Glance Hotel in Florence wraps a heated rooftop pool and bar around a central location near Santa Maria Novella station, drawing travellers who want modern comfort within walking distance of the Duomo and San Lorenzo Central Market. This article draws on the official hotel website, verified booking-platform listings, and guest reviews to give you a clear, evidence-based profile of what this 4-star property delivers — and where it falls short.
Last checked: 2026-08-01
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Location: Heart of Florence, near San Lorenzo Central Market · Distance to Fortezza da Basso: 1312 ft (400 m) · Starting price per person: €1,156 · Unique feature: Rooftop outdoor pool with panoramic views
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-01.
Sources reviewed: Official property website, TripAdvisor reviews and Q&A, Booking.com listing, Expedia listing, Priceline listing, Hotels.com listing, Hotels of Florence aggregator, Yelp reviews.
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interview was performed, and we did not independently verify real-time pricing.
Glance Hotel Florence at a glance
- 4-star hotel at Via Nazionale 23, 50123 Florence, in the historic centre (TripAdvisor)
- Heated outdoor pool measuring 12 x 3 metres, open 15 May – 15 October, 10:00–20:00 daily (Official site)
- 68 allergy-friendly rooms with soundproof windows, flat‑screen TV, mini‑fridge, tea/coffee kit, parquet floors (Hotels of Florence)
- Expedia: 9.4/10 (“Exceptional”); TripAdvisor: ~4.7/5 from about 850–897 reviews (Expedia; TripAdvisor)
What is Glance Hotel Florence known for?
The property’s defining feature is a heated rooftop pool that spans 12 by 3 metres on the top floor, open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 between 15 May and 15 October. The official site describes the pool area as a space where guests can swim while taking in panoramic views of the city skyline. A rooftop bar alongside serves drinks, and TripAdvisor’s feature page notes that the pool is free for hotel guests — only consumption at the bar incurs a charge (TripAdvisor pool feature).
Its contemporary interiors — described by Priceline as “decorated in contemporary style” — include flat‑screen TVs, walk‑in showers or bathtubs, and free toiletries (Priceline). The location places guests roughly 400 metres (1312 feet) from Fortezza da Basso, a short walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station and the Mercato Centrale food hall.
How far is Glance Hotel Florence from the airport?
Florence Airport (FLR), also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is about 7 kilometres from the hotel. For those arriving by train, Santa Maria Novella station is within a 5-minute walk of the hotel, making it one of the more accessible options for rail travellers.
The hotel’s position on Via Nazionale also puts guests within easy walking distance of the Duomo (about 10 minutes), the Uffizi Gallery (about 15 minutes), and the Ponte Vecchio (about 20 minutes).
The bottom line: The hotel’s proximity to both the airport and train station makes it a practical base for short stays and first-time visitors.
How many stars does Glance Hotel Florence have?
Glance Hotel is classified as a 4-star property, a rating confirmed by multiple platforms including Hotels of Florence and Priceline. The hotel also offers facilities for disabled guests, a business centre, meeting rooms, and “happy hour” events, according to Hotels of Florence.
What the star rating does not fully capture is the rooftop pool — a feature more common at 5-star properties in the city. Yelp reviews describe the pool as “a rarity in Florence” and note that the bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails with friendly service (Yelp). Still, some guests on Expedia caution that rooms, while modern and clean, can feel small and have dim lighting compared with expectations — a trade-off typical of centrally located hotels in historic buildings.
Is breakfast included at Glance Hotel Florence?
Breakfast is typically included in the room rate and served as a buffet with sweet and savoury options, fresh fruit, and vegetable-extracted juices, per Priceline’s listing.
The trade-off: The included buffet is adequate for most travellers, but those who prioritise a premium breakfast experience may want to confirm inclusions at booking.
Pros and cons of Glance Hotel Florence
Pros
- Heated rooftop pool with panoramic city views — rare for a 4-star hotel
- Central location within walking distance of Duomo, Santa Maria Novella, Mercato Centrale
- High guest ratings: 9.4/10 on Expedia, ~4.7/5 on TripAdvisor
- Modern, clean rooms with soundproof windows and allergy-friendly materials
- Business facilities including meeting rooms and a business centre
Cons
- Rooms can feel small and dimly lit, according to multiple Expedia reviewers
- Pool open only seasonally (15 May – 15 October), with limited daily hours (10:00–20:00)
- Breakfast quality receives mixed feedback; fresh orange juice costs €6 extra
- Pool area can feel crowded with limited shade on busy days
- No on-site restaurant — only lounge bar and room service
Pricing at Glance Hotel Florence
Starting prices per person (package basis) are cited at approximately €1,156, though actual rates vary by season, room type, and booking platform. A spot check on Hotels.com shows standard double rooms in May 2025 ranging from roughly €200 to €350 per night, while peak summer months command higher rates. The starting price per person for a package (including flights or transfers) appears on travel agency sites like On the Beach, but we have not verified real-time pricing independently.
Because transactability is high and the hotel is bookable through multiple OTA channels, we recommend comparing rates across Booking.com and Hotels.com, and the official website to confirm inclusions (breakfast, pool access) and cancellation policies before booking.
Our pick: Who this hotel suits best
Based on the evidence gathered — seasonal rooftop pool availability, central walkable location, strong guest ratings, and mixed breakfast feedback — Glance Hotel in Florence works best for:
- Couples and solo travellers who value a rooftop pool and bar as a daytime amenity and evening focal point.
- Leisure travellers on a 2–4 night city break who prioritise location over spacious rooms.
- Rooftop pool enthusiasts who want a heated, seasonal pool with views — a relative rarity among 4-star Florence hotels.
- Business travellers who benefit from the business centre and meeting rooms, plus proximity to Fortezza da Basso and the convention area.
For more hotel reviews, see our detailed guides on Hotel Amadeus Seville Review and Hotel San Michele Trapani: Reviews, Prices, and More.
glancehotelflorence.com, tripadvisor.com
For a different take on Florence’s rooftop scene, check out this Hotel Palazzo Guadagni review for a historic alternative with a charming terrace.
FAQ: Glance Hotel Florence
Does Glance Hotel have a rooftop pool?
Yes. The hotel has a heated rooftop outdoor pool measuring 12 x 3 metres. It is open from 15 May to 15 October, daily from 10:00 to 20:00, per the official website.
Is there a restaurant at Glance Hotel?
The hotel offers a lounge bar and room service. A full-service restaurant is not explicitly listed on the official site or major booking platforms.
Is Glance Hotel pet-friendly?
Pets are not mentioned in the official site or the reviewed OTA listings. Travelers should contact the hotel for current policy.
What is the nearest landmark?
Fortezza da Basso is 1312 feet (400 metres) from the hotel, and Santa Maria Novella station is within a 5-minute walk.
How can I book a room at Glance Hotel?
You can book directly through the official website or via major booking platforms such as Booking.com.
What is the address of Glance Hotel Florence?
Via Nazionale 23, 50123 Florence, Italy.