Modern, trendy, and design-oriented, everything about Anantara The Marker — from its futuristic exteriors to its colour-clashing interiors — is a masterclass in architecture and style. The hotel opened in May this year following a multi-million-pound makeover, upgrading its 187 rooms to a luxurious standard and giving its restaurants a soft furnishing facelift.
Thanks to its location in the tech hub of Dublin (home to the European headquarters for Google and Facebook), it has become a firm favourite with the It crowd, most of whom flock to the rooftop bar, with its 180-degree views of the historic city, the canal, and mountains.
Where?
The distinct checkerboard building, previously called The Marker, sits next to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, one of the leading theatrical institutes in Europe and an architectural landmark in the city. The angular form of the theatre, designed by Daniel Libeskind, stands out among other glass-clad structures — a mix of financial institutes, tech firms, and waterside apartment blocks in the modern Docklands area of Dublin.
To the front of the hotel, a vibrant, neon-lit Grand Canal Square is a social space where families, kids, and skateboarders gather. It is especially lively during the summer, when restaurants and bars are heaving with locals and tourists catching the rare glimpse of sunshine along the water.
Less than a three-minute walk away is the River Liffey. Its meandering tributaries travel alongside monuments, such as the Famine Memorial, the grand neoclassical Custom House building, and the Daniel O’Connell monument. The historic parts of Dublin — the cobbled squares of Trinity College, the castle, and several boozy bars — are all short strolls away.
The culinary offerings at Anantara The Marker are some of the finest in the city
Style
Described by its architects MDO as a “single coastal form eroded over time”, the building takes inspiration from the magnificent Irish coastline — its jagged peaks are reflected in the uneven concrete. Wall-to-wall glass windows flood the bar and restaurant with natural light and carry the openness of the Grand Canal Square seamlessly into the lobby.
The reception is intimate and small, located under a cave-like arch. The ceiling, blocks of asymmetrical geometric shapes, travels across the entire length, all the way to the restaurant. Warm-toned wooden panels along the bar table and walls complement the muted limescale-coloured plaster, while modern soft furnishings in hues of mauve, green, pink, and grey give it much-needed oomph and modern-day appeal.
Guests entering restaurant Forbes Street by Gareth Mullin walk under an installation of hanging plants. The botanical theme continues inside, with lush greenery making it feel homely and inviting. While the relaxed, mostly subdued vibe continues with black and brown furniture, chairs are vibrant, in shades of poppy orange and yellow. Colourful cushions, booth seating, and round tables make up an unusual formal-yet-informal atmosphere.
Which room?
The lobbies on each floor are dark and starved of natural light, deliberately designed to prompt an instant shift in mood. Large wooden doors open to spacious, high-ceilinged rooms (also asymmetrical) dressed with modern light fittings and carefully selected photographs depicting Ireland — our room had black and white portraits of fishermen, which fitted with the urban, arty theme.
Each guest pad, whether deluxe or premium, overlooks the Grand Canal, waterfront views, or across to the mountains that hug the city from all sides. The Presidential Suite comprises two ensuite bedrooms, a living room, and a separate dining area. The Roche and Schwartz Suites offer a one-of-a-kind designer room with a detached living area. To maximise views, pick one of the corner suites.
The bathrooms are marvellously grand and stocked with Malin+Goetz toiletries. Ours was covered floor-to-roof in white marble, complemented by shiny white vanity units, an oversized bath, and a walk-in shower.
Those who know Antantara are aware of their emphasis on wellness and holistic wellbeing — and their Dublin hotel The Marker is no different
Food & Drink
The culinary and bar offerings at Anantara The Marker are some of the finest in the city and popular gathering spots for guests and locals alike. With 180-degree views of Dublin’s historic town, the canal and mountains, Rooftop Bar and Terrace is a firm favourite with young professionals looking to enjoy an evening of fabulous cocktails and great music.
Expert mixologists are at hand to prepare a range of classic drinks with liquors and spirits produced locally. A full page dedicated to Irish gins celebrates the rich heritage in agriculture and farming. So whether you choose the Blackwater Strawberry gin, whose berries come from Enniscorthy, or the Ornabrak Single Malt, crafted from 100 per cent Irish malted barley, you know where your tipple is from.
The same sentiment is echoed across its signature restaurant, Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins, which champions artisan producers handpicked to provide the best ingredients: the butter and vegetables are from local farms, the meat from sustainable producers, and the seafood from responsible fishermen. Executive chef Mullins has cleverly placed plaques within the restaurant detailing the ingredients and their source because we should know what we put in our bodies.
The menu constantly evolves and changes to celebrate the freshest and most in-season products. We ordered a fresh tomato salad, turbot, seafood, and vegetarian main with courgette as the star. The plates looked pretty as a picture and tasted every bit as they looked: delicate flavours that did not overpower the hero of the dish. An in-house sommelier is at hand to assist with the best wines to pair with your steak, fillet, or fish.
For a light bite, an afternoon coffee or a cocktail, there is also the Marker Bar, a casual daytime/evening eatery. Outside seating overlooks the bustling square, perfect for people-watching. The menu has a selection of soups, salads, and snacks to share, made with the finest local ingredients.
Facilities
Those who know Antantara are aware of their emphasis on wellness and holistic wellbeing — and their Dublin hotel The Marker is no different. The award-winning spa has teamed up with Elemental Herbology to provide luxuriously relaxing, aroma-fuelled experiences through signature treatments, facials, and massages. Try the traditional Thai QI Flow or Ho-Leaf and rosemary muscle melt, or choose the five-element aroma massage that uses Western and Eastern techniques to ease chronic pain and stress.
Apart from the spa, take a leisure lap or two in the 23-metre infinity pool, chill in a jacuzzi, or unwind in their eucalyptus-infused steam room. The rooftop bar also doubles as a yoga studio by day, and the hotel can arrange wild swimming sessions along Ireland’s rugged coastline, where you can immerse yourself in the refreshing waters while trying to spot seals and dolphins.
Best for?
Couples and families on a weekend city break looking for convenience without compromising on facilities. Eco-conscious travellers will love the sustainable food and beverage offerings.
Details
Rooms at Anantara The Marker Dublin start at €360 per room per night (around £310), including breakfast. Book at anantara.com
