BACKGROUND
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World (lhw.com), the Marker opened in Dublin's Docklands last April.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The checkerboard-style building was originally constructed for another hotel project that was shelved following the 2008 recession.
Designed by Portugal’s Aires Mateus and Associados, and Dublin’s McCauley Daye O’Connell Architects, it’s bright and modern, with pillarless geometric interiors inspired by Irish landmarks such as the Giant’s Causeway, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
Reception is to the left as you enter, with the Brasserie at the far left and the main bar ahead to the right, its seating providing virtually the only curves amidst all the clean lines and slanting edges.
Some 430 works by Irish-based artists were commissioned for the public spaces and guestrooms, including striking shots by landscape photographer Enda Cavanagh. Staff provide a warm welcome.
WHERE IS IT?
On Grand Canal Square, overlooking the water basin and just south of the River Liffey. The CCD (Convention Centre Dublin) and IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) are just across the river.
Some of the world’s largest tech firms have offices in the Grand Canal area, dubbed the Silicon Docks – Google has its EMEA headquarters here, while Facebook has its international HQ, and is moving into bigger premises next to the Marker later this year.
It’s a 20-minute drive from Dublin airport (if you take the Airlink 747 bus, get off at the CCD stop) and it takes about the same time to walk into the city centre from the hotel.
ROOM FACILITIES
The 187 rooms are a mixture of Superior (from 29 sqm), Deluxe (from 35 sqm) and suites (40 sqm-129 sqm).
Décor is simple and stylish, with white walls, deep blue carpets and acid yellow throws and armchairs. Floor-to-ceiling windows look on to Grand Canal Square and the water basin or Chimney Park.
Standard facilities include free wifi, 32-inch Samsung HD TVs that can be linked with your iPad/Samsung Galaxy gadgets, long workdesks with EU/UK/US plug sockets, Philippe Starck Flos D’E-Light lamps that also act as iPod docks, air conditioning, minibars, tea and coffee facilities, free bottled water, robes and iron/ironing boards.
The sleek, spacious bathrooms are clad in white Carrara or black Nero Marquina marble, and most have separate tubs and walk-in showers. Toiletries are by Malin and Goetz.
I found the room comfortable and well designed – my only quibble being that I found the pillows too thick and firm.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the light-filled Brasserie serves dishes such as roast rump of lamb (28 euros) and roasted pheasant (27 euros) with an emphasis on local produce. The breakfast buffet (19.50 euros) had a good choice of hot and cold items, with à la carte options also available.
The main bar buzzed with hotel residents and locals alike on the Friday and Saturday evenings I stayed in December, but for the real wow factor head up to the seventh-floor rooftop bar. Open year-round, it’s largely outdoor, with an indoor section if you find the Dublin air somewhat bracing (the terrace may be covered over later this year), and offers fantastic views stretching to the Irish Sea and Dublin Mountains.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
There is 700 sqm of smart function space on the ground floor in the adjoining building to the back of the property, accessed via doors next to the bar.
It comprises the Marker suite, which divides in two and holds 250 delegates theatre-style or 300 for a reception; a pre-function area with its own bar; and four meeting rooms that also split into smaller spaces (capacity from eight to 116). There is a 24-hour business centre.
LEISURE FACILITIES
On the mezzanine level is a stylish spa with a 23-metre infinity pool, a large spa bath, a sauna and steam room, four treatment rooms, relaxation areas, and a good-sized gym with Life Fitness equipment.
VERDICT
An excellent addition to Dublin’s five-star hotel stock, with friendly staff, good facilities and a super location if you are doing business in the Docklands.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 187 – 117 Superior, 49 Deluxe, 14 Corner suites, four Luxury Corner suites, two one-bedroom suites and one Presidential.
- HIGHLIGHTS The spacious rooms with free wifi, the stylish spa and pool, and the great views from the rooftop bar.
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April started from 179 euros for a Superior room.
- CONTACT The Marker, Grand Canal Square, Docklands; tel +353 1687 5100; themarkerhoteldublin.com
Michelle Harbi
