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Hotel review: Is this cool Dublin five-star your new city break go-to?

Bold architecture and edgy design belie this soft-centred five-star where feel-good service will sweep you off your feet.

Thu, 04 Dec, 2025 - 01:00

Jillian Bolger

Anantara The Marker, Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2

Our rating 9.5/10

Location

Since opening on Grand Canal Square in 2013, The Marker, rebranded as Anantara The Marker in 2023 has seen its Silicon Docks’ neighbourhood thrive. Buzzier than ever, with late-night energy from the Bord Gáis Theatre crowds, there’s a vibrancy from the square out front front, with tech workers, residents and the newly opened Boland’s Mill complex across the bridge. The waterside views are superb from the upper floors and it’s an easy walk or Dart ride to the city centre from this lively part of the city.

9/10

Style & design

The striking chequered facade has a rugged base that channels the eroded rocks of the Cliffs of Moher. Inside, this natural theme continues, with dramatic angular walls, and geometric ceilings of raw concrete, all curving cosily. The Marker Bar’s bespoke carpet (representing Yeats’s He wishes for the clothes of heaven) anchors a confection of designer seating in pastel hues that creates an elegant and design-forward space. Mineral-hued terrazzo and geometric angles lead to the cave-like reception, while the spacious restaurant, Forbes Street, unfolds beyond in a luminous contemporary space. As hotel design goes, this is bold, considered and beautiful.

9/10

Service

Check-in is fun, informative and welcoming. A warming drink of spiced tea sets the tone for what will be attentive and charming service throughout. Every staff member we encounter greets us warmly with wide smiles, from spa staff to housekeeping, maintenance crew to restaurant staff. There’s a warmth and energy here that’s extra special.

10/10

Guest rooms

A corner suite overlooking Grand Canal Dock delivers magnificent views in the afternoon and morning light. Spacious and smartly tricked out with deep velvet carpet, dark walls and brass accents, it’s chic, cosy and welcoming after the drama of the darkly moody corridors. A well-lit bathroom of black marble and white sanitaryware is kitted out with a generous supply of Anantara-branded products includes everything from excellent lip balm, nail and dental kits, a hairbrush, exfoliating mitt and cotton balls. Large bottles of luxe Voya shampoo, conditioner and body wash eliminate single-use plastics. Textured wallpaper looks like fabric and there's a sepia print of fishermen, lending a nice local touch.

9/10

In-room perks

It’s always great to find fresh milk in the minibar, and our fridge comes with two little bottles. A premium selection of house-branded sweets, nuts and handmade chocolates sits alongside a selection of popcorn, little bottle of wine, and then there's a big selection of Jing tea, Nespresso pods, and Irish brands, including Bakehouse cookies and SynerChi water kefir and crisps. We like the yoga mat and brolly in the wardrobe too.

9/10

On the menu

Having dined in Forbes Street before – and loved the contemporary Irish cooking by Gar Mullins – we know the quality of the cuisine here. So we took to the Rooftop Bar where the brilliant pop-up Winter Edit is serving a menu of Irish cheese small plates with an option of paired wines. Stand-out dishes included warm Cáis na Tire tarte with walnut and apple, and warm Ballylisk Triple Rose Brie with garlic and baguette. Breakfast is equally good, with a vast, attractive spread, impressive juice and Mimosa station and an appealing menu of cooked-to-order dishes. For an extra treat, the Poetry & Places afternoon tea is a cleverly developed concept, marrying exquisite pastries and sandwiches with Ireland’s literary heritage. Joyful service (and Bollinger sorbet) bring added pleasure.

9.5/10

Activities & amenities

Anantara The Marker’s spa is a superb offering, and superior in the capital in terms of space and services. The 23-metre lap pool is the centrepiece, accented in dark slate and restful with a roomy jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The separate mezzanine location means you don’t have to traipse through the hotel in your bathrobe. We had a superb massage and quality rest in the comfortable relaxation room. The hotel offers rooftop yoga, a Docklands walking tour and bespoke day trips that include wild swimming, a stud farm visit and boat trip from Howth accompanied by the executive chef.

9.5/10

Checking in

The bill? B&B from €275 per double.

Room to improve? The wardrobe cavity in our suite isn’t not long enough to hang a long dress or winter coat. The desk in the room looks great but the chair is too low to make it a viable – or comfortable – space to work from.

Access for guests with disabilities? Fully, with rooms especially well praised.

Family-friendly? Yes. Family rooms come with teepee, games and treats for children.

Dogs welcome? Yes. €50 a night including bed, food and a welcome kit.

EV chargers? Yes – in the concierge car park.