If you want to stay at the heart of royal Dresden, this is the address. The Taschenbergpalais was built from 1705 by Augustus the Strong for his mistress, Countess Cosel, and stands directly opposite the Residenzschloss and the Green Vault, with the Zwinger, the Semperoper and the Frauenkirche all a few minutes’ walk away. Destroyed in 1945, the palace was rebuilt behind its Baroque façade as a Kempinski hotel, and today it is the city’s classic five-star choice. The 180 rooms and 31 suites were redesigned by the interior architect Markus Hilzinger, pairing calm modern comfort with the scale of a palace; the best look out over the castle or the Zwinger. Dining is varied: Das Palais serves regional cuisine, Kastenmeiers is known for fresh fish, the Amalie Pâtisserie and Lounge is the place for afternoon tea, and Bar 1705 mixes cocktails. The spa has an indoor pool, saunas, a steam bath and a fitness area, and the hotel has its own chapel and grand event rooms, including the Kurfürstensaal for up to five hundred guests.
Location and getting around: you are on the Taschenberg in the Old Town, with the castle across the lane, TimeRide next door and the Zwinger around the corner. Everything in the historic centre, including the Frauenkirche, Brühl’s Terrace and the Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt, is within ten minutes on foot. Trams stop nearby at the Postplatz, the main station is a short tram or taxi ride away, and the Neustadt is a walk across the Augustus Bridge.
Rooms: categories run from classic rooms facing the inner courtyard or the side streets to rooms and suites with views of the Residenzschloss and the Zwinger, which are worth the premium for a special trip. Interiors are elegant and understated, with generous space by Old Town standards and quiet, well-insulated windows.
Who it suits: couples on a celebration or Advent break, culture lovers who want the opera and museums on the doorstep, families who appreciate space and a pool, and anyone who wants the full grand hotel experience.
Good to know: breakfast is usually charged unless included in your rate, and rates rise sharply on Advent weekends and around major concerts, so book early. Ask about parking and valet arrangements in advance, as the area around the castle is largely pedestrianised. For the quietest stay, request a courtyard-facing room on a higher floor.
Why stay here
- ✓Baroque palace opposite the Residenzschloss
- ✓Indoor pool, saunas and steam bath
- ✓Das Palais regional restaurant
- ✓Kastenmeiers fish restaurant
- ✓Amalie Pâtisserie and afternoon tea
- ✓Bar 1705 cocktail bar
- ✓Fitness area and spa treatments
- ✓Concierge and room service
Good questions
Where is the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski?+
It stands at Taschenberg 3 in the Old Town, directly opposite the Residenzschloss and the Green Vault. The Zwinger and Semperoper are a few minutes away on foot.
Does the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski have a pool?+
Yes, the spa has an indoor pool, saunas, a steam bath and a fitness area. Massages and treatments can be booked.
Which restaurants are at the Taschenbergpalais?+
Das Palais serves regional cuisine, Kastenmeiers specialises in fish and the Amalie Pâtisserie and Lounge serves afternoon tea. Bar 1705 is the cocktail bar.
