Raffles V Marina Bay

[maureeng]

I just booked the Marina Bay Sands for May through Agoda at $439.00 per night inclusive of all taxes. Thought that was a very good rate. Have been to Raffles years ago and loved it but wanted to try out the pool ( lol i'm terrified of heights) as friends were there recently and loved it.

 

[Deleted member]

I think I would rather the raffles.
It's unnatural to swim that high in the air.

 

[maureeng]

I totally agree but I have to face my fears :-|

 

[DaveB]

Raffles was great with the wife in 2014 though with our two adult daughters with us a few weeks ago, the Marina Bay is one hotel the family will never forget.
Even though the Marina Bay was jam packed after new years when we arrived, definitely worth a stay. The splurge on two Club city view rooms was worth it.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Thanks for the input good people - Raffles is Cruiserette's dream hotel - but we have stayed there a number of times and we both want to try the pool at MBS - plus walking straiught into Ku De Ta seems totally civilised to both of us.

As we arr SIN 16:20 on June 15th and dep at 00:10 on 18th - what is latest check out that anybody has been able to negotiate pls?

 

[maninblack]

I found MBS to be simply awful and the shopping centre and other public areas like a sterile ghost town. Couldn't get out of there fast enough. There are so many more interesting experiences to be had in Singapore these days. As always YMMV.

 

[dajop]

I found MBS to be simply awful and the shopping centre and other public areas like a sterile ghost town. Couldn't get out of there fast enough. There are so many more interesting experiences to be had in Singapore these days. As always YMMV.

Very true. But, there's a difference between the shopping centre/public areas and the hotel (although hotel rooms are below expectations for the price). I have never swum in such an amazing pool. We had a one night staycation there courtesy of a credit card promo, and didn't leave the hotel (or for that matter didn't go any lower in the hotel than our room floor), spent most of the time in the bars or the pool on the rooftop. If staying a week though, other places are more convenient.

 

[Cynicor]

I found MBS to be simply awful and the shopping centre and other public areas like a sterile ghost town. Couldn't get out of there fast enough. There are so many more interesting experiences to be had in Singapore these days. As always YMMV.

Gardens by the bay is just behind though, it's quite nice there and you can run around the bay and though the gardens in the morning. Myself, I'd never stay there. Not with the Fullerton, Pan Pac and Conrad all nearby.

 

[Lowjhg]

I just booked the Marina Bay Sands for May through Agoda at $439.00 per night inclusive of all taxes. Thought that was a very good rate. Have been to Raffles years ago and loved it but wanted to try out the pool ( lol i'm terrified of heights) as friends were there recently and loved it.

Gardens by the bay is just behind though, it's quite nice there and you can run around the bay and though the gardens in the morning. Myself, I'd never stay there. Not with the Fullerton, Pan Pac and Conrad all nearby.

Indeed Cynicor, as a local myself i would never stay there! The price point for a single room there is just bonkers. Comparatively, a night a the Conrad is about $270 on the Government rate which is terribly cheaper than what MBS can offer.

What i think of the MBS in a local's perspective?: A Giant White Elephant.

 

[YNWA]

Thanks for the input good people - Raffles is Cruiserette's dream hotel - but we have stayed there a number of times and we both want to try the pool at MBS - plus walking straiught into Ku De Ta seems totally civilised to both of us.

As we arr SIN 16:20 on June 15th and dep at 00:10 on 18th - what is latest check out that anybody has been able to negotiate pls?

Stayed at MBS on the way back from Langkawi last Easter and managed to get a 16:00 check out and use of the club lounge & pool until "departure". Our flight wasn't till 00:45 so did help, especially with the kids in tow. Incidentally, there was a fantastic dumpling place in the mall attached to MBS, not as great as Lau Pat Sat but very convenient.

 

[Cynicor]

Stayed at MBS on the way back from Langkawi last Easter and managed to get a 16:00 check out and use of the club lounge & pool until "departure". Our flight wasn't till 00:45 so did help, especially with the kids in tow. Incidentally, there was a fantastic dumpling place in the mall attached to MBS, not as great as Lau Pat Sat but very convenient.

Din Tai Fung?

 

[YNWA]

Din Tai Fung?

Ahhh yes that's the one! We were fascinated with the goings on in the kitchen, visible through glass partitions. I think we ate lunch and dinner there on our last day.

 

[maninblack]

Ahhh yes that's the one! We were fascinated with the goings on in the kitchen, visible through glass partitions. I think we ate lunch and dinner there on our last day.

DTF has a number of locations in Singapore...and also Sydney!

 

[Homer]

DTF has a number of locations in Singapore...and also Sydney!

Yes it's the McDonald's of dumplings, just using MSG instead of sugar as the "secret" ingredient...

 

[maninblack]

Yes it's the McDonald's of dumplings, just using MSG instead of sugar as the "secret" ingredient...

Too right, I had head spins while eating there. I'm sensitive to large amounts of MSG.

 

[Bolthead]

We love MBS and have stayed there 3 times. We always go for the executive rooms (see attached) with the lounge access. Having said that we have only stayed at a few others no where near the calibre of MBS. It's worth having one stay just to try it out. (especially to experience the pool.)


Don't tell my wife...
Surprise birthday cake from the staff in the club for my wife. I didn't even know they were going to do this.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I wonder if that's how the Raffles was described when it first opened?

probably not in 1887 !!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

So eventually booked MBS for 2 nts Jun 15 and 16 - Grand Club Room City View - ~S$720/nt - they don't even say 'stick 'em up' - but still it's only money huh?

Could not for the life of me find a discount code anywhere. Thanks to all posters for your contributions.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Just checked into MBS - WOW - what a view - what a room - will post a pic or two after Cruiserette satisfies her want to sample a Singore Sling or 3 in Exec Lounge.

Tried to input code into safe - no response - called down to seek assistance and security guy arrived in like 3 mins - apparently battery was replaced after last guests but not inserted correctly - dude fixed it in like 5 secs - then - then - wait for it ..................... he refused any tip of any size - over and over - simply refused - he is part of security - accept tip - instant dismissal!

Kinda liking MBS instantly.

 

[Timsboot]

MBS looks beautiful but it misses out of the functional pieces. Can be a queue of cars to get in, then a queue of people in check in, then a queue around elevators, then a queue for breakfast and so on. I prefer the Ritz Carlton or the Fullerton. Conrad also ok but needs a renovation.