Dresden suggestion

I love to stay at the Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel. It's right on the Elbe on the New Town side of the river and is a short stroll to restaurants and sights on either side (or the streetcars are right there). I never get tired of looking at the Old Town skyline from my hotel room. It also has a large pool which is great for summer visits.

I like it so much I'll be back for my 4th visit later this month!

I loved my stay at the Steigenberger right on the main square of the old town: https://hrewards.com/de/steigenberger-hotel-de-saxe-dresden

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I stayed at this hotel in Dresden, which is right across from the rail station - https://intercityhotel-dresden.h-rez.com/index.htm?lbl=ggl-en-rsp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=170084985&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-KrcpbuhlAMVGyKtBh2uoiBfEAAYASAAEgJAw_D_BwE . It's within easy walking distance from a large pedestrian mall with all kinds of shops and restaurants. The hotel served a good breakfast and the room was modern, clean and comfortable. As I recall they provided a free transit pass, and the tram station is right outside the front door.

We were recently at the NH Collection Altmarkt, which I might describe (Rick-esquly) as a worthwhile splurge Business Hotel. Dresden is large enough that you will be taking multiple trams every day. And there are multiple rail stations, many of which share the same trains. (I mean, unlike, say, Paris or London.) The Altmarkt is an historical name for a huge, barren modern plaza surrounded by postwar construction.

That said, I found some value to be walking distance from most of the cultural monuments, and the Elbe. Most of the many restaurants were on the small side, even in this touristy area. Reservations recommended, even, "expected". In July, I'd want the best air conditioning possible.

The old town is more touristy and most of the main sights are in short walking distance. Many hotels in the 4-5 star range. The new town has a split personality - Inner new town (Elbe river to Albertplatz) is in parts well preserved with architecture from the Baroque era. Nice, relatively quiet. The Outer new town is more vibrant, the nightlife district with lots of clubs, ethnic restaurants, bars, quirky shops and artisans. It has well preserved 19th century architecture.

If your plan is to see the highlights (State Art Collections, Frauenkirche, Zwinger, Semperoper ...) then stay in the old town. Plenty of excellent hotels there - Taschenbergpalais, Steigenberger de Saxe, Suitess. However, if you don't mind to walk a little longer (10-15 minutes across Augustus bridge) to those highlights and want to avoid the tourist crowds (mostly) then stay in the Inner new town. Recommended hotels are e.g. the Bilderberg (but make sure to book a room to the riverside!), Bülow Residenz (both five star level), Bülow Palais (four star, a historic building) or Hotel Martha (3 star).