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Hotel review: This chain offers a colourful, neighbourhood stay in the capital

Moxy Docklands feels like a blend between a local designer hotel and perhaps a funky co-working tech space

Moxy Docklands Dublin, East Wall, Dublin

Thu, 09 Jul, 2026 - 01:00

Thom Breathnach

Moxy Docklands Dublin

East Wall, Dublin

Our rating: 8/10

Location

Now the fourth edition of this quirky Marriott brand in Ireland, Moxy Dublin Docklands brings the group’s trademark pop of neighbourhood cool to the capital’s vibrant East Wall. While not in conventional city-break terrain, the property will appeal to business visitors and week-enders seeking a more pocket-friendly base, as well as being a perfect base for those attending Croke Park (1.3km) or the 3Arena (1.4km), while you’re 2.5km from O’Connell Bridge and the city centre. It also makes a fine base for soaking in the coastal appeal of nearby Clontarf (1km), Dollymount Strand and North Bull Island.

8/10

Style & design

It may be a well-oiled international chain, but stepping into Moxy Dublin Docklands feels like stepping into a blend between a local designer hotel and perhaps a funky co-working tech space.

The hotel’s DNA pillar is creating vibrant, magnetic spaces which feel specific to their area and draws guests in, and I think it executes that very well. The dual-functioning reception/bar is set within an industrial canvas of concrete walls and exposed ceilings, which contrast with a rainbow of playful interiors, with lounge areas loaded with a catalogue of fun furniture from bouclé swivel armchairs to Togo-style sofas, all under the gaze of pink neon lighting and graffiti art.

The Dublin localisation is well executed too, from the “Hello Docklands” banner to the lifts celebrating the Poolbeg Towers.

9/10

Service

There’s a vibrant, young, international team at the Moxy who set the tone for the stay. There were no parking spots available when I arrived, but I appreciated that, after a long drive, I was invited to leave my car at the drop-off and settle in without pressure before later moving it to a recommended spot (there’s safe overnight parking at Clontarf DART for about a fiver).

Otherwise, staff maintain a sparky vitality even when working in the fast-paced environment.

8.5/10

Guest rooms

Moxy Docklands Dublin has 183 compact rooms

The hotel’s 183 rooms are compact by design but light, with floor-to-ceiling windows bringing a nice connection to the city from most aspects. My “queen sleeper”, for instance, had fine views over the Tolka, which felt like a particularly quintessential Dublin moment when the sun set over a passing DART line. Interior-wise, concrete walls are popped with the trademark touches, from tan leather-effect accents to pink and baby-blue cushions with localised “What’s the story?” Dublin motifs (versus the “It’s grand, like” in Cork). There are 50-inch flat-screen televisions with screencasting, which is impressive, while the small en-suite shower is basic but fresh and functional.

It’s spartan otherwise, and a lack of storage solutions would irk guests travelling with baggage and planning to linger, but the Moxy is less geared towards a destination break and more towards serving as a pleasant base for those planning to spend more time out of their room than in. Plus, the proof of the pudding is in the pricing here, and with room-only rates varying from €105 to well over double that for peak stays, there is potentially high value-for-money satisfaction if booking off-peak.

8/10

In-room perks

Moxy guests receive a welcome cocktail upon arrival, which sets the brand’s fun tone (I had a fruity zero-zero version).The hotel offers little in terms of in-room extras, and the lack of a coffee machine (or even an instant offering) is perhaps the most glaring omission.

6/10

On the menu

Moxy guests receive a welcome cocktail upon arrival

The hotel’s buzzy bar offers casual all-day bites, with a menu that includes wings, burgers, nachos, salads, and flatbreads; I had a reasonably priced curry which hit the spot for something quick and easy. There’s also a 24/7 grab-and-go store, which is handy for travellers with the munchies. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast which can be added on for a pretty reasonable €11. It includes a self-service buffet with two hot options (scrambled eggs and bacon) alongside a continental mix from cereals to doughnuts.

7/10

Activities & amenities

As with many Moxy offerings, there’s a shiny new 24/7 gym studio with free weights and yoga mats, as well as one of the loveliest hotel workspaces I’ve seen, plus colourful board and meeting rooms and an ironing zone for last-minute shirt pressing.