We plan an Elbe River cruise next year with 2-3 day stays at each of above. Any suggestions for pensions or garnis? Be great if located close to city center but not mandatory.

My wife and I stayed at Pension Peters in the Charlottenburg part of Berlin. Google it and you will get all you need to know. We got a very nice room with bath and balcony. Some have bath and bathroom down hall. Very interesting place. Check it out.

I stayed at and can recommend highly Hotel Am Savignyplatz in Berlin.

We stayed at the Hotel-Pension Bregenz. It is off the Kurfurstendam fairly near the Tiergarten and close to good bus service. It is inexpensive, but perfectly pleasant and comfortable.

Forgot to say that we stayed at U Karlova Mostu in Prague. Very nice. Just a few steps away from the Charles Bridge. As I recall that was more expensive, but we really liked the room.

In Prague, I can recommend Pension Kern. It's definitely off the beaten path, located in one of the peripheral neighborhoods, and a short bus ride away from the center(s) of the city. However, given the crowds that Prague draws, we found it delightful to be able to rest in a quiet residential area away from city noise.

Anyway, it's reasonably priced, extremely comfortable, and serves a hearty breakfast. Businesspeople are Kern's main customers, so the host's hospitality is tailored to their needs.