Hilton Dresden

The Hilton Dresden is an established city hotel in the heart of the historic old town, just a few steps away from the Frauenkirche, the Semper Opera House and the banks of the Elbe. In our experience review, we share our impressions of our stay in a King Junior Suite Duplex, the breakfast offer, the Executive Lounge and the spa and fitness area. Whether city travellers, business travellers or Hilton Honors members - the hotel has a lot to offer, but also has some small weaknesses.

Booking, arrival and check-in

We made our reservation for the Hilton Dresden directly via the official Hilton website, as this is the most reliable way to benefit from possible upgrades and status advantages. We had originally booked a room in the most basic category, the ‘Hilton Double Guest Room’. Three days before our arrival, we received our first upgrade to a Double Deluxe Room. But it didn't stop there: after a friendly enquiry in the Hilton chat, we were finally promised a King Junior Suite Duplex. The spacious room on two floors promised significantly more comfort and offered a beautiful view.

Check-in at the Hilton Dresden, on the other hand, was rather businesslike. After a short wait, we signed the registration form and received our room cards. However, we did not receive a personal welcome or any indication of our Hilton Honours status. The process was efficient but impersonal.

Where is the Hilton Dresden?

The location of the Hilton Dresden could hardly be better for a city trip. It is located in the centre of the historic old town, surrounded by the city's most important sights. The Frauenkirche, the Semper Opera House, the banks of the Elbe and numerous museums are just a few steps away - ideal for anyone who wants to explore Dresden on foot.

For guests arriving by car, the hotel has its own underground car park. The car park currently charges 28 euros per night. If you would like to park for less, there are alternatives in the immediate vicinity, such as the multi-storey car park at the Semperoper or other public car parks within walking distance.

What are the rooms like at the Hilton Dresden?

The Hilton Dresden looks back on an eventful history: it was opened on 1 February 1990 as the "Hotel Dresdner Hof" - just a few months after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The architecture and design clearly reflect the time it was built: the floor plans are spacious, but the style is classically conservative and in some areas no longer quite contemporary. Nevertheless, the hotel is well maintained overall.

Our King Junior Suite Duplex on the 5th floor extended over two levels, offered plenty of space and was thoughtfully divided. When we checked in online, we had already tried to choose a room facing the Frauenkirche - in the hope of a nice view. Our room was indeed close to the desired corner, but while we looked out from the lower level towards the opposite façade, the upper floor offered a view of the quiet inner courtyard. We were therefore unable to enjoy a direct view of the Frauenkirche. Incidentally, the hotel also offers special rooms with a guaranteed view of the Frauenkirche for guests with a special view request - these are usually the corner rooms.

In the lower area of the suite there was a sofa, an armchair, a minibar and a television. To the right of the entrance door, a spiral staircase led up to the sleeping and working area. A comfortable double bed, a second sofa and a TV awaited us there. Two steps led up to a round dining table with a minibar, a large desk with matching chair and a spacious wardrobe. The bathroom on this level was equipped with a bathtub, double washbasin, toilet and bidet - it was spacious and functional.

The minibar was empty both upstairs and downstairs, but chilled. Unfortunately, there was also no water in the room, even for status guests. Instead, there was a carafe with which you could get fresh water from the water dispensers next to the lifts - a sustainable and well thought-out solution. Unfortunately, there was no small welcome gift.

Overall, the furnishings were in keeping with the style of the house: they were a little dated, but well maintained. What we really missed, however, were sockets by the bed. Although there were enough sockets in the room, they were in rather unfavourable places.

What is breakfast like at the Hilton Dresden?

Breakfast is served in the restaurant area directly in the lobby. With this open-plan solution, we initially feared that the high ceiling and spacious room would make it very noisy. Fortunately, however, the background noise was much more pleasant than expected. Despite the size of the room, we had a good breakfast.

The breakfast restaurant is open on weekdays from 6:30 to 10:30 and at weekends and on public holidays from 7:00 to 11:00. After the reception counter, you are kindly escorted to your table and filter coffee is served directly at your seat. However, the tables are relatively low, which makes eating a little uncomfortable.

The selection at the buffet is quite appealing for a hotel of this category. There are several buffet stations:

• an area with hot dishes such as scrambled eggs, fried eggs, small meatballs and pancakes, and
• a buffet with cold dishes such as cold cuts, salmon, fresh vegetables and various salads
• as well as a dessert section with yoghurt, quark, muesli and various types of milk, including lactose-free alternatives.

We particularly liked the area with fresh baked goods. In addition to bread rolls and croissants, there were also small pieces of cake for a sweet start to the day. A small but nice speciality was the Asian corner with miso soup, rice and various side dishes.

A juice dispenser, two fully automatic coffee machines and a well-stocked tea station were available for drinks. All in all, a solid breakfast offering with small highlights that make for a pleasant start to the day.

What is the Executive Lounge at the Hilton Dresden like?

The Executive Lounge of the Hilton Dresden is located on the first floor of the hotel and is easily accessible by lift or via the stairs in the lobby. Access is via an appropriately activated room card and is reserved for guests with lounge access or Hilton Honours status. During our stay, the lounge was open from 11:00 to 20:00. Breakfast is not served in the lounge, but in the hotel restaurant. However, the lounge offers two set service times: "tea time" from 15:00 to 17:00 and "pre-dinner time" from 18:00 to 20:00.

The room is divided into two areas. The front area is dominated by wooden tables and light-coloured leather chairs as well as a high bar table. The buffet is also located here. At the back, comfortable sofas invite you to linger. From here you even have a beautiful view of the Frauenkirche.

During "tea time", there was a selection of small cakes, including Dresdner Eierschecke, a local speciality. The offer was complemented by a fruit basket and various snacks. There were hot drinks such as coffee from the fully automatic machine as well as numerous types of tea. Soft drinks were also available, including water, juices, tonic and bitter lemon, as well as Fanta, Cola and Sprite from the vending machine.

At pre-dinner time, the menu was expanded. In addition to a savoury solyanka with plenty of garnish and sour cream, there were various salads, cold cuts, cheese, roast beef and grilled vegetables. The alcoholic beverages on offer included Radeberger Pils, Bayreuther Hell, red, white and rosé wine as well as sparkling wine. The selection of spirits was kept rather simple and included classics such as Gordon's gin, Gorbachev vodka and Bacardi rum.

What does the Hilton Dresden offer for relaxation?

After a long day in the city, the Hilton Dresden's LivingWell Health Club & Spa offers a welcome retreat for anyone who wants to relax. The spa area is located on the first floor and is easily accessible via a separate lift from the guest floors - ideal for getting there in your bathrobe. Use of the swimming pool and sauna regularly costs three euros per person, but is free of charge for Hilton Honours status guests.

The fitness area is open around the clock and is equipped with a solid selection of equipment for endurance and strength training. The following opening hours apply to all other areas:

• Fitness room: daily, 24 hours
• Swimming pool: 06:30-21:30 (Wednesdays from 07:00)
• Outdoor whirlpool: 09:30-21:30
• Finnish sauna: 09:00-21:00
• Steam bath and other saunas: on request, 11:00-21:00

The swimming pool itself consists of a smaller pool with a depth of 1.70 metres and an outdoor whirlpool, which is particularly pleasant on cooler days. Loungers are available around the pool. However, the area does not necessarily invite you to linger for longer, as the atmosphere was rather cool and somewhat noisy during our visit.

Nevertheless, the spa area is a good option for a short break between sightseeing and dinner. Those looking for an extended wellness experience may not get their money's worth here, but for a city hotel in this location, the offer is quite solid.

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