HotelChatter

We like that nearly every one of the 235 rooms has a different layout, some with cathedral ceilings, others with a cool loft design. The oversized floral decals on the wall actually blend into the custom-made curtains creating one big optical illusion. Plus, the red headboard gives another unexpected splash of color, and its etched with the phrase "Wie man sich bettet. So liegt man."

After using Google translate (using the hotel’s free WiFi!), we figured out it loosely means, “There's no overestimating a good night's sleep”. Amen! We sunk in the duvet-topped platford bed and fell out quickly each night.

The hotel’s location is good or not so much, depending on you’re agenda. For tourists (no, that’s not a bad word) who pour in to take in Saxony’s 800-year old capital, it’s right across the street from Residence Castle, and a short walk to the Theaterplatz, Semper Opera House, and the ornate Frauenkirche.

But, if you’re looking to explore Dresden’s gritty, but up-and-coming Neustadt district, filled with beer gardens, clubs and a growing restaurant scene, you’ll need to take a 10-minute, 10 euro cab ride there--a fine compromise.

Rates at the Swissôtel Dresden begin at 99 euros a night.

[Disclosure: Chanize was a guest of the Swissotel but all views and opinions expressed are her own.]