Delivering Clarity and Certainty at Sicily’s Grand Hotel Timeo

The Grand Hotel Timeo sits next to Taormina’s ancient Greco-Roman theatre. Built as a private villa in the 1800s, it became a hotel in 1873 and has welcomed writers, royals and guests from around the world.

Now, it is being renewed. Guest rooms, shared spaces and key systems are being upgraded to meet new standards for comfort, energy use and sustainability.

The work begins in winter 2024 and continues through to 2028. It will be delivered in phases, allowing the hotel to stay open and protect revenue throughout.

From the start, the project faced cost challenges. Inflation was high, and supply chains were uncertain. We helped the client stay in control.

• Better planning: We tracked costs and helped secure prices early, giving the client budget certainty.
• Phased delivery: We planned construction for the winter months when guest numbers are lower, reducing disruption and keeping the hotel running.

Design and procurement were closely linked from day one.

• Local sourcing: We worked with the design team to choose materials made in Italy. This cut import taxes, lowered risk and kept spending steady despite exchange rate changes.
• Cost control: We held regular meetings with suppliers to monitor budgets and quality as the design developed.

Selecting the right contractors was key. We chose firms with strong financial track records and experience delivering to high standards.

By linking early design and procurement, we gave contractors a clear brief and allowed them to start early structural work. This saved time and gave the design team space to finalise details with care.

The renovation of the Grand Hotel Timeo will raise the standard for luxury in Taormina. It respects the building’s past while preparing it for the future.

With smart planning and clear decisions, we’re helping Belmond deliver a complex project with clarity, confidence and certainty.

Matteo Mantovani, Managing Director, Currie Brown Italy said: “We're excited to contribute to such an exciting project for the region. We can’t wait to use our expertise in strategic project management and financial solutions to steer the project to a successful completion.”