Isabel Conway reviews the Anantara Marker Hotel in Dublin.
Persistent drizzle…or as the Irish prefer to say “a soft mist”… is falling. But it fails to dampen the vista of Dublin’s Silicon /docks, an ever-moving colourful tableau of all -weather clad techie professionals, power walking, biking, hurrying to the high concentration of multinational high tech companies located here.
I admire the scene below from my raindrop spattered floor to ceiling glass window in my corner de-luxe room in 5-star Anantara Marker Hotel. At the heart of Dublin’s Grand Canal and Spencer docks this was once home to Victorian era factories, warehouses, coal yards and mills, beating heart of Ireland’s industrial economy.
Today, they are replaced by smart coffee shops and cafes catering to workers from the adjacent headquarters of Facebook, Google and Tic Tok.
Feeling somewhat decadent, I am enjoying my people watching, whilst grazing on complimentary chocolate treats, strawberries and melting marshmallows, anticipating dining in the hotel’s Forbes Street fine dining restaurant later on and a morning swim in the 23 m indoor pool before check-out.
Opened over a decade ago, the Marker heralded a new era of five- star design for Dublin, yet the property has only truly come of age since a multi- million Euro relaunch, following a takeover by the luxury global group Anantara that has award winning hotels and resorts worldwide and were launching their first hotel in Ireland.
Every one of the 187 bedrooms, over six floors, were renovated and they are all – from standard to executive rooms – spacious, sophisticated, and inviting, restful neutrals against an indigo-coloured carpet with splashes of citrus and shell pink, featuring throws from world famous Foxford Woollen mills. Ultra luxury touches are part and parcel of this five -star experience and moving to my bathroom I find a sumptuous deep black marble tub and a walk-in rainwater shower.
The location couldn’t be better in one of the city’s most vibrant new districts for this ‘urban retreat’. The hotel, visible from afar by its black and white chequerboard façade, stands next to another architectural landmark, the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, home to international musicals and concerts.
Dublin city centre can be reached in a 15-minute stroll and the hotel is less than 10 minutes away from the Dart rail station that runs through the capitol north and south stopping at lively suburbs like Dun Laoghaire with its wide variety of shops, northwards the traditional fishing port of Howth, famous for seafood restaurants, and further south Bray and Greystones both renowned for seaside walks.
After settling into my spacious room, overlooking Grand Canal Square, I set out to check out Dublin’s largest hotel lobby, a setting where jeans and runners or a smart dressed up look are equally at ease.
The hotel’s facade – inspired by Ireland’s geology, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway, with carpets woven into the poetry of W. B Yeats may not be immediately evocative of Ireland’s spirit and past, but there will always be a staff member to tell that to guests.
The vibe is casual yet business like, reflecting how socialising and business today can mingle seamlessly, and though it is on the early side for an afternoon cocktail, I have one – a memorable mojito – whilst observing how few of the patrons appear older than 40.
The light filled stylish brasserie ‘Forbes Street’ with an open kitchen, presided over by celebrity chef Gareth Mullins, who is one of Ireland’s top names in cuisine, has been garnering rave reviews, especially for its seafood and dry aged beef. Traditional Irish food is on offer with a strong emphasis on locally sourced produce.
I dithered between west Clare oysters and in the end had scallops in three different compositions – perfectly cooked – followed by succulent beef from the dry ageing meat fridge (vegetarians passing the glass doored cold store in which huge hunks of steak are hung, avert their eyes!). The sides included house cut chips and a fragrant salad, followed by the Irish artisan cheese selection with figs and Irish lavender.
Breakfast the next morning was ultra- indulgent, an extensive cooked to order menu, featuring the legendary full Irish breakfast (not for the fainthearted) organic salmon and caviar and a buffet selection feast that included bread and butter pudding, made from left over croissants and bread, a nod at’ waste not want not’ sustainability!
Anantara is adept at creating memorable guest experiences all over the world. The Antantara Marker Hotel Dublin has curated a number of interesting experiences and packages for guests, including locally guided Docklands walks, insider glimpses of our famous horse breeding and racing industries on the Curragh and wild swimming, exploring hidden beaches and little known beauty spots.
A lovely sundowner at the roof bar that commands 360 o views across the river Liffey and numerous high church spires, Dublin Bay and faraway mountains on a clear day was a dream too far during my showery stay. But when the weather gods smile it is a magical view. I can’t wait to return to watch the sun set across Dublin Bay, another reason to mark down Anantara Marker Hotel as one of Dublin’s finest Oases.
Tell me more about the .
Anantara Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38.
Overnight with breakfast rates for two from €315. Room only rates from €250. A ‘Urban Retreat & Dining’ offer for €490 includes dinner for two, plus a cocktail and valet parking bookable by calling 016875130 or e-mail rsv.themarker@anantara-hotels.com
The pre-theatre menu (from 5-7pm) at the hotel Forbes Street restaurant is €45 pp for three courses and a bargain for fine dining, steps away from Bord Gais Energy Theatre.
