You mightn’t expect a hotel in Dublin’s Docklands to feel just like an Ibiza beach club. But catch it on a sunny day, and the rooftop at Anantara The Marker feels like the chicest, hottest beach bar in the Med, only slap bang in the middle of Dublin city. On the go since 2013, the hotel was taken over by Anantara in 2023, and since then they’ve whizzed around putting their signature brand of luxury on the property. On the day I checked in (in August 2025), Dublin was (finally) sizzling in the heat wave, and I was itching to get up on that rooftop, and to see what else it has to offer when rain stops play.
Why stay at Anantara The Marker?
Walk around the Grand Canal Dock and you’ll see why this neighbourhood attracts all the cool kids. There are people kayaking in the canal, hanging out with a spritz in hand at the waterside bars, or lounging on the elevated concrete planters. And the contemporary façade of the hotel blends in perfectly with the quirky architectural style of the area – it was designed to look reminiscent of the bonkers geometry of the Irish landscape, like the Giant’s Causeway or Cliffs of Moher.
But it’s not just the outside that looks cool – the interiors have that sleek, contemporary vibe that make you feel infinitely more glamourous just by stepping in the door. Add to that generously sized rooms, killer views of the city (and the mountains beyond) and one of the best restaurants in town, and you’re onto a winner. And that’s before you even get to the spa…
What are the rooms like at Anantara The Marker?
As a newer build, the rooms are all of a decent size, from the spacious entry level rooms to the giant suites. I stayed in a Junior Corner Suite with View, and could have easily done two cartwheels in the space (if I had the dexterity and skill to do so). There’s a giant bed (with extra squishy pillows), a sofa, desk and seating area by the floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can sit with a Nespresso coffee or bougie Solaris tea and spy on the people below.
When you have this much natural light, you can afford to go darker with the décor, so the charcoal textured walls work perfectly, particularly with the contrast of bold brass light fixtures by the bed. The huge TV is set into the wall, which means it doesn’t dominate the space. The bathrooms are just as generous, with all marble everything, a deep bath tub (in some rooms), plenty of shelf space (an increasing rarity in hotel rooms) and toiletries from the beautifully scented brand Voya, which uses seaweed harvested in the west of Ireland. I loved the black-and-white photos of Irish fishermen and coastal scenes, and the rusty red herringbone throw brought a bit of colour to the space. Best of all, the air con was silent and I couldn’t hear a peep of street noise.
Which is the food like at Anantara The Marker?
There are three restaurants to choose from – the Marker Bar and Lounge on the ground floor (great for a casual lunch), the Rooftop Bar and Terrace and the main restaurant. I’ll start with the rooftop, which is fresh out of a huge (and much needed) refresh. Head up to the seventh floor and you’re met with oversized sofas, thick stone tables and bouclé armchairs. Their cocktail game is strong – I tried the Celtic Sea, ostensibly a martini but made with salmon fat washed gin, sherry and seaweed, for a tipple that tasted like kissing someone who’s just swum in the sea (in the best way). They do a menu of bar food, with an Asian flavour that nods to the Thai Anantara brand while keeping a Dublin flavour – think scallops with yuzu, Irish wagyu with wasabi and ‘spice bag’ spuds (if you know, you know).
But nothing can beat the food in the main restaurant, Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins. This creative, eminently likeable chef is pure Dublin, and he knocks it out the park with the best, carefully sourced Irish ingredients. On first glance, the menu may not seem too innovative, but that’s the secret – a simple gazpacho is kicked up a notch with cucumber and whipped goats cheese, and the bearnaise sauce is made with smoked tomatoes. He’s known for his steaks, and they cut like butter, charred with a flavour-packed smokiness. My rib eye is one of the best I’ve eaten.
Breakfast is exceptional – there’s a huge buffet of jazzily cut fresh fruit, individual yoghurt bowls and two stinky Irish cheeses hidden under cloches. There are daily special juices and smoothies, pulpy OJ and, best of all, a champagne trolley for a cheeky breakfast mimosa. The a la carte menu is a dream, again showcasing the best local produce, but I can never resist fluffy pancakes with bacon if they’re on the menu. I had no regrets.
What is the service like at Anantara The Marker?
Almost universally chipper and charming, with a helpful team behind the desk and a dedicated concierge area, where you can hook yourself up with local activities like a Docklands Storytelling Tour or wild swimming on the Dublin coast. The only area that didn’t feel quite so welcoming is the entry to the rooftop bar – if you don’t have a prior reservation, it’s like Fort Knox, so bear that in mind.
What is the spa like at Anantara The Marker?
The real MVP here is the spa. Though it’s not on a higher level, it has the swish feel of a skyscraper amenity, with a beautiful infinity pool surrounded by dark tiled walls that give it a Ministry of Magic vibe. The steam room is scented with eucalyptus and the sauna is the perfect temperature, and there’s an oversized hot tub, too. Best of all, it’s open from 6am – 9.30pm and is complimentary, as is the gym, kitted out with state of the art equipment – they occasionally offer free yoga on the rooftop, too. They use Elemental Herbology and Seabody for treatments, where they include some Thai inspired treatments like Qi Flow massage.
What’s the area like around Anantara The Marker?
The Docklands is an area that’s often overlooked in Dublin. And I’m not sure why – there are plenty of killer restaurants, and that waterside vibe gives it an inviting feeling whatever the weather is doing. There is a DART (train) station a ten-minute walk away but the city centre is less than 20 minutes away by foot, so you’ll likely not need it. It’s not quite as hot on traditional, proper Dublin pubs, but really, you don’t want to be staying near them, anyway. Windmill Lane Recording Studios, where everyone from the Rolling Stones to the Cranberries has laid down tracks, is open for tours, and the nearby Allta is one of the best restaurants in town.
Why you should you book a stay at Anantara The Marker
I had eaten (and drunk) in this hotel before, but this stay shot it right to the top of some of my favourite properties in Dublin. Sure, it’s not one of the traditional, historic feeling hotels, but it feels fresh, sleek and brand new. If you can stretch to a room with a view, do, but otherwise even the cheapest room will do the trick – and you can make the most of those mountain and sea views from the rooftop bar, anyway. Add in a killer steak, a salty cocktail and possibly the best hotel breakfast in the city, and you can’t go wrong.
DETAILS
Address: Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin
Price per night: starting from €449 per night, B&B
Closest transport: Dublin Airport is a 20-minute drive away