The Marker Hotel

"How did it strike you on arrival?Dublin’s Docklands are known as the "Silicon Docks," with the European headquarters of Facebook, Google, and Airbnb all taking up residence here. The Marker Hotel, a sleek geometric building in the middle of Grand Canal Square, is the district’s unofficial landmark. There’s a hip vibe throughout, from the light-filled lobby to the bedrooms bursting with pops of color. You’ll always find some young Dubliners having a drink in the atrium, and on sunny days the rooftop bar is sure to be hopping. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Tech heads (and yes, therefore, the Wi-Fi is super-quick and reliable). Otherwise: young and cool travelers who want first dibs on the rooftop bar. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.With pops of neon green and vivid purple, the rooms are stylish but not overdone—there’s no dizzying palette here. Floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms stocked with Malin+Goetz toiletries, and bathtubs (as well as showers) round out the offerings. How about other amenities on-site. Anything stand out?The rooftop isn’t only for drinking—it hosts free yoga classes for guests. What about other services and features?The moodily lit infinity pool is the best in the city, with a eucalyptus-scented steam room. Open seasonally, the rooftop bar has killer views of the city and as far out as the Dublin mountains. Guests have guaranteed access—and you're guaranteed to make friends with the bartenders. Bottom line: worth it, and why?If you want to see a different side of the city, or live your very best rooftop life, The Marker is the place to be." - Nicola Brady