We will be visiting Dresden for two nights in May -- one couple, one single, all three adults. It has been kind of confusing trying to find a place to stay. I did send an inquiry to the Pension Zwinger, which offers apartments and looks lovely. It is apparently located near the city center, but now I wonder if that is a good place to stay. I keep seeing about the area just over the river which can be loud with bars and restaurants, and I am starting to wonder if that would be a better to get into the city center during the day, then go to another area in the evening for dinner, etc. and actually stay in that area. I want to be convenient to the city center and do prefer walking as much as possible, but also want to make sure restaurants for breakfast and dinner and some entertainment options (no matter how limited) are close by in the evenings for fun. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Pension am Zwinger is actually in a good location for what you want. There's a pretty good breakfast place across the street (Maximus, attached to the Art Hotel) which offers breakfast buffet for 8.90 Euro. And why not having breakfast right there at the Pension am Zwinger?

Also, some restaurants *are* in the area. Again, one is in the Art Hotel. Another one is around the corner offering local food (Am Schiesshaus). Another one is on top of the Yenidze (with terrace and great views). Two more are down by the river (in the Maritim hotel and the Chiaveri in the parliament building). And the old town is only a 5-10 minutes walk away.

Besides, you only need to hop on a tram that takes you into the Neustadt district across the river where the 'night' action takes place (but more for the younger crowds).

Entertainment options - depends on what you're looking for. Opera, State theatre are a five minutes walk from the Pension am Zwinger. Theme restaurant with actors for entertainment ditto (Sophienkeller).

I would probably not want to stay right in the 'nightlife' district across the river. Too noisy for my taste. Hotel Martha Hospiz would be an option, it is located in a quiet area across the river, between the old town and the 'nightlife' district.

Thanks so, so much, kind sir.

Thought I would follow up. Pension Zwinger was wonderful -- a spacious, clean apartment just a short walk from the city center and near the trolley line to visit other parts of the city. We thought Dresden was lovely.

Glad to hear that! Thanks for the feedback.