Marina Bay Sands Review: The Truth About Staying at Singapore's Iconic Hotel

With its stunning architectural design, world-class amenities, and breathtaking views of the city skyline and the bay, Marina Bay Sands Singapore is a true gem of Southeast Asia.

When planning my trip to Singapore, I knew I had to stay at Marina Bay Sands Resort and experience the panoramic views of Singapore's bustling cityscape while swimming in the famous rooftop infinity pool.

Since the swimming pool is only available to hotel guests, I booked a night at the Marina Bay Sands to have the chance to experience it. The other two nights in Singapore at the Ibis Bencoolen down the road!

In this post, I share my honest opinion on whether staying at Marina Bay Sands Hotel lives up to its marketing and whether the price you pay to stay at Singapore's most iconic hotel is worth it.

Is Marina Bay Sands Worth All The Hype?

First Impressions

Arriving at the hotel, we gazed up at the structure; it is an architectural feat of engineering. In photographs, it looked spectacular, and when you are there, the three towers (not surprisingly called Towers 1, 2, and 3), each 58 stories tall, loom over you like a giant sci-fi creation on steroids.  

The Skypark connects the towers and features a 376,000-gallon infinity pool, as well as restaurants and bars. MBS Singapore has over 2,500 rooms across 57 floors, so you'll never feel alone!

Heading inside Tower 3, we watched the constant stream of visitors descending upon the reception area. It was a swish operation, and in no time, we made our way to the front desk, where we were asked if we wanted to upgrade to a higher floor with a better view of the city.

I have to point out that my original booking also stated I had a city view, but according to the receptionist, my view would have been of a wall, as I was assigned to a low floor.  I could hear other guests being told the same thing, which I thought was a bit naughty of the hotel, but I paid the extra dollars as I didn't want to be disappointed with my room.

Time For Bed

Our premium resort room was spacious, with picture windows overlooking the Singapore skyline. The sumptuous king-size bed with its high-end linen and pillows, and the double sofa bed for my son, ticked all the boxes for a first-class stay.

Freshen Up

The bathroom was also well-appointed, with a free-standing bath, shower, toilet, and a selection of luxurious toiletries.

Marina Bay Sands Iconic Rooftop Pool - is it all it's cracked up to be?

We both had terrible chest infections, but we were there for the famous infinity pool, and we would swim in it come hell or high water.  We headed up to the roof in the guest lift and waited to be wowed at our first glimpse of the infinity pool and the surrounding view.

While the rooftop pool area gives the best views of Singapore, the infinity pool was very crowded. Guests were intent on taking pool selfies, so while it's a photographer's delight, it's a swimmer's nightmare.

I also thought the water was quite cold, and I wondered if that was intentional. Maybe to ensure the same people don't spend too long in the water trying to get the perfect photo!

The pool opens at 6 am, so if you want to swim in the Marina Bay infinity pool without the crowds blocking your way, set an early alarm!

I would have just paid to visit the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and Observation Deck if I had known how crowded the pool would be. You can come up to the roof for a few dollars to view the pool and enjoy a cocktail instead of booking into the resort as a guest.

Conclusion

So, is Marina Bay Sands worth all the hype?  Sadly, I would say no.

Would I stay at Marina Bay Sands again over other fabulous hotels in Singapore? I don't think so. I only wanted to experience it once, and I have done it now. However, can you visit Singapore without at least one night at this iconic hotel?

Check out Availability and Rates for Marina Bay Sands

Where else is it worth staying in Singapore?

Now, when I visit Singapore, I stay at Citadines Raffles Place. It has a superb rooftop garden with spectacular views of Marina Bay Sands.

Is the pool worth it? No. It's better to view it as an architectural marvel rather than try to swim in it.

Am I glad I did it? Yes, because otherwise, I would have always wondered what a stay in one of the most iconic hotels in the world was like.

Does MBS have a museum integrated into its buildings? The Lotus-inspired ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands hosts world-class exhibitions featuring art and science from past and present creative talents.

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