I am taking a weekend trip from Berlin where I will be staying with my daughter and we need to know the best location for a hotel (as well as good local resturants). Is there a specific name for the area within Dresden. We are open to price. Also is there parking in the area as we will be driving. Thanks in advance!

I stayed at the Hilton Dresden. I wasn't driving so am not sure about parking; however, you could easily check their website. It is very nice and has a fabulous location, about 3 minutes away from the Frauenkirche, the Elbe and no more than 10 minutes (at most) to the Residenz-Schloss, Hofkirche, Zwinger, etc.

Hello kadurk:

If you would like something in the old town, near the Zwinger, Opera etc. check out the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski. Expensive but terrific. Gradyghost

We stayed at the modern Art Hotel in Dresden, not far from the Zwinger. Nice, reasonable and well located.

Best location in which terms? There's enough parking anywhere (sadly, IMO) in the city.

Closest to the main sights in the old town (Altstadt) you'll find some luxury hotels like the Kempinski Taschenbergpalais (as recommended by gradyghost, HI!), the Hilton, the Steigenberger. In 5-10 minutes walking distance to the sights there is another highly recommended five star hotel with very reasonable rates: The Radisson SAS Gewandhaus hotel.

IMO more charming is the New Town (Neustadt) - where I can highly recommend the smaller Bülow Residenz hotel, a five star in a Baroque town house with gourmet restaurant. It's only across the river from the old town, 10 minutes to walk or one tram stop away.

Local restaurants? Which price range?

Ingo

Hello kadurk:

If you visit this board, you know that Ingo is our Dresden authority. His suggestion of the Bülow Residenz is a good one. I looked carefully at this property before opting for the Taschenbergpalais. Gradyghost