Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in Dresden: A winter fairy tale in a grand hotel

Taschenbergpalais Dresden: Teddy Bear on Ice

With Teddy in tow, I headed to the Grand Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in December, during the pre-Christmas season . Those who have followed my blog for a while know that my heart beats for unique hotels with a history. Stories not only make us unique, but also the places we visit. You can feel the special atmosphere in the rooms and perhaps even be transported to another time. That's exactly how it feels when you first enter the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in Dresden.

Press trip to the Grand Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski

Grand Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski

There are hotels, and then there are grand hotels that don't just enchant you, but make dreams come true. Hotels whose mere presence transports you to another, magical world. The Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in Dresden is one such exceptional hotel. Located right in the heart of Dresden's Old Town, surrounded by numerous impressive landmarks such as the Frauenkirche , the Zwinger Palace , and the Semperoper opera house , this grand hotel is not just any address, but a historically fascinating building deeply intertwined with Dresden's history and culture. A hotel with a unique character and history. Originally built in the 18th century by the Saxon Elector Augustus "the Strong" for his mistress, Countess Anna Constantia von Cosel, the building was faithfully reconstructed in 1995 after being destroyed by air raids during World War II in 1945.

Best location: Right in the heart of Dresden

Imagine stepping outside your door and finding yourself just a few steps away from some of Dresden's most beautiful sights. The Taschenbergpalais, with its imposing entrance, is a sight to behold in itself. In no time at all, you can reach the Royal Palace , the Semperoper opera house, or the Frauenkirche church. During the Advent season, one of the world's oldest Christmas markets, the magnificent Striezelmarkt , is also nearby, inviting you to stroll and sample its countless delicious Christmas treats.

Reside like royalty: Our room in the Taschenbergpalais Dresden

Pure luxury: The room exceeded all our expectations! Spacious, brightly colored, and with a direct view of the Zwinger, it offers everything one could wish for while traveling. The timelessly elegant furnishings with French charm perfectly complement the rest of the hotel. From the high-quality materials to the airy ceiling height, every detail has been carefully selected and harmoniously coordinated. The bathroom is spacious and luxuriously appointed.

For me, an important component for a restful night away from home is first and foremost a comfortable bed in which you can sleep well. I went to bed in the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski and immediately felt as if I was walking on clouds. Allergy pillows and a pillow menu are available. What could be nicer than a good night's sleep, waking up fresh in the morning and looking at baroque buildings that stand out behind the romantic windows? For me it was an absolute moment of happiness.

Ice, Ice Baby on the rink

Have you ever seen a hotel with its own ice rink? I hadn't either, until my visit to the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski. So I was all the more delighted when I learned that the hotel offers its own ice rink from November 24, 2018, to January 27, 2019. Both hotel guests and anyone who simply wants to go ice skating are welcome. Of course, I immediately packed my own skates and was looking forward to skating a few laps. There's also a skate rental service on site.

Of course, Teddy couldn't be missing as a photo buddy! It was his first trip so far and also his debut on ice but I think he still cut a better figure than me. After a few years of "abstinence from ice skating" it was like learning to walk for me. After a few laps, I really enjoyed skating again. Afterwards you can warm up at the winter hut at the ice rink with a mulled wine and a delicious crêpe.

Culinary delights in the Taschenbergpalais in four unique restaurants

At the Taschenbergpalais, indulgence is paramount not only in the accommodations but also in the culinary offerings. I love it when hotels offer not just one restaurant, but several. At the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski, you can embark on an extraordinary culinary journey. There are four restaurants here , and each one is unique:

Meeting point for gourmets: the Intermezzo restaurant

Experience the taste of Mediterranean freshness at Restaurant Intermezzo . Head chef Jörg Mergner conjures up culinary masterpieces: "The flavor should be authentic, the dish unique." In the summer months, the picturesque courtyard invites guests to elegant dinners under the stars.

French charm in the middle of Dresden: The Palais Bistro

Truffled tarte flambée, coq au vin, or a classic crème brûlée – the Palais Bistro is dedicated to authentic French cuisine. I had a delicious potato omelet with chestnuts and pumpkin ragout. Sooo good!

Cafe Vestibule

As someone with a sweet tooth, I always enjoy coffee and fresh cake. The cozy and elegant Café Vestibul , which caught my eye as soon as I arrived, is located in front of the grand staircase designed by the Baroque architect Pöppelmann. They offer a selection of coffee and tea specialties, as well as exquisite cakes and pastries from their own patisserie.

Cocktails like Winnetou: The legendary Karl May Bar

Want to follow in Winnetou's footsteps while sampling excellent cocktails? Then the Karl May Bar is the perfect place for you. Here, bar culture meets literature. What might initially sound like an unusual combination is actually one of Germany's most beautiful bars. It's not just Winnetou fans who are impressed by the selection of nearly 100 different whiskeys. The Karl May Bar is modeled after the famous Oak Room in New York and boasts an exceptionally exclusive ambiance. With the "Glenfiddich Award for Bar Culture," the Karl May Bar received one of the most coveted awards in the German bar scene and was also named "Bar of the Year 2013."

We were lucky enough to be able to have breakfast in the bar. Of course there was no whiskey in the morning, but incredibly delicious smoothies, omelettes and French toast. The breakfast at the hotel is outstanding. In addition to an extensive delicious buffet, there are also hot dishes à la carte: whether classic omelette, egg Benedict, pancakes and even dim sum. There is a large selection and each dish is beautifully presented. This is how a new day can begin!

City hotel with a new wellness & spa area in the middle of Dresden

City hotels with good spas are usually not that easy to find. Depending on the length of your stay, it can be incredibly refreshing to be able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city in a spa. That's why I was so thrilled to visit the recently opened new spa and sauna area at the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski. In this modern yet romantic setting, you can truly unwind and gaze at the starry sky while swimming in the pool. Wait a minute! Starry sky? Yes, you read that right. Hundreds of tiny lights twinkle above the pool. Simply magical!

In addition to the pool and sauna area, the spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments. I had a Classic Face Treatment and am still thrilled with the transformation of my skin. I had never tried a facial before and was therefore a little nervous, as I have quite sensitive skin. But after the Classic Face Treatment with Thalgo products, I felt nothing but deep gratitude! My skin was incredibly refreshed, radiant, and noticeably softer. The best part is that my skin has continued to visibly improve even after the treatment and is now better able to absorb moisture.

A big thank you goes to the talented Sabrina Anshelm, who designed the Classic Face Treatment so creatively and lovingly. I just felt super comfortable and in good hands. Thank you very much Sabrina!

Sights in Dresden

The hotel is so inviting that we almost didn't want to leave the house. But Dresden has an incredible amount to offer, so it's definitely worth doing one or two sightseeing tours. Whether it's a walk through the Zwinger, a trip to the Semperoper or a visit to the Pfunds Molkerei - Dresden enchants in any wind and weather and tells history. Probably the most famous and beautiful sight is the Frauenkirche, which was completely destroyed in 1945 and was rebuilt in the 20s thanks to a large amount of donations.

Another impressive sight is the Procession of Princes , a 102-meter-long mural considered the world's largest porcelain mural. Other attractions include the Royal Palace, the Cathedral, Brühl's Terrace, and the Golden Rider statue. Dresden is wonderfully walkable, and most of the sights are close together.

We had a truly magical stay at the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski and were very happy to be able to explore the hotel and Dresden during the magical pre-Christmas period. The unique, soothing atmosphere, the friendly togetherness and the timeless charm of the hotel can hardly be put into words: you have to experience it? Many thanks to the first-class team that makes the Taschenbergpalais so unique.