This is what it feels like to stay in Singapore’s most famous hotel

If you’ve never heard of the Marina Bay Sands, you’ve undoubtedly seen it before. Google Singapore, a tiny Southeast Asian metropolis, and every other image will include the hotel’s three slanted towers, above which a “SkyPark” stretches.

Whether it looks like a boat, three decks of cards, or is simply an ingenious design by architect Moshe Safdie, the building has become synonymous with Singapore’s skyline since it opened in 2010 – and now it has recently undergone a billion-dollar renovation that has seen over 1,000 rooms in Towers 1 and 2 undergo major upgrades. (Tower 3 is about to undergo a makeover.)

During my first stay in 2018, I spent hours in the Instagram-famous 150-meter rooftop infinity pool, swimming from one end to the other and taking in every corner of the city between moves. My second stay was for a work conference, which is common for many guests at Marina Bay Sands.

This massive integrated resort features a convention center, casino, museum, restaurants and shops. I’ve shared elevators with exhausted coworkers, teenagers planning the perfect pool photo and high rollers returning from a round of gambling.

There’s so much going on at Marina Bay Sands that it often feels like more than just a hotel. It’s its own microcosm of Singapore’s reputation as a financial hub, cocktail bar paradise and the most upscale place in Asia.

When Taylor Swift performed in Singapore, she stayed in one of the swanky new suites, complete with 24-hour butler service. And when the city comes alive for the Singapore Grand Prix, the towers are packed with motorsport fans seeking a view of the race track. Next time I’m in Singapore, I’ll (hopefully) be watching Lewis Hamilton cross the line in first place as the race cars race around the hotel.

For shopaholics, the hotel’s luxury buggy service will whisk you from Louis Vuitton Island to an Apple Store surrounded by water in seconds. Families can hop on the hotel’s sampan boats and float through the luxury mall. If you’re feeling lucky, try your luck at the 600 tables and 1,600 slot machines of the world’s largest atrium casino. Then head to the ArtScience Museum, which offers a rotating selection of imaginative and immersive exhibitions. The myriad ways to keep yourself entertained in this adult playground are dizzying.

I’ve spent afternoons face down on a massage table 55 stories up and evenings sipping Singapore Slings in the rooftop lounge CÉ LA VI. While you don’t have to leave the hotel grounds, it would be a shame to miss Singapore’s UNESCO-recognised hawker centre culture, pastel-coloured shophouses and bustling Chinatown. And when you return, sweaty and exhausted, your pillow-soft bed with Frette and Mascioni linens will be there waiting for you.

Here is my review of Marina Bay Sands, a tourist attraction and architectural icon.

The rooms

With 1,850 rooms and suites spread over 55 floors and three freestanding towers, you might think you’re crammed in like a sardine can, but the rooms here are almost 46 square meters in size. Divided between the Sands Collection and the ultra-elegant Paiza Collection, the eight room categories range from the Sands Premier Room to the Paiza Signature Suite.

All rooms feel luxurious and elegant with champagne gold, chrome finishes, pale wood and muted velvet furnishings. In keeping with Singapore’s high-tech sensibility, all rooms have wireless charging stations, huge 75-inch flat screen TVs and Dyson hairdryers. If you’re not sure whether to choose the city or bay view, choose the bay view – there’s nothing quite like gazing at the glittering Supertree Grove at night.

My brand new Sands Premier room felt light years away from the previous entry-level room I had stayed in here a few years earlier. It wasn’t just the high-quality materials that covered every inch, but also the amount of space, particularly the marble-clad bathroom with double sinks, soaking tub and rain shower. Another nice touch is the bespoke cocktail cart in each room and the lacquered Asian cabinet full of local treats and specialty teas.

Those who treat themselves to the luxury of the Paiza Collection receive perks such as a VIP welcome service, an on-call butler and access to the private lounge.

Food and Drink

With nearly 50 food and drink options at Marina Bay Sands, 11 of which are located within the hotel itself, even the pickiest eaters will find something to suit them. The wide range of restaurants ranges from American favorites like Roberta’s Pizza and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer to Asian highlights like Ippudo and Din Tai Fung.

There’s fine dining from celebrity chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Gordon Ramsey and Wolfgang Puck (make a reservation at the Spago Dining Room for incredible city views). There are also casual options, including a variety of casual Western and French cafes, as well as quick sushi and pho.

Overwhelmed? We can’t blame you. If your head is spinning with food fantasies, I recommend slurping some soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung, enjoying the Peking duck at Mott 32, and sharing the signature meatballs at LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar—just be sure to ask for a table with a view.

Activities and experiences

When it comes to Marina Bay Sands, there is so much to do and so little time.

The SkyPark is undoubtedly a major attraction for guests. This rooftop space spans nearly three acres and is large enough to park four and a half jumbo jets. And although the infinity pool is reserved exclusively for guests, I recommend getting there early in the morning for peace and quiet and a selfie-free space.

Other activities include playing slot machines, shopping at one of the 19 flagship stores, watching Spectra (an outdoor light and water show) or one of the Broadway shows. And when you want to relax, the Banyan Tree Spa offers everything from Thai massages to body scrubs. The hotel’s Technogym-equipped fitness center is located in the convention center (ask someone to guide you there, otherwise you may never find it), but for a unique workout experience, book a yoga, HIIT or sound meditation class at SkyPark, with unbeatable views over Singapore.

The Spa

Located on the 55th floor of Tower 1, Banyan Tree Spa features 12 treatment rooms decorated with Asian floral prints, soothing water features and warm colors. It offers pages of full-body treatments, including a Radiance Revival facial, Ayurvedic massage and Turmeric Honey Cleanser body scrub. Singapore is already one of the cleanest cities in the world, but after a treatment here, you’ll feel like a new person.

Family-friendly offers

The hotel’s Sands Collection includes 33 Sands Family Suites, complete with bunk beds and fun animal-themed wallpaper. Little ones also receive an adventure pack with a plush lion to explore the “Lion City.” There are also plenty of interactive ways to keep the kids occupied, including the ArtScience Museum and the Digital Light Canvas, created in collaboration with teamLab.

Accessibility and sustainability

There are 20 ADA-compliant wheelchair accessible rooms and 29 senior-friendly rooms with grab bars and showers with benches. All public areas, including the SkyPark, are handicap accessible.

Marina Bay Sands is working to reduce its carbon footprint and has already reduced it by 24.4 percent since 2014. Its SkyPark is powered by 536 solar panels, the hotel’s vehicle fleet is electric, and suites are equipped with energy-efficient technology and control systems to adjust consumption according to occupancy.

Location

It doesn’t get more central than this. A short 15-minute drive from Changi International Airport puts you between the Marina Bay Waterfront and Gardens by the Bay. Many of Singapore’s biggest attractions are within walking distance, including the Singapore Flyer, Supertree Grove and the National Museum of Singapore. If you want to venture further into neighbourhoods such as Kampong Glam and Duxton Hill, the Bayfront MRT is just a two-minute walk away.

How to get the most out of your stay

Marina Bay Sands has its own loyalty program, Sands Lifestyle, which is free to join and offers members deals on dining, shopping and activities. The hotel also offers accommodation packages. Check the hotel website for the latest offers.