Marina Bay Sands – Hotel Review
Last Updated on Aug 21, 2024
Singapore was the first stop on my big trip to Southeast Asia. I had already visited Asia twice before, but this time I wanted to do something a bit luxurious in each of my destinations. The infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore was obviously the first thing I thought of, as it’s probably the most iconic and romantic attraction of the Lion City.
But, I got quickly put off after reading the hotel website which said that only hotel guests can use the facilities. Visitors can only enter Marina Bay Sands SkyPark to get to the observation deck. Paying 20 SGD per person to get to a separate area of the roof didn’t appeal to me – especially after a visit to the Altitude bar in Singapore.
I honestly never thought, I’d be able to afford a room at Marina Bay Sands back then. But I found a way to do it…
Marina Bay Sands – My Hotel Review
Marina Bay Sands Hotel Review
Marina Bay Sands is a huge hotel and it might not seem as romantic as a nice bungalow in the middle of the jungle. I was a bit concerned about how was it going to be, after reading some bad reviews.
After all, I didn’t expect much from the room and I mostly wanted to use the hotel’s facilities – especially the infinity pool.
Upon arrival, I was warmly received and got my own porter. ‘Is this your first time at the hotel?’ the receptionist asked me. My friend and I said yes and he immediately checked something in the computer system. He smiled, and told us ‘we’ve upgraded you to a better room, no extra charge.’ A better room might mean many things and in the case of Marina Bay Sands, it might be a room located on a higher floor.
We weren’t sure exactly what the upgrade was so we didn’t get too excited and my friend was quick to say that they probably do this for everyone. However, we were pleasantly surprised when we got to my room and realized we GOT THE UPGRADE!
Why we got an upgrade – I’m not sure. I pitched to MBS before asking if they could work with me. They apologized saying they’re not allowed to give complimentary stays or access to the infinity pool, so it had nothing to do with my blog. Maybe if they saw I’m determined to stay there anyway they decided to upgrade me.
Technically, it wasn’t even a room, it was a huge Orchid Suite overlooking the Gardens by the Bay! The place had everything you could think of and even more. A big living room filled with Nespresso coffee, tea, newspapers, a huge TV, and a small bathroom on the side.
From the living room we could walk out onto the terrace which had an outdoor table and lounge chairs. Behind some sliding doors, there was my bedroom with another TV, a work area with every possible adapter for electronics, and a lot of water.
The bathroom (yes, another one!) was amazing, and I wouldn’t mind having one like it at home one day. It came with two sinks, a cosmetic table, a shower room, and a huge bathtub. I couldn’t believe it was all for us and we barely wanted to leave the room to enjoy the facilities to the fullest!
Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
On the way there I got a bit anxious about the weather. It got very cloudy and it looked like it was about to rain. Imagine if you had only one night to use this amazing pool and it rained!
Luckily, the weather ended up being great the whole time, unusual for Singapore during this time of year (November).
The attractions continued when I got to the rooftop to see the infinity pool. After reading some reviews that said that the pool was always crowded, I was a bit concerned, but it wasn’t more crowded than any other pool. We saved some lounge chairs for ourselves and jumped into the water.
The pool isn’t actually very good for swimming as it’s quite shallow, but I swam for a bit. I didn’t see anyone complaining about it as we were all taking photos with the amazing view of the city in the background.
If you sit on a lounge chair and watch, you can imagine that the water actually falls from the pool. Obviously, for safety reasons, there is an extra floor under the pool.
Don’t worry – it’s invisible from the terrace, but you can’t see it. On the roof there were also many restaurants, bars, jacuzzis, a spa, and a gym. You can’t really ask for more!
I enjoyed the pool during the day, but my friend was more excited to see it at night. The pool is open until 10PM, so we got to see a beautiful panoramic view of the city at night. That’s not all though, the most impressive part of the evening visit was the fountain show.
I’ve seen fountain shows in Dubai and Las Vegas and I thought that they were both impressive. The show at MBS beat them all for sure. There were holographic mermaids coming out of the fountains, Neptune sailing out of the dancing drops, and much more. Too bad I couldn’t capture it on camera!
Overall Experience
Was my stay worth it? Definitely! The hotel might not be the most romantic place on earth, because it feels like an airport hall, but it’s a good place to spend the night in Singapore – even if it’s just for the pool. If you’re going on your honeymoon, I would recommend something more intimate, like Hanging Gardens Hotel in Bali instead.
But MBS was still a great experience! I wish we could have stayed more than one night… At least I got a taste of the Singaporean high life.
Wow! I really want to stay there and swim in this pool!
Nice snag on the room cost and thanks for the review. Even though I would love to swim in around in the pool I would still prefer, as you said, a room in the jungle.
Wait for my another review then – Hanging Gardens in Ubud, Bali 🙂
i love reading your blog and it very informative as this year we plan along with my bf to travel romantic and affordable places in Asia ..
Lovely reminded me of the Time I stayed there as well ! I stayed in MBS once as well and I was lucky they upgraded my room too now I’m thinking they do it for most people ! Or maybe we were just lucky ?? 🙂
I think we were just lucky hehe 🙂 My friends didn’t get an upgrade.
If you like beach, I would highly recommend you to go Koh Lipe, Thailand. If you like quiet & not much people on the beach, go in between 15 May to 15 June. That’s the low season. This place is very peaceful & you can fully enjoy yourself on the beach during this low season time. Only a few hotel is good in koh lipe. One of the best is mali resort hotel which is facing the beach & have a wonderful garden view.
Enjoy!
What an awesome experience! Im checking out Orbitz as we speak! Your very lucky to get the room at such a price, but to get an upgrade! laughing! nice work
You can do it too! 🙂
Singapore hotels are known for their high rates. Glad you have enjoyed your stay. Although a Singaporean myself, I have not stayed there. May do that this year:-)
Ahhh, one of my dream destinations… 😉
Hi Anna,
I’ve lived in Singapore for two years and still haven’t stayed at MBS, but I might have to after reading your post.
Joe
Let me know your thoughts when you do 🙂
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel’s observation deck is spectacular… it’s actually the views that took me off my feet. Loved visiting it about 3-4 years ago. I’d definitely do it again!
The Gardens By the Bay… by the way… were still under construction at that time. They look so surreal, I’m drooling to see them too next time I’ll be in Singapore!
I’m really curious how all the trees are gonna look in a couple of years 🙂
I got to see MBS built. I lived in Singapore for a little over 3 years. If you’re looking for romantic, try the Fullerton Hotel or the Fullerton Bay Hotel. Both are great!
I think MBS is more of an icon than a romantic getaway. I haven’t stayed at Fullerton but maybe next time – thanks!
I think this is one of the most famous hotels in the world. That ironically also makes it one of the most expensive ones 😉 You were super lucky to get this deal + an upgrade on top of that! I loved seeing your photos and the video of the hotel, as I’ve always wondered what the interior and rooms look like. Obviously photos of the infinity pool are everywhere around the Web, but I never saw anything of the interior, so thank you so much for sharing! x Maaike
I’m glad you liked it – you can get a deal when you’re in Singapore (doesn’t hurt to try) and who knows… maybe you can get upgraded as well 🙂
Wow 150$ that is really not a lot for one night in THAT hotel. I have to sa that I was also on that swimming pool but not totally legal 😉 I have to come back to MBS and that time sleep there like “normal turist”.
Hehe when were you there? My friend also just got into the pool in June 2014, but when I was there in November they started checking everyone’s room keys at the entrance, so I guess they figured out that many people were just illegally going. That’s funny as my friend visited me and we had to keep swapping cards with my bf so she could see the pool. It’s become super strict! Even press can’t swim now!
Who could get tired of lovely imeags from paradise? LOL I’d love to be on that dock about now. Nice shot, love the water with it’s tropical look.Jimi Jones recently posted..
Excellent, very informative! This might be a silly question, but is there a place to leave valuables e.g. a camera when going for a swim?
Thanks!
I just left my valuables on a sun lounger so I was able to see them all the time. I didn’t see any lockers to be honest, but the area is relatively small so I wouldn’t worry that much.
Sounds lovely!
would you know if its convenient with a 8 month old baby?
I don’t see why not to be honest. The staff can provide you with everything you need for the baby 🙂
Very nice shots!
These pictures(at the edge of the pool) are giving me goosebumps. Going to visit this place soon.