Weekend Away - Anantara The Marker Dublin
Set on Grand Canal Square in Docklands, Craig Hough visited the charming Anantara The Marker Dublin
Location
Anantara The Marker offers contemporary urban luxury overlooking the Grand Canal Square’s waterfront. Perfectly located in the modernised Docklands, the hotel captures the unique mix of vibrant charm and rich culture that exemplifies the spirit of modern Dublin. Originally a significant Viking Settlement and Port, Dublin’s character has been shaped by architecture spanning from Medieval to Modern times. In recent years the area has developed to become one of the trendiest places to live, work and play in Dublin. It is the home to the headquarters of numerous tech giants such as Facebook, TikTok and Google and is a short 15 minute walk to the city centre.
History
The hotel name ‘The Marker’ is a mark of respect for one of the greatest inland trade routes, the Grand Canal. The direct link with the exotic trading hubs of Europe, the Grand Canal’s 82 miles were lined with cast iron ‘markers’. These markers were like milestones, showing travellers how far they had to go until journey’s end. The final marker was right where the hotel is located now, in Grand Canal Square.
Design
Designed by the Portuguese architect, Manuel Aires Mateus, the building’s architecture draws on the elemental nature of the Irish landscape and combines it with a sleek urban aesthetic. Inspiration comes from the geometric shapes that exist naturally on the Irish land, from the rugged Burren Landscape to the unique hexagonal stones of the Giant’s Causeway. This elemental style is carried right through from the stunning ground floor bar and brasserie, through the unique geometric layouts of the bedrooms and up to the rooftop garden.
Rooms
All of the 187 bedrooms in the hotel are roomy and we enjoyed a premium room with a view over Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The room was bathed in natural light with a floor-to-ceiling window, had wooden panelling across one side of the room with an inlaid TV and entertainment system and a fully stocked mini bar. The bathroom was stunning and included a rain shower and Villeroy & Boch marble bathtub to unwind in.
Food & Beverage
Breakfast was served in Forbes Street, a restaurant by chef Gareth Mullins, who is a staunch advocate of Irish produce. There was an array of goodies served up, buffet style, and the welcoming team were quick to find us a seat and take our coffee order before we went to sample the many tasty hot and cold dishes on offer.
We enjoyed our evening meal in The Marker Bar, which was a more relaxed, spacious area, with many guests dining and enjoying cocktails. The bar and lounge menu was more informal than the menu offered in the evening at Forbes Streets, with items ranging from sandwiches, salads and sharing plates to burgers, fish and chips and Moroccan tagines. The sleek bar is a perfect place to kick back, enjoy a cocktail and meet fellow guests.
Anantara Spa
The award-winning Spa at Anantara The Marker offers a haven of wellbeing in the middle of Dublin. The spa area is easily accessible via the lift and is a gorgeous, relaxing space. You can enjoy a refreshing morning dip in the infinity pool, work out in the gym and then unwind in the sauna and jacuzzi before ending your visit with a relaxing massage. What more do you need on a weekend away?
Dockland Experience
The highlight of our visit was meeting the renowned Irish storyteller Derek Brennan as he took us on a Dockland Experience tour. We were enthralled with every enchanting tale Derek shared, as he showed us around the hotel and up onto the Rooftop Bar & Terrace which offered an amazing 360 degree view of the city. Derek also showed us around Dockland, sharing stories of its history, and took us to the place U2 would practise in their early days. A great photo opportunity for music lovers, fans flock to the area to this day to pay tribute.
Our tour ended back at the hotel, where Derek showed us the VIP entrance, reserved for high-profile guests (including politicians, actors and sports teams), who are often looked after by his son, who also worked at the hotel. As were viewing the event space, Lorraine Keane – a famous Irish TV presenter – stopped to say hello as she had been hosting a family event at the hotel the previous evening. Dubliner Derek thrives in his role as guest experience manager and seems to know every guest and staff member in the hotel.
The tour ended at The Marker’s Bar where we enjoyed a (gorgeous) Irish coffee, as Derek spoke fondly of his wife, and proudly showed pictures from the wedding of his daughter, who had recently got married at the hotel. The Marker is a real family affair.
My Experience
A weekend at The Marker offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a new rejuvenated part of the city, that’s easily in reach of the historic landmarks. If you’re looking for contemporary urban luxury, elite wellness facilities with Irish hospitality, make Anantara The Marker Dublin your next stay.
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