The Frankfurt-based Steigenberger Hotel Group opened a real gem of a hotel opposite Dresden’s Frauenkirche at the beginning of April. The Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe, whose construction was modelled on historical buildings and whose decor shows a loving attention to detail, will attract both city tourists and business travellers with its 185 guest rooms and ten conference rooms.
As far back as 1786 a Hotel de Saxe stood on Dresden’s Neumarkt and was one of the best hotels in the city. On 3rd April its worthy successor, the Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe, opened for business on the very same spot. This First Class Business Hotel is a harmonious combination of the traditional and the modern. The result is a hotel with unique character, in which the past is never far from the present. This starts with the facade itself, which was built according to heritage protection laws. This project proves that formerly independent buildings can be successfully turned into one harmonious hotel complex.
Inside, leading designers from the Steigenberger subsidiary *H*E*A*D* used historic architectural fragments to set the scene. The centrepiece of the lobby, for example, is a vast glass table, whose base is fashioned from two historic capitals. In the reception area there is the head of a cherub from the facade that was found on the site; looking out over the rolling staircase are three wall-mounted torsos that came from Dresden buildings destroyed in the war, providing a reminder of days gone by.
These original pieces contrast well with some more contemporary interpretations of well known Dresden monuments. The corridors are decorated with two-metre long printed glass panels containing collages showing detailed views of the old city. The great ballroom has a mobile dividing wall displaying digitally processed and modified sights around Dresden – giving guests an unusual view of the city.
Classic materials, such as leather and wood, as well as warm yellow, red and gold tones are used in all areas of the hotel in addition to modern glass and stainless steel features. A glass dome that arches high above the lobby, bar and gallery steeps the entrance area in mellow daylight. In the evening, various light scenarios create a cosy atmosphere.
The Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe offers 178 rooms and seven suites, ten conference rooms for up to 170 people, a restaurant on the first floor with an outdoor terrace and view over the Frauenkirche, a bar and a Fitness and Wellness area complete with sauna, steam room and solarium.
