Dublin is already home to a diversity of hotels, but with international tech companies such as Twitter, Facebook and Google flocking to the city’s so-called “Silicon Docks” over recent years, and coronavirus creating pent-up demand amongst travellers worldwide, more are expected to join them in the near future.
Tophotelprojects currently has 41 projects, totalling 6,070 rooms, listed in its database in planning or under construction. According to the data service, five of the pipeline projects will open this year, ten are slated for 2022, and five will arrive in 2023. There’s also one project scheduled for 2026 and a further 20 still TBA.
Amongst the properties on the boards are three from StayCity Aparthotels, which will add 586 keys in an effort to cater to the city’s growing desire for extended-stay accommodation, as well as two new additions from design-led brand Locke, one of which will be located in the up-and-coming Docklands neighbourhood.
Featured below are just a few of the key developments on the horizon for Ireland’s vibrant capital, as it enters its next phase of growth. If you would like further information – including contact details for the developers, operators, designers and procurement teams behind each project – please visit www.tophotelprojects.com.
Zanzibar Locke Ha'penny Bridge
Marking Locke Hotels' first property outside of the UK, Zanzibar Locke is being developed on the site of Dublin’s iconic Zanzibar Nightclub and will draw on its rich architectural heritage to inform its design. The Georgian building is being sensitively restored by native contractors, joiners and artists to retain its original character while welcoming 160 new apartments, a co-working space, workout studio, and an all-day restaurant by local foodie favourites NolaClan serving Irish-inspired small plates and craft cocktails.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q2 2021 • Owner: Saco Property Group • Developer: Targeted Investment Opportunities • Operator: Locke Hotels • Architecture: C+W O'Brien Architects • Interior Design: ODonnell ONeill Hospitality Design • Main Contractor: Bennett Construction • F&B: NolaClan
Hampton by Hilton at River House
Comprising 249 guestrooms across eight floors, with one basement level and a mezzanine, Hampton by Hilton at River House has been designed by Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) and sits opposite the city’s Four Courts. The aparthotel has been built using an inverted type of construction, where the transfer slab at level one was created first to allow for the assembly of the upper levels while archaeological excavations were undertaken below. Precast floors and structural twin walls have sped up the process.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q2 2021 • Developer: Dublin City Council, JMK Group, Seraphine Hotels • Operator: Hilton Worldwide • Interior Design: Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) • Main Contractor: MB McNamara Construction • Consultants: John Spain Associates (JSA), 3D Design Bureau
The Samuel
Arriving this September on the shores of the River Liffey, The Samuel will be housed in the former London and North Western Hotel, which dates back to the 1800s – an interlinking eight-storey extension will offer space for new amenities – like a restaurant and coffee shop – and rooms, bringing the total key count to 200. Located close to The Convention Centre Dublin, the IFSC business district and the 3Arena, the hotel will be within reach of shopping and leisure destinations courtesy of Dublin’s light-rail system.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q3 2021 • Owner: BNP Paribas Real Estate, JLL • Developer: Ronan Group Real Estate, Kolonie NorthStar London • Operator: Dalata Hotel Group • Architecture: Scott Tallen Walker Architects • Consultant: Knight Frank, Spencer Place Campus
Beckett Locke
Tucked behind the 3Arena in Dublin’s Docklands, Beckett Locke is inspired by its maritime surroundings, with 241 studio apartments – designed in-house by Edyn’s Development Studio – set to combine black steel, exposed concrete and rust-coloured soft furnishings. The assimilation of local narratives will flow into the social areas too, where AvroKO is basing the layout on a traditional docklands market hall, bringing together a co-working space, meeting rooms, a cocktail bar, coffee shop and all-day restaurant.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q3 2021 • Owner / Developer: Saco Property Group • Operator: Locke Hotels • Architecture: C+W O'Brien Architects • Interior Design: Edyn (in-house Development Studio), AvroKo • Main Contractor: Bennett Construction • Consultant: DBFL Consulting Engineers
Nyx Dublin Portobello Harbour
Nyx Dublin Portobello Harbour will be the boutique brand’s debut property in Ireland and occupies the site of a former battery store and language school along one of the city’s most prominent canals, just up the street from the beloved Bernard Shaw pub. Set to open its doors in early 2022, the 175-room hotel will feature a downstairs bar and music venue that aims to engage the local late-night crowd by hosting bands and DJs from across the country, as well as connecting with the neighbourhood’s vibrant art scene.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q1 2022 • Owner: MKN Property Group • Developer: Tifco Hotel Group, MKN Property Group • Operator: Leonardo Hotels • Architecture: 3D Design Bureau, John Fleming Architects • Consultant: John Spain Associates (JSA) • Civil and Structural Engineering: BDP
Hotel Cherrywood Town Centre
Slated for completion in Q1 2022, the 204-key Hotel Cherrywood Town Centre forms part of a wider mixed-use development comprising 1,269 build-to-rent apartments, 585,000ft2 of retail and office space, and vast amounts of public areas. The new urban quarter will prioritise pedestrians and bike users, while a variety of shops and dining venues will provide space for visitors to meet and mingle. The development is also planning to become the first WELL-certified development in Ireland and only the third in Europe.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q1 2022 • Owner / Developer: Hines Interests • Architecture: Henry J Lyons Architects • Consultant: CBRE Hotels • Other Companies: Cherrywood Dublin, Savills Ireland
