Ever since our first visit to Singapore, when I got my first view of Marina Bay Sands Hotel, I have wanted to stay here. I finally did.
At 57 stories, the three towers of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel support the world’s largest infinity pool, bars, restaurants, and a cantilevered viewing platform. Architecturally attractive, it’s an engineering wonder and the most expensive hotel we have ever stayed in.
Risking spoiling the conclusion of our Marina Bay Sands review, I will tell you, in a word, YES. I believe Marina Bay Sands hotel is worth the money.
Our Marina Bay Sands review
Staying here, I ticked off a bucket list item. For me, it was worth every penny. We opted for a city view between floors 19 and 39. The lobby is an expansive masterpiece, and the rooms are enchanting.
Read on to find out all the reasons why we think Marina Bay Sands is worth it, or just book now.
Our top pick!
Singapore’s best hotel!
Don’t have time to read the entire article? We believe the best choice is Marina Bay Sands.
Our premier king room at Marina Bay Sands
Entering our premier king room, the floor-to-ceiling windows captured my attention, offering spectacular views both day and night. Our choice of a city view was a good one. Singapore city stretched out before our eyes, and our view even included the famous Merlion across the bay.
I knew instantly that the table near the windows would win out over the desk as my spot for writing.
The room was larger than I expected and was accented with anything we might need, from bedside lights and USB ports to a well-stocked minibar. They even went the extra mile and gifted to us a tempting double slice of chocolate anniversary cake.
Draped in a down comforter and pillows, our king bed was the perfect combination of firmness and exquisite luxury. As I suspected, sleep came easily on both nights.
And then there is the bathroom. Larger than mine at home, the shower alone was bigger than the bathroom on the ship we had just disembarked.
Marina Bay Sands pool
My expectations were high. Yet, like everything here, the Marina Bay Sands pool exceeded my wildest fantasy. At 150 metres in length, it is the world’s largest infinity pool. The view from the 57th floor is beyond breathtaking.
I was pleased to discover there are enough deck chairs for everyone, and of course, pool towels are plentiful. While some loungers are shaded, those at the pool’s edge stand in ankle-deep water.
Across the pool, the water dropped off into an abyss. If you didn’t understand the term “infinity pool” before this moment, there would be no question now.
Combining the hot and humid Singapore weather and the inviting water temperature, it didn’t take long for me to deposit my towel and robe on an empty bench and glide into the pool.
Frequently asked questions about the Marina Bay Sands swimming pool
1. What is the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool entrance fee?
Probably the most common questions asked and the one that fosters the greatest disappointment. The pool is only available for hotel guests, and for us, it is included in our room rate.
2. When is the best time to use the infinity pool?
The least crowded time to visit the pool is between 10.30 am and 3 pm. That is because check-out is at 11 am, and check-in starts at 3 pm. If you stay more than one night, this gives you a unique time opportunity.
3. Is the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool safe?
Don’t be stupid for a selfie. Sitting on the outer edge of the pool will have the lifeguard’s whistle blow before you can hit the shutter release. I am unsure what would happen on a second offence, but Singapore has some rigid laws.
In reality, spoiling the infinity illusion a bit, there is a safety ledge, making it nearly impossible to accidentally fall off.
What to bring for a stay at Marina Bay Sands
Singapore is tropical, just 110 km (70 miles) off the equator. While there is a dry and wet season, it generally rains all year, just less in the dry season.
We pack light, and as a result, we use virtually the same list for every trip. For Marina Bay Sands, we needed swimwear and smart casual for some of the restaurants. Both of these are already on our list.
Get a free copy of our packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.
Marina Bay Sands dining options
With over 80 restaurants in the Marina Bay Sands complex, there is something for everyone. The five that stand out to us:
- Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay:
This celebrity chef restaurant on the waterfront (in the mall) was a big hit for Jeff and I. Not only was the food delicious, but they also had specialty menus for both gluten-free and dairy-free, so I had lots of choices. - Marina Bay Sands bar poolside:
With food and drinks served poolside, there was really no reason to leave. - Cé La Vi Restaurant and SkyBar:
Located on the 57th floor, alongside the infinity pool, Cé La Vi offers non-hotel guests an opportunity to get up to the top without paying an entrance fee (SkyPark) or being a guest. It’s a bit expensive, but you are paying for the view. - Spago Bar and Lounge:
Another bar and restaurant option on the 57th floor is available to the public. - Renku Bar and Lounge:
A lobby bar that we found to be the perfect spot to relax and have a cup of iced coffee, although they are more famous for cocktails.
Marina Bay Sands shops
Complimenting the shopping options in the hotel itself, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is an upscale mall featuring 170 luxury and premium brand stores. The mall is connected to the hotel via a tunnel, or you can walk outdoors to cross the street.
If it is what you want, there is no shortage of Marina Bay Sands shopping opportunities, even a shopping concierge service to do your pre-shopping for you.
Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
Sands SkyPark observation deck boasts the spectacular 360-degree views you would expect from the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. In fact, it is the world’s largest public cantilevered platform.
If you are not staying at the hotel, or even if you are and just want this experience in addition to the pool, you can reserve a skip-the-line entrance ticket to Sands SkyPark Observation Deck.
Spectra sound and light show
Impressive, nightly, and free for everyone, not just guests.
Spectra is an amazing sound and light show. If you time it right, you can easily see it, plus the Garden Rhapsody sound and light show at Gardens by the Bay on the same evening. Go to Garden Rhapsody first, at 7.45, and then relax and wait for the 9 pm Spectra show, or one hour later for both on Friday and Saturday.
More to know about your visit
- Join the Sands Rewards club before you spend any money, and you will get credit for all your meals and shopping in addition to your room stay. There is a membership desk in the lobby.
- There is an MRT (train) station just below the hotel.
- An elevator will take you up to a bridge that crosses to the Gardens by the Bay.
- If you are not staying at the hotel and don’t want to pay for the SkyPark Observation deck, you can get a drink at either bar or restaurant on the 57th (top) floor.
- Marina Bay Sands has a strong and positive corporate social responsibility programme and currently has a Travel Sustainable Level 3+ rating at Booking.
- Marina Bay Sands opened on April 27, 2010, and cost a total investment equivalent to US$5.6 billion, including the 15.5 hectares of land.
- There are 2,561 hotel rooms and suites.
⇒ Reserve your room at Marina Bay Sands
Nothing’s perfect; the negative in this Marina Bay Sands review
I have heard many people complain that the hotel is big and it is impersonal. Others balk at the price. For me, it was pure paradise. The only negative is that we didn’t see quite as much of Singapore as we would have liked, as we spent too much time enjoying the Marina Bay Sands pool.
Things to see and do in Singapore
Occasionally, you might want to leave the hotel and explore Singapore, a unique city filled with modern architecture surrounded by a surprising amount of nature. There are gardens, cultural experiences, culinary excellence, and much more. See our list of things to do in Singapore for Couples
First-time visitors should start by reading this Singapore travel guide.
Other Singapore hotels
Of course, there are plenty of other Singapore accommodation options, ranging from backpackers to stunning five-star resorts. However, as you read in this Marina Bay Sands review, it will always be my top choice. If you want to see what else is available, click here to check out the Singapore options.
Conclusion – Is Marina Bay Sands worth it?
For me, it was a big yes!
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Will you stay at Marina Bay Sands next time you are in Singapore?
Disclaimer: Although we worked with the local tourism board, Visit Singapore, and were provided with various entrances throughout the city, we were not sponsored by Marina Bay Sands. I received no compensation for writing this review but rather did it to share somewhere wonderful with my readers. The opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
Sandra Nachlinger
Gorgeous photos! Looks like a delightful place to stay.
Paul Pietrangelo
I would go to Singapore just to stay in that unbelievable hotel. You don’t have to go any other place in Singapore. The rooms are amazing and the pool, oh my goodness. I jut love this place.
Rhonda, have a Merry Christmas my wonderful friend. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Bella
wow this looks amazing, i have always wanted to go here its on the top of my list! love all your images.
Laura
I have never been there, but I would love to visit and it looks like a great place to stay. Thank you for sharing x
Scott Gombar
Marina Bay Sands sounds like my kind of place. Your review is very thorough and helps anyone who is considering Marina Bay make the decision easier. Thanks for sharing.
Hannah
Wow, what a luxurious break! The room looks lovely and the view from the infinity pool looks breath-taking! Sometimes it is worth a little splurge for experiences like these. Thanks for the great review! Hannah
Meghan Emcee
This definitely sounds like paradise to me too! I’d want to stay here at least one night during my vacation if not just to get access to that spectacular pool!
Christine
What a beautiful hotel! I’d love to go there one day, and I definitely want to swim in the Marina Bay Sands pool – the view looks incredible!
Krystianna
The views seem absolutely amazing. I’d love to stay here sometime! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it. 🙂
Kay
I felt the EXACT SAME WAY! Though unfortunately there was a lightning storm with heavy rain, so we couldn’t really enjoy the pool, but it was still nice!
Suzanne Fluhr
We’re so che–p, er, I mean frugal, that we thought the price for the elevator to the observation deck was too high. We got our high floor view from the Raffles Sky Bar. It was Ladies Night, so my cover was $0 and we shared a “free” Singapore Sling. It was worth the $25 cover for Mr. Excitement and was a romantic last night in Singapore. I can certainly understand why you were content to stand in a pool (it’s definitely hot and humid), but the Singapore botanical gardens were well worth the sweat, if you return.
Christopher Mitchell
Yeah, it seems like your answer is a big, big yes, and with everything that you’ve mentioned I can totally see why!
tweenselmom
I promise to take a photo of this hotel myself soon! Thanks for the wonderful review.
Navigation Junkie
Amazing! I would love spending an afternoon enjoying the views and enjoying the water. I always love hotels with great views of the city-and the pool makes it all the better!
Jasmine M
It looks beautiful there. I love the way your room looked. I would have been terrified in that swimming pool though. I am not a big fan of heights.
Rachael Gunn
This is one of my bucket list hotels purely because of that epic pool; great tip on the quieter visiting times though as I did worry it would be very crowded!
Emma
This would be a dream stay. I love a fancy hotel, so this would be right up my street. And that pool! Wow! I visited Singapore before and enjoyed it, and always wondered about the Marina Bay Sands so it’s great to hear a little more about it
Nicola Lavin
It does look like an incredible place to stay. What a treat.
Elsa
Yeah, it’s all worth it. With all its luxuries, it really is. Thanks for confirming. Great article!
Bliss
I was lucky enough to stay here for work. Agree with everything you’ve said. One of the best hotels I’ve stayed at.
Luda
Marina Bay Sands was one of my favorite things when I visited Singapore – you’re right, the infinity pool was like heaven! Also I had no idea there were over 80 restaurants in the complex, how cool!
Lala Kerry
Wow what a view! I wanted to go to Singapore next time but I have no budget 🙁
Even if I go, I might not be able to afford this place lol
Maybe next time I will be able to go there! So much things to do there too!
Melody Smith
Nice!! Singapore is a wonderful multi cultural country. I was quite fortunate to have stayed there for 4 months back 2005 and can’t wait to go back and hopefully stay at this hotel.
Nicole
I was so sad I never had the chance to stay at this beautiful resort! I visited the Skydeck and it was an amazing view! Great article!
Celebrate Woman Today
Love the pictures that tell your story so well! The view, the area and the memories are totally cool.
Norma
That place just seems like my daughter’s version of heaven. She loves the water and could stay there for a whole day. I think it is worth all the money it could possibly cost.
Lyn
We didnt stay, but we visited and made it to the top. It is a gorgeous hotel, great location and love the shopping, complete with skating and canal. Great write up Rhonda.
karen
I’d be guessing the view from above would be wonderful. I would definitely like to try staying in Marina Bay Sands, unfortunately for my two visits in in SG, i can only afford backpackers inns. But this is a great review.
Bree
That pool is just amazing! I would love to stay there! I will for sure be checking them out!
GiGi Eats
Oh gosh! This place looks like a HUGE yes for me too!! I am so there if I ever head that direction!!
Fuzionmag
Nice review, thanks for sharing your experience, and great pics..! The place looks so gorgeous..!
Laura Hale
We did not stay there when we were in Singapore, but we visited. We loved it and will stay there next time!I did not know about these light shows! How did we miss that we were there 3 days! Our daughter did stay there and she got spectacular pictures of her in the pool at night! I did not know about the restaurant on the 57 th floor either! We will be back!
Ryan K Biddulph
Definitely looks like it’s worth it Rhonda. Well worth the pricey cost. I marvel at its scale. I also marvel at how selfie-obsessed dingbats actually risk their lives for a shot like that. The second safety ledge protects people who risk being subject to Darwinism LOL.
Ryan
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – it looks amazing … I guess the extra plus: would be to be to afford to stay there for a week+ and see more of Singapore, while enjoying the luxury of the Marina Bay Sands … looks like you had a fantastic time … great photos – cheers and have a happy Christmas and festive time – Hilary
Stephanie Stebbins
This looks absolutely gorgeous! I would probably spend a lot of time in the pool as well!
Sandee
Hubby and I don’t go cheap when we book rooms. We want the view, the best of the best. I would stay here for sure. I love the Sands Suite. That’s my pick with the harbor view.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. ♥