Ingo:

We are new to this area of the Fodor's Boards because, after waiting too many years, we finally have the opportunity to visit Dresden in 2007. We noticed your incredible knowledge of Dresden from prior postings and hope you do not mind helping two "newbies." Our first task is hotel hunting. This is a special trip for us (to celebrate my retirement), so we are looking to stay at the Bulow Residenz. We understand that hotel is in Neustadt, instead of the Alstadt. Is staying in Neustadt convenient, or should we consider the Kempinski instead? Although we are directing this message to Ingo (the Dresden sage), we welcome advice from everyone. Many thanks!

Hi,

I am right now out of town (in Hamburg), and do not have much time. But here is a quick note:

I would prefer the Bülow Residenz. It is smaller, more familiar ambience and it is quieter. It's just a five or ten minutes walk across the bridge to the old town and the main sights. I like the narrow cobbled streets and original old town houses in that district (inner Neustadt) very much.

The Taschenbergpalais is a real Grand Hotel, large, impressive, and of course VERY centrally located as you already know. There are more choices for dining IN this hotel (but there are plenty of restaurants/cafes near the Bülow Residenz) and it is only a few steps from the main sights.

I'd say it really depends if you like the bigger or the smaller hotels. The service etc. is pretty much the same. Oops, I forgot: The Taschenbergpalais has a great spa, as far as I know the Bülow not.

I'll be back home on Thursday and look forward to help you with more questions.

Greetings from Hamburg!

Ingo

(When you have time to answer) Ingo, is the work finished in front of the Hilton in Dresden? When we were considering a stay there in May, you warned us that it was a construction zone (thanks!).

Ingo:

Many thanks for your quick reply and insightful comments. We now have a most difficult choice. Also, we appreciate your offer to answer more questions. We will definitely take you up on the offer as we further our research into what to see and do during our three days in Dresden next June. (Yes, we are very early planners!) Please enjoy the rest of your stay in Hamburg and have a safe trip home.

I am back home, enjoyed my time in Hamburg very much. Now you can keep the questions coming ;-)

BTilke - the construction in front of the Hilton is almost completed. The street is paved with cobblestones, the facades of the block vis-a-vis are finished, they only have to do some work inside that block. The opening of the shopping arcades, hotel, restaurants etc. is planned for late Sept this year. It seems this complex called Prisco-Passage is going to become a very nice place (upscale).

MrZee - to advise you properly on what to do and see I need to know a bit about your interests. It doesn't make sense to recommend a visit of the Picture Gallery Old Masters if you don't like this sort of pictures, right?

Be prepared that May is peak season, especially the weekends and German holidays (1 May, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday/Monday). It is not too early to make a reservation for a particularly good hotel room.

Ingo