In a city deeply rooted in their history and culture, contemporary buildings flourish in Dublin, the capital and the largest city of Ireland. The recent one is The Marker, a five-star hotel whose design is inspired by Ireland’s own amazing nature.
Standing sumptuously in the the newly-developed Dublin Docklands, an extension of the city’s business hub, The Marker being the newest hotel in Dublin picked up its name from a historic feature at the Grand Canal, an inland trade route lined with iron “markers”. The final marker was in the Grand Canal Square, where the hotel is now situated. Designed by American landscape architect Marta Schwartz, the square itself is the first public square since the Georgian squares were laid out in the 18th century.
The urban regeneration has transformed Dublin Docklands into becoming an innovative business centre that houses over 500 companies. IT giants like Facebook and Google as well as other businesses like The Bord Gais Energy Theatre have established their presence there; and these renowned enterprises are amongst The Marker’s neighbours.
Also worth noting is that The Marker is the latest property of The Leading Hotels of the World. Leading Hotels is known for its collection of unparalleled luxury hotels, boasting more than 400 hotels across 80 countries. This giant hotels group was established in 1928 by a number of influential European hoteliers. With a long history that has built up outstanding portfolio in unprecedented experiences to various visitors from all corners of the world, the group only selects hotels that meet its high standards of hospitality and exceeds the expectation of travellers seeking unique luxury travel experiences.
The original design of the hotel was done by Aires Mateus & Associados Architects, which won the competition for “Grand Canal Square Hotel”. Then McCauley Daye O’Connell Architects developed it. The construction work started in 2005 and finally the hotel opened its doors in 2013. Since then, its distinct exterior design is something one cannot ignore. Inspired by the hexagonal stones of the Giant’s Causeway, the checkerboard façade is a meeting of sleek urban design and a famous Irish coastal landform.
The openness of the Grand Canal Square continues rather seamlessly all the way to The Marker’s lobby. Arup, a structural engineering company, was commissioned to build a 67-metre bridge structure with no intermediate supports, thus making the lobby the largest open lobby in Dublin. Sights are uninterrupted from the bar to the restaurant. The structure is said to be the most complex cantilevered bridge structure ever built in Ireland.
Staying at The Marker means having a full experience of enjoying the Grand Canal Square. All of its 167 rooms and 20 suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to flood in. The glass windows overlook the vibrant life and iconic architectural masterpieces of Dublin or the Wicklow mountains. The spacious rooms are designed for work, rest and lounging. The furniture includes bespoke armchairs, sofas and long console desks.
Bold colours accentuate the calm tones with a pop of fresh lime green. The sizable bathrooms are finished in Black Nero Marquina and White Carrera marble and equipped with Malin+Goetz products. Artworks embellish the hotel rooms across the floors. They are mostly, if not all, works of Irish artists or foreign artists who are working in Ireland.
Another remarkable facility is The Spa at The Marker. It’s a haven that takes you away from the bustle. Its dark tone and walnut floors give the calming effect. It features a 23-metre glass-like infinity pool, a generously sized Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The award-winning spa offers a wide range of luxurious treatments and advanced skincare programs that’s perfect for a pampering session.
The Marker is located only about a 15-minute walk away from the city centre, so it is convenient for guests to bar-hop and enjoy what Ireland is best known for, the drinking culture. But the stylish Rooftop Bar and Terrace might make it hard to leave the hotel. The design was loosely inspired by The Burren, a world-famous wild and rocky landscape in Southwest Ireland. Perched on the seventh floor, the rooftop bar offers a stunning sunset view behind the city skyline. The Dublin weather can get very cold at times, but the bar offers outdoor and indoor areas. Heat lamps and snug blankets are provided, which completes the experience of Dublin 360° view while relaxing and enjoying exquisite food and cocktails all through the year.