When visiting Dresden, Germany, I recommend that you choose a hotel or hostel away from the Altstadt (old town), and stay instead in the Neustadt (new town). Perhaps, on the hip and trendy Louisenstraße where you will have easy access to the city’s most important sights.  Hostel Louise 20 is a great option, providing a mix of rooms for all budgets. The main building offers standard single beds in one, two, three, four or five beds per room configurations. All rooms come with sinks, and men’s and women’s hall bathrooms are located on each floor. These rooms are simply furnished with twin beds, complete with mattresses, pillows and comforters. Linens can be rented for 2.50 euros per set. Note that towels are not available through the hotel.

Downstairs in the main building, guests are treated to complimentary tea and cookies throughout the day. A lounge offers a television, radio and CD player, as well as a variety of games and reading materials. WiFi is available for a small daily fee.

Guests have free range of the kitchen, which comes fully equipped with pots, pans, dishes and glassware. Snacks and drinks, including local beer can be purchased from the front desk. One of the hostels best features is breakfast, offered at a cost of 5 euros per guest. This elaborate spread includes fresh rolls, various meats and cheeses and every imaginable type of jam and jelly. There is even an entire bar dedicated to creating one’s own variety of granola. Dozens of nuts, seeds and grains are on display and can be ground via a wooden mechanism, creating a unique blend of cereal or topping for yogurt. Coffee, tea, milk and juices are included in the breakfast as well.

Should guests desire larger quarters, Hostel Louise 20 has several private rooms in a building just across the courtyard from the main hostel. The apartments are available in a variety of room configurations, some housing as many as eight beds. These apartments offer private kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms, as well as lovely balconies. They are ideal for large families or groups traveling together.

Tucked away from the main view on Louisenstraße, the hostel is perfectly situated near numerous restaurants, bars and cafes. A restaurant and bar is housed on the bottom floor of the same building as the hostel. It has a charming garden courtyard and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The staff of the hostel can offer recommendations for restaurants for any number of cuisines, as well as suggestions for sightseeing in both the Neustadt and Altstadt.

Luggage can be dropped off at the hostel any time after 7:00 a.m. 24-hour check-in is possible if pre-arranged through the hostel, otherwise regular check-in is any time after 3:00 p.m. Check out is at 11:30 a.m. Rates range from 17 to 30 Euro per person, depending on the number of beds in a room and the season.

Hostel Louise 20 is located at Louisenstraße 20 in Dresden’s Neustadt. From the main train station, take the tramline number 8 to the Louisenstraße stop. Turn right on Louisenstraße and walk a few blocks to the hostel, located on the right side of the street.