I sat with no glass for another 15 minutes, at no point was I brought a menu or asked if I wanted another drink. I planned to get another drink originally, but why bother when top tier prices are being charged for poor, inconsistent service and average drinks? If you are willing to spend €26 on a cocktail, you can have a drink anywhere in Taormina. The experience was far below what you’d expect for the price and from an establishment such as the Belmond.

Most beautiful grounds visiting the property for dinner at its Michelin restaurant Otto. Can’t speak to the rooms or other options at this property. Contributing a 5-star rating for Otto simply because of its exquisite tasting menu. We selected the blind option of the chef to surprise us, and we were not disappointed. The most beautiful view in Taormina, top tier hospitality, delicious meal, and overall experience. This is one night we will never forget and hold dearly. Thank you for an unforgettable evening at your amazing restaurant.

A review for Bar Timeo: €26 for a cocktail and bad service - Rip off. When we arrived, we had high expectations - lovely building, nice decor and greeted by friendly bar staff. We were informed by the bar manager (?) (a female employee who greets guests and shows them to the tables, wearing a different uniform to the majority of waiters) that the front row of tables nearest to the railing and thus had the best views, were strictly for staying guests - which makes sense. As the bar was busy, my sister and I sat a few rows back from the front, on the assurance from the bar manager (?) that as soon as another table closer to the front became available, they would move us closer - this never happened. Once escorted to our table by the bar manager (?), that was it. We weren’t even given menus until 10 minutes later after making eye contact with her, which reminded her. The drinks menu was not even full, it contained no wine - when we asked if they served wine, we were then provided with a wine list. It then took another 15 minutes or so to order a drink, but only after flagging down a waiter. While we waited for our drinks, a group of young men sat on the table next to us with plastic cups containing cocktails, bought from the street vendor outside the hotel. The bar staff, amazingly, didn’t seem to mind provided they also bought a drink from the bar. This group arrived 10 minutes after us, but received complimentary olives and crisps before us. We ordered two cocktails, €26 each, which took about 15 minutes to arrive. By the time they had arrived, we had been sitting without a drink for circa 35-45 minutes. The espresso martini I had was ok, not worth €26. Unless I am mistaken, espresso martinis are supposed to be strained for a smooth texture, not contain bits of crushed ice? While we had our drinks, the group of men next to us asked a waiter to sit at a now vacant table at the front row - which, we were told earlier, was reserved strictly for staying guests - these men were not guests (we know because they spoke loudly about the fact). When we flagged to another bar manager/head waiter (a man wearing a suit jacket) that they had been moved to another table before us, and that we were told non-residents could not sit at such tables, he said he would look into the issue immediately and revert. He would also see about moving us to a nicer table with a view, as promised by his colleague. He, nor any of his staff, returned to us. While the above was happening, I sat with an empty glass for 10 minutes, it was then collected, then I sat with no glass for another 15 minutes, at no point was I brought a menu or asked if I wanted another drink. I planned to get another drink originally, but why bother when top tier prices are being charged for poor, inconsistent service and average drinks? If you are willing to spend €26 on a cocktail, you can have a drink anywhere in Taormina. The experience was far below what you’d expect for the price and from an establishment such as the Belmond.