We are currently on night 3 of 4 nights at the Hexenhaus. We're staying in the upstairs apartment just across the road from the main hotel/restaurant. The room is absolutely charming - tasteful and not overdone, and absolutely, spotlessly clean. We have a small kitchenette, a small bath with shower, and a king bed that is actually two twins within a single frame (common, here). We haven't stayed our final night yet to settle our bill (cash only), but we believe breakfast is included - and it is a full breakfast, too. What a bargain at apx. $100/night. Free WiFi, too - you just have to ask for their security code.

Parking has not been a problem - there are at least 3 spots for guests. Plenty of birds singing, beautiful flowers, and charming decor with, of course, many witches as the theme. It is a wonderful place to come home to each day after long days of exploring. Probably about 6 kilometers from the Old Town. We have a car - not sure how accessible the hotel is by public transportation.

A word about the restaurant's food - wonderful. We've not even ventured out to other restaurants, the food is that good.

I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to my friends.

Your journey into Hansel and Gretel land is about to begin - in Dresden, where I was a year or so ago, in summer. Flights were booked and the next step was an Hotel. Enquiring on the web, I asked about a ‘character’ type, reasonably-priced Hotel, in Dresden. I was told to look at the Hexenhaus. What a find!

This short story sums up the Hexenhaus, its staff and owners. Our Lufthansa flight from UK to Dresden was delayed. Instead of arriving at 6.00pm it was 12 midnight. After just one text and a phone call everything was sorted. They would be shut at that time, but would leave us a note saying where our room key was. We arrived. This note was pinned to the creaky front door: “Dear Mr S. Your room key is under the third flower pot to the left of this door! We will see you tomorrow at breakfast!” It was. And we did!

The Hexenhaus (Witches House) is 12 minutes, by tram, from the centre of Dresden, in a leafy, sleepy, suburb. It is in two parts, the main building and annexe. Both are ancient and amazing. Our twin room, in the rafters of the annexe, was large, bright and airy, spotlessly clean with a sitting area, table, flat screen TV and French windows on to a small balcony, overlooking the back garden. Perfect. The bathroom was similarly first-class. I have never stayed in a hotel room with such character.

Breakfast was in the main house, just over the quiet road. It was simply excellent, with everything you could want, including newspapers, lovely staff and fellow guests to chat with. Once breakfast was over, the two ‘eating’ areas were cleared and laid up for the lunchtime and evening diners in what, we discovered, was a VERY popular eating house, with a fine kitchen and chef. As we left for the first day out we were told what the ‘special’ dishes of the day were going to be and asked if we would like to eat with them when we returned. After the beautiful meal that first night, served outside, under their flower-laden pergola, the answer for the next six days was always ‘yes please’! For the record, prices were not expensive, and children were made very welcome.

The walk to the Tram stop took about 10 minutes or so, down the narrow lanes and across a small park containing a children’s play area and a modern indoor swimming pool at the far end. Families please note! Over from the Tram stop was a shopping complex, including a supermarket. Yet another plus!

Dresden is a spectacular city, and, as we know, almost destroyed in February 1945. The painstaking restoration work from these terrible days is almost at an end and should be seen NOW, before the city becomes over-run with hoardes of tourists.

As we had plenty of time to sight-see we ventured out of Dresden to the old town of Meissen – with the world-famous porcelain factory - and to Colditz and the castle. Both places were fascinating. These towns can be reached on public transport, but we hired a ‘basic’ car, at a bargain, weekend price, from Sixt car hire, and collected it at the main railway station. The ‘budget’ car turned out to be a BMW Mini Cooper S.

And now, back to the Hexenhaus. Words cannot adequately describe it. Only a stay there can. With this review I have included some pictures, which I hope are posted here, to try and convey the atmosphere which lies behind the tiny, blue, front door, with the big step! Go there!

We have stayed in many placed in Europe and the Hexenhaus in Dresden is one of the very best, dollar for dollar. Most noticeable was extra caring attitude of the personnel. They met and exceeded every one of our wishes. We weren't just a couple walking in off the street to them but were made to feel as if we were part of a family. Breakfast was on a par with 4 star hotels we have visited and the dinners were great. Meal prices were very reasonable and food preparation superb. Truly a unique and outstanding place to stay when visiting Dresden. We will stay here on future visits to Dresden.