We will begin in Dresden 15 Aug 2011. Would love some suggestions for hotels and highlights for both. We prefer a quiet location, not overly modern, friendly, clean, comfortable, and fairly close to historic or highlights. A hotel we feel happy to come back to and can relax in, but we don't need fancy amenities. Not too pricy, but we are definitely not budget traveler's either. Also would like suggestions on how long needed for each, and any great side trips. We are more laid back liking to take our time and not rush, and are thinking of 4 days/nights each city. I am interested in any Jewish historical sites too. We both love art, architecture, culture, food.

Here's a recent thread on day trips from Dresden.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...n-168782-2.cfm

These are the hotels I liked in Dresden that are available for three nights starting the 15th:

Four or Five star hotels:

Innside by Melia: 105 euros per night. I liked it, probably too modern for you. Good location.
http://www.innside.de/_new/innside_p...c=1&kalender=1

Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe: 115 euros per night. Probably the closest fit to your brief.
http://www.steigenberger.com/en/Dresden

note: the Radisson Gewandhaus is available for 111 euros per night and is popular. It's a very good hotel, but we didn't warm up to it the way others have.
http://www.radissonblu.com/gewandhaushotel-dresden

3 star:
Aparthotel Altes Dresden. 86 euros per night. Highly recommended. My favourite place to stay in Dresden. Small kitchen in the standard unit, larger kitchen with dishwasher in the larger unit. Great view of the Frauenkirche.
http://www.aparthotels-frauenkirche....n-english.html

Try this reliable site. You can select how many stars or a price range. Also select one mile that will be close to the city center. booking.com/dresden booking.com/prague Information on Prague for download. www.inyourpocket.com/CzechRepublic/Prague

I didn't check if they're available, but I'd recommend these:

http://www.hotel-martha-hospiz.de/

www.pension-zwinger.de

Side trips from Dresden:
Meissen, Pirna, National Park Saxon Switzerland, Freiberg, Bautzen, Görlitz, Radebeul with the vineyards (www.schloss-wackerbarth.de), castles Weesenstein, Moritzburg, Lauenstein, fortress Königstein (www.schloesserland-sachsen.de)

I.