It’s a Singapore icon. The Marina Bay Sands is not only one of Singapore’s most famous hotels, but its rooftop swimming pool makes it one of the most famous – and most instagrammed – hotels in the world.
Ahead of a short visit to Singapore, AFF member Lynda2475 is considering whether it is worth staying at the Marina Bay Sands. It may be iconic, but is it really worth the price?
Good friends who recently visited [Singapore] say I simply must stay at least 1 night at the Marina Bay Sands for early access to the roof top pool. Rates seem to be AUD $440 a night, which isnt out of the question but is it really worth it, or is there equally premium experiences to be had elsewhere for better value?
A night at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands hotel is not cheap, starting at around $500 per room including taxes. But booking a room does give you access to the “Infinity Pool”, which is only available to hotel guests. Located on the roof of the hotel, the Infinity Pool offers incredible city views both day and night. Although most guests in the pool seem more interested in taking the perfect selfie than actually going for a swim, the Infinity Pool is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Absolutely worth it – it is a totally unique experience – a must do at least once.
100% yes. Hands down one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The view from the pool and hot tubs at night are amazing
Many AFF members agree that it’s worth staying at least one night at Marina Bay Sands in order to use the Infinity Pool. The location is also good; just a short walk or MRT ride from downtown Singapore. But as an actual hotel, the reviews are decidedly more average. The rooms are modern and clean, but they are small. The service can be slow and the hotel itself is huge and impersonal. For these reasons, many feel that the hotel rooms are not worth the price charged.
It’s an expensive swim! The hotel itself is a bit meh.
MBS is a very meh hotel when held to the standards of good, five-star hotels. The hotel is impersonal, incredibly touristy and rooms average in size with limited amenities. However as others have said, it is worth staying at one time – for infinity pool access.
There are numerous other Singapore hotels available at a similar price point which offer a more luxurious experience than the Marina Bay Sands. These hotels may not have an iconic rooftop swimming pool. But they offer better service, more amenities and, in some cases, fantastic hotel club lounges for a similar price.
I personally find Raffles and The Fullerton Bay to be far better hotels in almost every respect (and in the case of the latter, you get views of MBS, which arguably ‘completes’ the view). They’re far less touristy, but then again that’s because they’re more upmarket.
Although the Infinity Pool is only available to hotel guests, the neighbouring rooftop bars and restaurants are open to the public. Naturally, the prices are a little high. But if you don’t mind buying an expensive drink, you can still enjoy the great views from the roof of the Marina Bay Sands hotel without staying there. If you’re planning to visit, check when Happy Hour is on.
Have you stayed at the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore? Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Singapore – to Marina Sands Bay or Not?
