Accommodations in Dresden, Germany
Good Sleeps
To make my hand-picked selection of accommodations easier to follow, I’ve grouped them according to which side of the river they reside, north or south bank, New Town or Old Town.
In the New Town, stay at Motel One for contemporary comfort at an economical rate; rest at Guest House Mezcalero if you’re feeling spicy; rolling stones choose Backstage for your overnight gig; lay your head at Hotel Martha Hospiz if you’re in the mood for something more traditional (or if you’re seeking rooms for disabled travelers); and hostelers have three choices, which are listed both in order of proximity by foot from Dresden-Neustadt train station as well as in the order of my personal preference: Kangaroo-Stop (under 5 min), Louise 20 (within 15 min), and Mondpalast (20 min, or less with tram). Besides bunk beds in dorms, note that the aforelisted hostels also offer reasonably priced private rooms if you don’t mind the shower-toilet facilities positioned in the hallway. And, outstandingly, at Kangaroo-Stop laundry is only 4€ per load—and they do it for you!
In the Old Town, if you choose Hotel ibis pay the nominal fee to upgrade to the much larger studio or apartment; at Hotel Pullman it’s part of the package to take a gorgeous view to bed with you; for longer stays why book a hotel room when you can move into an apartment at Aparthotel; or check into the Hilton for fine accommodations in the heart of it all.
Drivers, free parking at the Kangaroo-Stop and Guest House Mezcalero, otherwise 3-19€/day elsewhere.
Lastly, I’ve rated each accommodations entry with a dollar symbol based on the price of double occupancy. For example, one $ symbol means the price of a double (twin) at the respective property is 60€ or less; two $$ symbols mean the price of a double (twin) is generally between 60€ and 100€; three $$$ symbols mean the price is generally between 100€ and 170€; four $$$$ symbols mean the price exceeds 180€. Note that when “dbl” is written below it refers to a private room for two persons, not necessarily a private room having a double bed. Typically in Germany a double bed is two singles, or twins, pushed tightly together to form a double. If it is a twin you’re after, request when booking that the beds be separated.
$ — pocket-friendly, 60€ or less.
$$ — moderately priced, generally between 60€ and 100€.
$$$ — upper end, generally between 100€ and 170€.
$$$$ — superior, from 180€.
Note: To beat down the listed room rack-rates for the accommodations on this page, comparison shop the recommended wholesalers here.
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Accommodations on Elbe’s north bank, New Town (Neustadt)
Note: If you’re staying in New Town and arriving in Dresden by train, get off at Dresden-Neustadt train station. If your train does not stop here, you can easily catch a tram from the Hauptbahnhof (main train station, in which case the directions are listed within each respective entry).
$ (hostel) Kangaroo-Stop, (Erna-Berger-Strasse 8, tel. 0351/314-3455, use of free Internet computer at reception, secure Wi-Fi 3€/24hr). 
The owner, Liane Mautner, returned home from one of her many globetrotting adventures with a fantastic dream: to build a home away from home for fellow travelers. Liane was fascinated by Australia and its bouncing marsupials. She noticed, “Kangaroos always move forward, never backwards.” This progressive characteristic inspired Liane to convince the bank to provide the huge loan required to make Kangaroo-Stop a reality. Today, Liane’s true-blue accommodations total 80 beds in two buildings, including laundry (4€/load and they do it for you!), a double-wide common kitchen, generous lounge area, and a BBQ reserved for summer fun in the courtyard where dinky-dye travelers can drink a stubby and throw a shrimp on the barbie. Kangaroo-Stop is conveniently located within a 5-min walk of train and tram connections, a grocery store and abounding nightlife, and 15 min from Dresden’s historical center (or shorter via tram). PRICE, cash only; 10-bed dorm 12.50€, 5/6-bed dorm 14-15.50€, 3/4-bed dorm 15-17.50€, sgl 28€/33€, dbl 36€/40€, 2-persons apartment 74€, 4-persons apartment 88€, breakfast buffet 5€, sheets 2€ (one-time charge, or free when staying 3+ nights). Note that the latter sheets fee also applies to private rooms, and that all shower-toilet facilities in either building are in the hallway. Borrow towel from reception for .50¢ or free when staying 3+ nights. Planning on staying a week? Ask reception about their deal: stay 7 nights, pay 6! GPS: N51 03.918 E13 44.642. Drivers, free parking on property. Railers coming from Dresden-Neustadt train station (under 5-min walk). Exit station straight across parking lot and into Antonstrasse. Make the first left (Erna-Berger-Strasse) and your digs are ahead on the right. Railers coming from the Hauptbahnhof, exit east side of station “Ausgang 1” and catch tram 3 (direction Wilder Mann) to Dresden-Neustadt train station (exit tram right, go straight, make the first left and your digs are ahead on the right).
$ (hostel) Louise 20, (Louisenstrasse 20, tel. 0351/889-4894, use of Internet computer and Wi-Fi for nominal fee). Of the three hostels listed here this one is the smallest, motherly clean and, although located on the party street, is very quiet (unless it’s a big night at the restaurant-bar in the basement). Louise 20 loans towels, has a small common kitchen,and is a short walk from a coin laundry. PRICE, 5-bed dorm 16-17€ , 3/4-bed dorm 17-18€, sgl 31-35€, dbl 40-46€, comfort dbl 44-46€, 3-persons apartment 102-105€ (10€/person extra up to 8 persons), sheets 2.50€ (one-time charge but free for ISIC card holders), breakfast buffet 5.50€. CC (but service charge of 2.50€ applicable): VC, MC, AE. Note: All shower-toilet facilities are in the hallway. Also note that the aforelisted room prices are even cheaper Nov & Jan/Feb. Planning on staying a week? Ask reception about their deal: stay 7 nights, pay 6! GPS: N51 04.036 E13 45.002. Drivers, street parking 3€/day, garage 6€/day. Railers coming from Dresden-Neustadt train station (under a 15-min walk). Exit front of station, cut left through parking lot and continue along road. After a few blocks you’ll reach a railway underpass; goright(Lößnitzstrasse). At the next intersection begins Louisenstrasse. Continue straight and ahead on the right you’ll reach the Louise 20 sign. Go through passage to petite courtyard where you’ll find entry into the PlanWirtschaft restaurant; adjacent is a stairway climbing to your digs. Railers coming from the Hauptbahnhof, either exit station “Ausgang 3” and catch tram 7direction Weixdorf, or exit “Ausgang 1” to catch tram 8 direction Hellerau, and get off at Louisenstrasse. Exit tram left then make the first right on Louisenstrasse. Continue straight and ahead on the right you’ll reach the Louise 20 sign. Go through covered passage to petite courtyard where you’ll find entry into the PlanWirtschaft restaurant; climb adjacent stairway to your digs.
$ (hostel) Mondpalast, (Louisenstrasse 77, tel. 0351/563-4050, free Wi-Fi but Internet computer for purchase). These digs have attitude and style, positioned on a gritty corner of graffiti-swathed Louisenstrasse. Mondpalast is just about the last smoke-choked bar along a lengthy street known for its alcohol-induced ‘alternative’ nightlife. Check in at the bar then climb the wide twisting staircase to your room. Mondpalast has a self-cook kitchen, trendy bar, loans towels, rents bikes, and staff will call (within Germany) to reserve your next-destination hostel free of charge. Coin laundry less than a 10-min walk. PRICE, (lower price means Nov & Jan-Feb), 8-10 bed dorm 13€/14€, 5-6 bed dorm 15€/16€, 3-4 bed dorm 16€/17€, 4-bed dorm with private shower-toilet 18.50€/19.50€, sgl with shared shower-toilet 29€/34€, sgl with private shower-toilet 39€/44€, dbl with shared shower-toilet 37€/44€, dbl with private shower-toilet 50€/52€, breakfast buffet 6€, sheets 2€ (one-time charge). CC: VC, MC. GPS: N51 03.941 E13 45.393. Drivers, street parking 3€/day. Railers coming from Dresden-Neustadt train station it is a 20-min walk or three stops by tram. If you choose to walk, follow directions above to Louise 20 then continue straight along Louisenstrasse (about 8 min) to Mondpalast on the left. If you choose to take the tram, catch #11 (direction Bühlau) from outside the station and get off at Pulsnitzer Strasse. Exit tram right and walk back along the sidewalk. Cross the street when clear and make the first right (Martin-Luther-Strasse). Continue straight to the end to Mondpalast facing you on the corner. Railers coming from the Hauptbahnhof, pick up tram 11 (direction Bühlau) from Hbf Nord (located immediately off Prager Strasse, right around corner from Jack Wolfskin store) and get off at Pulsnitzer Strasse—then follow above directions (“Exit tram right…”).
$ Guest House Mezcalero, (Königsbrücker Strasse 64, tel. 0351/810-770, free Wi-Fi and use of Internet computer in lobby). Mezcalero is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates Aztec-Mexican design, individually decorated rooms, is seeking a quieter stay, or couples looking for a Latin-themed getaway. Although this is the farthest of my recommended accommodations from the Old Town (5 tram stops or 30-min walk), you’ll nonetheless value Mezcalero’s appeal as I do. Mezcalero is nearby a multitude of bars, restaurants, a coin-laundry, post office and grocery store. PRICE, sgl *33€/42€, (*shared shower-toilet but room has sink), dbl *48€/62€, trpl 73.50€, quad 86€, breakfast buffet 6.50€. CC: VC, MC. Note that the aforelisted room prices are cheaper Nov-Feb. GPS: N51 04.231 E13 44.994. Drivers, free parking in courtyard (but few spots mean first come first serve). Railers coming from Dresden-Neustadt train station, Mezcalero is roughly 6€ by taxi or a 15-min walk. Exit front of station, cut left through parking lot and continue along road. After a few blocks you’ll reach a railway underpass; go right (Lößnitzstrasse). At the next intersection turn left, this is Königsbrücker Strasse—continue straight to No. 64 on right (go through passage to your digs). Railers coming from the Hauptbahnhof, either exit station “Ausgang 3” and catch tram 7direction Weixdorf, or exit “Ausgang 1” to catch tram 8 direction Hellerau. Get off at Bischofsweg and walk back roughly 50 meters.
$$ Motel One (Palaisplatz 1, tel. 0351/655-7380, free Wi-Fi in lobby/*room or use of Internet computer for purchase). Opened December 2010, Dresden’s first Motel One is well located and so new the paint is likely still drying. In the meantime, you can pop around the corner to the recommended Wenzel Prager Bierstuben to savor a Czech beer and a hearty Slavic meal or explore something more exotic at Mama Africa. Back at the 220-room motel, don’t be misled by its trade name. This non-smoking budget-design hotel is such good value for money that I look forward to recommending it to you in each of my applicable destination guides. Springing up across Germany, Motel One is a new pocket-friendly chain of accommodations that is true to its marketing slogan: Viel Design für Wenig Geld (meaning “a whole lotta design for little money”). No matter which Motel One you visit, the design and concept are the same. You can count on 24-hour reception; air-conditioning; free Wi-Fi; modish décor accented by the company’s aqua-colored theme, starting with the stylish lobby up to the trendy room furnishings, including a flat-screen TV, ceramic vessel sink in the bathroom and a soothing shower with “rain” showerhead. PRICE, sgl 59€, dbl from 69€, add 20€ for larger comfort room or room with balcony, (add 20-50€ per room during trade fairs), buffet breakfast 7.50€. All major CCs accepted. Check-in from 15:00; check-out by 12:00. *Note: Book the breakfast buffet with your reservation and get free Wi-Fi in your room (otherwise the cost to have Wi-Fi in your room is 5€/24hr). Child up to 12yr is free in parents’ room; child up to 6yr gets free breakfast. Drivers, on-site garage 9€/day (enter from Theresienstrasse). Railers coming from Dresden-Neustadt train station, Motel One is roughly 6€ by taxi or less than a 10-min walk. Exit the station straight some 15 meters then go right and cross with the traffic light into Hainstrasse. On the right curve at the end of this street are your digs. Railers coming from the Hauptbahnhof, pick up tram 9 (direction Kaditz/Riegelplatz) from Hbf Nord (located immediately off Prager Strasse, right around corner from Jack Wolfskin store) and get off at Palaisplatz (about the 6th stop). Exit tram left to your digs ahead on the right at the intersection.
$$ Backstage Hotel, (Prießnitzstrasse 12, tel. 0351/888-7777, free Wi-Fi, no desktop but can use reception computer for a quick Web check). As the sister property of the aforelisted Guest House Mezcalero, these contemporary yet historical brickhouse digs sitting above a restful rivulet on the edge of Dresden Neustadt are a terrific choice. The smokestack rising from the building’s brick facade hints at its industrious past when it was part of the factory complex supporting the neighboring Pfund’s Molkerei. Backstage, named for its music-themed concept and in-house cocktail bar, has 11 rooms individually decorated by local artists and craftsmen. (All rooms are doubles with private shower-toilet, on two floors.) On the first floor I recommend two comfort doubles: room No 1, featuring a wild knotted-wood design, and room No 5, accentuated by an earthen stone design. On the second floor, rooms 7, 8, 11 and 12 are recommended, each are sizeable corner rooms with a balcony. PRICE, (dbl room used as) sgl from 85€, dbl from 95€, comfort dbl 139€, breakfast buffet 7€. CC: VC, MC. Note: Reception is open 7:00-18:00, thus call ahead if you’re arriving late. Drivers, street parking 3€/day, garage 5€/day. Railers coming from Dresden-Neustadt train station, Backstage is roughly 7€ by taxi or three stops via tram. Outside the station ride tram 11 (direction Bühlau) to Pulsnitzer Strasse. Exit tram left; cross street with traffic light then go right. Ahead, immediately before Pfund’s Molkerei, go left through passage and on other side of parking lot are your digs (walk to smokestack). Railers coming from the Hauptbahnhof, pick up tram 11 (direction Bühlau) from Hbf Nord (located immediately off Prager Strasse, right around corner from Jack Wolfskin store) and get off at Pulsnitzer Strasse—then follow above directions (“Exit tram left…”).
$$$ Hotel Martha Hospiz, (Nieritzstrasse 11, tel. 0351/81760, free Wi-Fi and use of Internet computer in lobby). This is one of those quaint hotels positioned in a quiet neighborhood that is a pleasure to recommend. And just like home, this refreshing 3-star property is exclusively non-smoking! But here you musn’t take your shoes off at the door, even though it feels like the right thing to do. Has four rooms neatly outfitted for disabled travelers. PRICE (includes breakfast), sgl 79-86€ (55€ without shower-toilet in room), dbl 113-121€, extra bed 27€, apartment from *124€ (*breakfast not included). CC: VC, MC, AE. Note: For dinner, try the neighboring Zum Kartoffelkeller, an unrivaled restaurant set in a historic celler specializing in potato dishes (for example potato pancakes, goulash, casserole, soup, bread, roast and deep-fried potatoes, potatoes stuffed with various meats and cheeses and vegetables, sour cream and eggs). GPS: N51 03.764 E13 44.461. Martha Hospiz is located on the corner of Nieritzstrasse and Theresienstrasse, within a 15-min walk of the Old Town and 5 min from Dresden-Neustadt train station. Drivers, parking from 5€ (depending on how many times the car enters and exits the lot). Railers coming from Dresden-Neustadt train station; exit straight across parking lot and into Antonstrasse. Make the first right into Erna-Berger-Strasse and at the end of this street go right again. Ahead on the left is Nieritzstrasse and your digs are on the corner. Railers coming from the Hauptbahnhof, exit east side of station “Ausgang 1” and catch tram 3 (direction Wilder Mann) to Dresden-Neustadt train station (exit tram right, go straight, when clear cross the road right into Erna-Berger-Strasse. At the end of this street go right again; ahead on the left is Nieritzstrasse and your digs are on the corner).
Accommodations on Elbe’s south bank, Old Town
$$ Hotel ibis, (Prager Strasse, tel. 0351/4856-2000 central reservations for all three properties). Clean, reasonably priced and centrally located, the ibis chain has three concrete-block hotels neighboring each other on Prager Strasse, the GDR-influenced pedestrian shopping mall, under a 5-min walk from the main train station and Old Town. Each property, virtually identical and non-smoking, has Internet access (use of desktop computer and Wi-Fi) for purchase, the same number of air-conditioned rooms (306), shares the same restaurant for dinner (located in the Königstein property), and charges the same PRICE: sgl 59-95€, dbl 69-105€, *studio (1-2 persons) 79-105€, *apartment (1-2 persons) 80-110€, during conventions add about 12€/night, extra bed 15€, breakfast buffet 10€/person. All major CCs accepted. Children up to 12yr stay free with parent. Suggestion: Check ibis website at least 20 days in advance for early bird rates frequently discounted to 49€/night for either property (no changes allowed after booking this rate). GPS: N51 02.589 E13 44.002. Railers, exit main train station Ausgang City and follow the flow of people over the tram tracks into Prager Strasse. Continue past the tall Pullman hotel and the ibis hotels are ahead on the left. Drivers, behind the ibis properties (on Reitbahnstrasse), you have the option of parking in an open-air lot (6€/day) or a multistory garage (10€/day but notify ibis reception for the discount). To reach either parking possibility, enter the above GPS coordinates or “Reitbahnstrasse” into your navigation system. *Note: German and Austrian ibis hotels rarely offer studios and apartments as part of their accommodations. But here they do! And since the standard ibis room is small, two persons traveling together should consider paying the few euros upgrade for the studio to significantly increase living quarters. There are only a total of 18 studios available so, if possible, book yours well in advance. For even more space, reserve the apartment. There are only nine of these. Lastly, the hotels keep their original names (Bastei, Lilienstein and Königstein) from the late ’60s (during the socialist GDR-era) and refer to peaks and places in the Saxon Switzerland National Park.
$$$ Pullman Hotel Newa, (Prager Strasse 2, tel. 0351/48140, or toll-free reservations from USA/Canada 1-800-515-5679, use of free Internet computer in lobby or Wi-Fi for purchase). I’ve inspected many Accor Group properties throughout Germany and Austria and this one stands tall among its hospitable brethren, literally. Rising 14 stories above the pedestrian shopping mall (Prager Strasse), only three minutes by foot from Sir Norman Foster’s freshly restored Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and a short ten-minute walk to the Old Town, this Pullman hotel is contemporary, urbane, air-conditioned, and well-located. Emblazoned across its front door is the hotel motto: “Check in. Chill out.” Which is palpable upon entering. Adjoining the lobby, Pullman’s chic restaurant and cocktail lounge offer guests a restful oasis of appetizing possibilities. Upstairs, each of the property’s 300 *average-sized rooms are made doubly big by their floor-to-ceiling window affording such astonishing views over Dresden that people who have a fear of heights should request a lower floor (e.g. the sixth would be fine). Even the glass shower parked in the middle of the room is fully exposed to the eye-popping vista of the Old Town and beyond (note that the provided curtain can be closed around the shower for privacy). Suggestion: For the best view, (check in early and) request an upper-floor room facing the Old Town. *Or, for about 50€ extra per night, book one of the (six) much larger deluxe rooms/suites available on the top (14th) floor. PRICE, (book online at least 7 days in advance for best rate), sgl from 84€, dbl from 94€, deluxe from 134€, breakfast 18€/person (or for less money Pullman guests can walk across Prager Strasse to the first “ibis” hotel, the Bastei, and pay 10€ for their breakfast, or step into the past at the turn-of-the-century themed diner "Dresden 1900" for its breakfast buffet—Mon-Sat 8:00-11:00 9.70€, Sunday brunch 9:00-14:00 14.50€—in the Old Town across from the Frauenkirche). GPS: N51 02.552 E13 44.098. Railers, exit main train station Ausgang City and follow the flow of people over the tram tracks into Prager Strasse. The Pullman hotel is the tallest building ahead on the right. Drivers, parking 12€/day, turn off St. Petersburger Strasse to the hotel’s front entrance. After unloading, reception will direct you where to park.
$$$ Aparthotel, (Neumarkt 7, corner of Landhausstrasse, tel. 0351/438-1110, free Wi-Fi or short use of desktop possible at reception). Possessing many of the conveniences of home, these splendid digs are modern apartments behind a historic facade positioned on the threshold of the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) in the heart of the Old Town. With plenty of room to stretch out and unpack your bags, each apartment includes a full kitchen, bathroom with shower-tube, plasma TV, lounge, and a clothes washing machine (but only a fold-out dry rack in place of a dryer). There are some 50 apartments and suites split between two neighboring Aparthotel properties: the “Altes Dresden” and “Neumarkt.” Sitting directly opposite the Frauenkirche, the preferred “Altes Dresden” charges a slightly higher price for its larger floor space and divine church views. A mere Texas two-step around the corner, the “Neumarkt” property is the main building where you check in. Note: Because these are fully furnished apartments, a minimum two-night stay is required. There is no fitness center here but reception can arrange an 8€ day pass into the Hilton fitness center, which includes the use of saunas, whirlpools, a swimming pool, and (for an extra fee) access to the solarium, massage therapy and much more. PRICE (depending on season and whether any events or conventions are scheduled), one-room studio apartment (max 3 pax) 75-170€; two-room apartment (max 4 pax) 85-200€; 1 x suite with balcony (in the Altes Dresden, max 4 pax) 179-360€; 1 x three-room apartment (in the Neumarkt, max 5 pax) available; breakfast 12€ (or prepare your own in your kitchen). CC: VC, MC. Railers, exit east side of main train station “Ausgang 1” and catch a cab (about 7€) to Landhausstrasse and Neumarkt. Check in at souvenir shop. Drivers, hotel parking 15€/day. From the city center (Zentrum/Altstadt) turn off Pirnaischer Platz into Landhausstrasse and your digs are at the end of this street on the right; check in at souvenir shop.
$$$$ Hilton Hotel, (tel. 0351/86420, toll-free reservations from USA/Canada 1-800-445-8667 or within Europe 00800/4445-8667, use of Internet computer and Wi-Fi for purchase). Located in the heart of the city’s historic center, this fashionable brand can be found between the giant-domed Frauenkirche and the world’s largest porcelain mural (a.k.a. the Procession of Nobles). On premises are no less than 12 restaurants and bars to tempt your tastes. PRICE, (book ahead online for best rate—request corner room with river view), classic sgl/dbl 111-244€, deluxe room upgrade 25€, executive upgrade 55€, suite upgrade from 115€, breakfast 15-22€ (or for less money step into the past at the turn-of-the-century themed diner “Dresden 1900” for its breakfast buffet—Mon-Sat 8:00-11:00 9.70€, Sunday brunch 9:00-14:00 14.50€—on the other side of the Frauenkirche). GPS: N51 03.145 E13 44.434. Railers, exit east side of main train station “Ausgang 1” and either catch a cab (about 7€), or ride tram 8 (direction Hellerau) to Theaterplatz (then 5-min walk over cobblestones; exit tram left, bounce right around church, cross plaza to porcelain wall mural and follow this straight to your digs ahead on the left). Drivers, (parking 20€/day), hotel is tough to reach because of one-way streets and pedestrian zones; follow signs Zentrum/Altstadt then hotel route A towards the massive Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) and the Hilton is next to it. Enter either the above GPS coordinates or street “An der Frauenkirche 5” into your navigation system.
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(This page was last updated June 2011)
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