The Anantara The Marker in Dublin delivers a five-star experience with the city's best spa and rooftop bar, even during a rare heatwave. The hotel, located in the Docklands, offers luxurious rooms, exceptional dining, and warm Irish hospitality.
Location and First Impressions
The hotel overlooks the Bord Gáis Theatre and is a short walk from the city centre. Its pedestrian-friendly plaza is lit with red and green illuminations, representing the Grand Canal's 82 miles once lined with cast iron 'markers' that guided travellers. The final marker was where the hotel now stands, giving it its name.
Since 2013, the hotel has been a landmark, and in 2023 it was taken over by Anantara, a Thai brand with 15 locations in Thailand. This is its first property in Ireland, offering 'Land, Sea and Spirit' experiences like crystal engraving, wild swimming, and Irish coffee making.
Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus designed the chequerboard exterior inspired by the Cliffs of Moher. Guests enter an airy, 67-metre-long space with a cantilevered ceiling evoking the Giant's Causeway.
Rooms and Amenities
The hotel has 187 guest rooms on Grand Canal Square, with prices starting from €400 per night. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the square or the theatre. Grey walls and deep heather purple carpets echo the Irish countryside, with wooden panelling housing a 55-inch TV and Nespresso machine.
Furnishings include a gorse yellow armchair and plaid blankets from Foxford Mills. Bathrooms feature white marble, Villeroy & Boch baths, and Irish Voya toiletries.
The Spa: A Standout
The spa, recently named Dublin Spa of the Year by Irish Tatler, is the hotel's hero. It features a 23-metre infinity pool, eucalyptus-scented steam room, sauna, and whirlpool tub. Open from 6am to 9.30pm, entry is complimentary, as is the gym. In summer, free rooftop yoga is sometimes offered.
Treatments range from Thai Qi flow massages to Elemis facials, priced €85 to €200. A 45-minute massage with essential oils left the reviewer floating all evening. Signature 90-minute 'journeys' based on 'nam jai' include a foot cleanse, tailored massage, and revitalising facial.
Food and Drink
The rooftop bar offers a 360-degree view of the Irish Sea and Croke Park, and won the Gold award for five-star hotel bar of the year at the 2025 Irish Bar of the Year Awards. The cocktail menu impressed, with the blue Cenote Azul fitting the heatwave.
Dinner included belly pork, lime BBQ prawns, and wagyu steak on corn tortillas. Gareth Mullin's Forbes Street restaurant serves perfectly cooked scallops and steak, with local oysters, caviar, and Irish farmhouse cheese. The soda bread, baked on site, is a highlight.
Extras and Experiences
The hotel offers unique experiences, including a visit to Kildangan Stud in County Kildare, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Guests can meet racehorses and foals. 'Spice Spoons' involves a trip to Howth fishing village and a cooking class with Executive Chef Gareth Mullins.
A trip to Forty Foot in Sandycove, a popular sea swimming spot featured in James Joyce's Ulysses, is also available. In-hotel, an Irish coffee masterclass teaches mixing sugar with Jameson whiskey, coffee, and cream.
Verdict
The room felt a bit dark and narrow but luxurious, making it worth it for those with disposable income. The service is exceptional, with staff like Derek Brennan, who gave a walking tour on his 70th birthday and hosts daily Yeats poetry readings. Hotel manager Ludo De Jong added personal touches.
At a glance: currency is Euro, check-in/out is 3pm and noon, and there is wheelchair access with eight accessibility rooms. The standout feature is Forbes Street restaurant, perfect for a luxurious escape or post-theatre stay, but not for budget travellers.
