Search Gemut.com
 

Skeptics yelped in the early 1900s when developers announced plans to relieve Dresden’s hotel shortage by converting a dormitory for Technische Universität students into first-class lodgings. Indeed, the 12-story prefab exterior exemplifies socialist GDR blandness. But a top-to-bottom makeover (including an inviting bright-yellow entryway) and a desirable location on an Elbe embankment make this a recommendable, reasonably priced choice. A 15- to 20-minute walk gets you to the Neumarkt.

All 189 rooms reflect socialist equality: same size, standardized appointments, and large windows. Views make a difference, however. An upper-floor room on the east-facing side rewards occupants with vistas past the Carolabrücke bridge, taking in the new Synagogue, Frauenkirche dome, Hofkirche and Kreuzkirche towers, and other Altstadt landmarks.

What had been the students’ cafeteria is now named Pavillon, a semicircular restaurant where Saxon specialties and Italian pastas dominate the menu. It opens onto a terrace for outdoor dining. Draft beers are poured in the two-level lobby bar, positioned for across-the-river views of Saxony’s gilded-topped state Finance Ministry.

Daily Rates: Singles €82–75, doubles €100–115
Contact: Hotel Am Terrassenufer, Terrassenufer 12, D-01069 Dresden, tel. +49/351/490/9500, fax 351/490/9600, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rating: Quality 11/20, Value 13/20