Here are our thoughts on some of the places we stayed/dined/explored on our trip to Dresden at the end of January and earlier this month.
Gewandhaus--Excellent hotel!!! Location is ideal, a short walk the heart of the historical area, but on a nice quiet street. The staff were excellent, from housekeeping to the front desk, to the restaurant. We started our trip here, then ventured to Prague and then came back to this hotel before we flew home. Both rooms we had were excellent with no room for improvement. They were very well kept, well laid out, etc. I loved the touch of the green apples on small white plates on the beside stands. After eating out while traveling, fresh fruit is welcomed! We normally do not opt for hotel breakfasts, but my husband insisted on this and he was right. He ha stayed here numerous times for work, so I trusted him. The restaurant for dinner is very good as well. The steak salad is excellent! We enjoyed the afternoon tea/cake shop as a nice way to take a break in the afternoon. The hotel has a parking lot across the street, which we used. There are many very good restaurants within just a block or so of the hotel, and a tram stop a block away. It is an easy walk from here to the main train station as well.
Camondas Schokoladen--I stopped in here after wandering around the historical center all day. I knew the brand from their other shop in town, but was thrilled to find this one had a cafe. I ordered a tart that was very light, like a meringue, and a bottle of water. The lady that helped me was very friendly and helpful, asking if I wanted tap water or bottled, and showed me the options. The cafe was very inviting and felt very relaxing. I could have stayed in there all day. There is a restroom as well, which was kept very clean.
Sfizio--I stumbled upon this place as I had been out and about all day and was only hungry enough for a very light late lunch. I ordered the bruschetta and it was excellent. I was treated very well, even though I was not ordering a regular meal. The restaurant is very cozy and has a great atmosphere and the few people working were very friendly and attentive. I wished we had time to return for a real meal here, but definitely next time!
La Osteria--There are several locations, but we stopped at the one a block from our hotel. We had dinner here and very much enjoyed it. We were not sure what one ingredient was (rocket) and asked the waiter. He was funny as he kept saying it is rocket, that is English, and we should know (but not in a rude or mean way). He finally got some arugula and put it on a plate and brought it to us and said "rocket". So at least we knew what it was:) We shared a pizza and it was very good. Service was good as well.