Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski

Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Overview

You know what hits you first when you walk into the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski? It’s not just that it’s gorgeous – though honestly, the restored baroque details will make you stop mid-step – it’s that this place has actual history seeping from the walls. I mean, you’re literally staying in what used to be a royal palace, right in the heart of Dresden’s Altstadt. The building survived World War II bombings (barely) and they’ve done this incredible job bringing it back to life without making it feel like a museum.

The location is pretty much perfect if you want to explore Dresden properly. You can walk to the Frauenkirche in maybe three minutes, and the Zwinger palace complex is right there too. What I really appreciated was how quiet the rooms are despite being smack in the tourist center – the old stone walls are thick, so you’re not hearing every tour group that walks by. The rooms themselves feel appropriately grand without being stuffy, though I’ll be honest, the marble bathrooms are almost intimidatingly fancy. Check-in was smooth, and the staff actually knows the city well enough to give you restaurant recommendations that aren’t just the obvious tourist traps.

Here’s what really sets this place apart though – it’s one of those rare hotels where the luxury feels earned rather than flashy. The spa area downstairs has this incredible pool that feels like you’re swimming in a grotto, and the restaurants (there are several) actually serve food that locals eat at too, not just hotel guest fare. Parking is handled by valet, which you’ll want because navigating the Altstadt’s narrow streets in a rental car is… well, let’s just say it’s an adventure. The breakfast spread is extensive – proper German breads, local cheeses, the works – and they serve it until a reasonable hour, not some ridiculous 9 AM cutoff. If you’re visiting during December, you’re perfectly positioned for the Striezelmarkt Christmas market, but honestly, any time of year this place works. It’s expensive, sure, but when you’re staying in a piece of Dresden’s story that’s been this carefully restored, it sort of makes sense.

Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Accommodations

Reviews of Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski

• The best hotel in Dresden – Richard from United Kingdom – August 4, 2025 (10/10)

  This is a gorgeous hotel. The room was amazing with a stunning view of the palace. The swimming pool was good. But the best thing was the staff. They were simply superb.
  
  What could be improved: The bar lacked atmosphere and the wine choices were disappointing.

• A Masterclass in How to Be a Five-Star Hotel – Pablo from United States – August 2, 2025 (10/10)

  This hotel is the textbook definition of what a five-star experience should be. It doesn’t just check the boxes, it rewrites the exam.
  The building itself is stunning, a former 18th-century palace that was heavily damaged in the 1945 bombing of Dresden and perfectly restored. The latest renovation, completed in 2023, is nothing short of magnificent, an architectural gem for both history and modern luxury.
  The staff? A flawless combination of German efficiency and genuine attentiveness. No hollow smiles, no fussing, just calm, competent people who actually do things. Refreshing, isn’t it?
  I traveled with my family and we booked two rooms: a Palais Room for my wife and me, and a Grand Palais Room (larger, as the name suggests) for the kids. Both rooms featured separate showers and bathtubs, gorgeous hardwood parquet flooring, and top-tier linens, towels, and toiletries. Not a chipped tile or sad pillow in sight.
  Pro tip: don’t miss the bar downstairs. The cakes are borderline criminal in their deliciousness. I still think about them….
  I’d love to offer constructive criticism, I really would, but the truth is, I can’t think of a single thing I’d change. It’s that good.
  Well… one thing. Leaving is hard. Brutally hard. You’ve been warned.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Fabulous luxury stay in the heart of Dresden – Teresa from United States – July 24, 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location. Super comfortable bed. Large beautiful room with lots of thoughtful upgraded touches.
  
  What could be improved: Cost for parking is 30€

• Very enjoyable stay, perfect location, beautiful hotel, blackout has its issues – Marko from Slovakia – July 14, 2025 (8/10)

  Location is simply marvelous, as the hotel is situated in the very center of the city, facing the stunning Zwinger, Semperoper, and Residenzschloss. No taxis or public transit are necessary, since literally everything worthwhile is within walking distance.
  The hotel itself is beautiful, a true Baroque gem of Dresden—this applies to all premises: halls, restaurants, even the spa, which is finished in a modern style.
  We loved our corner room (No. 349), with beautiful views. The interior was lovely, and you can definitely see all the well-thought-out details and finishes. The pillows were super comfortable and fluffy.
  Gym was adequate, with interesting and quality equipment and a nice atmosphere.
  We also enjoyed our visit to Bar 1705; signature drinks and currywurst were excellent.
  Room service was prompt and the club sandwich was delicious.
  
  What could be improved: Check-in was smooth, and two gentlemen who were trainees did their best. However, no information was provided about breakfast, spa, or dinner options at the hotel. This is of course no big deal, since we contacted reception desk later via phone in the room and our questions were answered.
  As we celebrated our anniversary (and this was communicated several months before our stay), I'd have expected at least a small something, perhaps some chocolate treats or a tiny bottle of sparkling wine. Nothing at all was provided, not even a word from staff. Not to mention no personalised welcome card, which is honestly a standard even in 4* hotels.
  Also, we received no "goodbye-something" upon the check out. In other 5* hotels, we enjoyed local marmalade, local wafers etc. Or, at least, we were offered some water.
  As a 5-star hotel, you should have full blackout curtains, meaning absolute darkness in the room if desired. You do have them, even with appropriate rails (allowing the curtains to overlap). Unfortunately, there is no such curtain in the bathroom, meaning we had MUCH light in the room from around 5 AM. (please see the enclosed photo.)
  Breakfast was OK, for a 5* hotel with this price tag, I'd expect even more local treats and perhaps more fresh juice options (more than orange and grapefruit). And some cakes from Amalie, perhaps.

• Best place where to stay in Dresden – Rudite from Latvia – July 9, 2025 (9/10)

  Best hotel in Dresden , well renovated, comfortable rooms, good breakfast, nice restaurants and excellent location.
  
  What could be improved: Cold swimming pool

• Best value for money Hotel, ever!!! – Neoklis-vicky from Greece – July 3, 2025 (10/10)

  This Hotel is something you should not miss! In the heart of Dresden, next to all the sightseeings. Top service, top style, top bathroom, top matress, the best Hotel! The place where we had the breakfast was amazing.
  
  What could be improved: The presentation of the buffet could have been better, although the variety and the quality were top!

• Luxury hotel with good breakfast – Sharmishta from Germany – July 1, 2025 (9/10)

  Room is luxury
  Windows open fully
  Linen is good
  Breakfast is good
  Friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: No AC/ didn’t work properly

• Overall a very good stay. – Stephanie from United States – June 27, 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent choices.
  
  What could be improved: The menu choices were limited and quantity and quality were variable. For example: the fish stew the 1st time we ordered was outstanding, the second time is was good but the broth was not as good, the third time we ordered broth was okay had two shrimp and NO FISH whatsoever. Ordered a third time requesting that they remember to put fish in the fish stew, it came with a little bit of fish, two shrimp and the broth was okay. Ordered the risotto twice, again first time it was delicious hearty meal, second time taste was still excellent but the portion was so small we had to order more food. Consistency is important.

• Lovely hotel in an ideal location. Unfortunately, its staff and service do not rise to 5 star level, however. – Robert from Spain – June 19, 2025 (8/10)

  The location is excellent. It is clean and stylish.
  
  What could be improved: For a five star hotel, the staff is underperforming. Staff knocked at our door mistakenly to carry out a request for another room. Room service breakfast arrived with no explanation that hot items were in a keep-warm compartment under the tablecloth. (Of course, staff should have taken these out and set them on the tablecloth.) The error was discovered only after I called and asked for a replacement, which staff misinterpreted as a request for an additional(second) plate of eggs. Upon checkout, I requested that the final invoice be emailed to me. It was not. I needed to call some days later to secure that. Part of the problem seems to be that many staff spoke little or no English, something I seldom encounter in true 5 star hotels.

• Exceptional – Dominik from Germany – June 17, 2025 (10/10)

  Historical building, freshly renovated, amazing interior

Surroundings