Anantara The Marker Hotel Dublin

Character and identity

The Marker stakes out Grand Canal Square in Dublin's Docklands, the so-called Silicon Docks where Google, Facebook and Airbnb keep their European bases. The building itself is a sharp geometric statement, and the unofficial landmark of the neighbourhood. Inside, 187 rooms run stylish without going overboard: pops of neon green and vivid purple against floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms with Malin+Goetz toiletries, tubs alongside showers. A moodily lit infinity pool with a eucalyptus steam room ranks as the city's best, and the seasonal rooftop bar pulls a young crowd for views stretching to the Dublin mountains.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The draw here is the package of rooftop, pool and Docklands address, not classical Dublin charm: this is a contemporary city hotel built around scene and amenity. Book it if you want infinity-pool downtime and guaranteed rooftop access in summer, and aim for a higher floor with the floor-to-ceiling windows facing the canal. Time a stay around the warmer months when the roof is open.