The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the most unique and captivating hotels in the world! We stayed here for Jake’s 30th birthday and had such an epic experience. Here’s everything you need to know about the Marina Bay Sands hotel, info on the shoppes & casino, and what it’s like to swim in the famous infinity pool.
10 Tips for Marina Bay Sands in Singapore
1. Know About the Marina Bay Sands
Complete with over 2,500 hotel rooms, a super mall, a museum, two deluxe movie theaters, a concert hall, a convention center, an observation tower, and the Marina Bay Sands casino, this insane wonder of engineering towers over the city.
Oh, and did we mention that the three 55 floor skyscrapers are attached by a replica cruise ship… And then that ship carries a giant infinity pool?? Amazing what you can do with 5.5 billion dollars!
This resort is regarded as one of the best luxury hotels in the world, and should be your first choice when looking for where to stay in Singapore.
We are typically very budget conscious when it comes to accommodations. However, the Marina Bay Sands hotel is one place that’s worth splurging for!
→ Check out the latest prices to stay at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore here
2. Location in the Heart of Singapore
The hotel is located on Bayfront Avenue directly across from Merlion Park and downtown Singapore. To get there from Marina Bay Sands, you can make the walk around the water or take the ferry boat across. Directly behind the hotel you’ll find Gardens by the Bay and Supertree Grove.
You can also jump on the subway which is easy to use to the Bayfront MRT station. It’s quite easy to get to Marina Bay Sands from anywhere, especially Changi Airport.
With so many great attractions surrounding it, the views from the Marina Bay Sands hotel are remarkable. It’s just outside of the Central Business District.
Yet, the property is still close enough to all the best things to do in Singapore when you’re ready to venture out. Be sure to check out our ultimate 2 day Singapore itinerary if you’re planning a short visit!
3. Checking in at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel
So you’ve booked your room at the Marina Bay Sands and are heading to Singapore! Here are a few things to know before you check in.
Early Check-in time: You can check-in first thing in the morning and use the hotel facilities. Take advantage of this and use the insane rooftop pool until your room is ready!
City vs Garden View: When booking you have the option of a city or garden view room type. The city view of the skyline is epic, but keep in mind you will have that angle from the infinity rooftop pool. We chose the alternate view which had a balcony and overlooked the beautiful Gardens by the Bay.
Celebrations: On our first trip to the Marina Bay Sands we were celebrating a birthday and they brought us a yummy slice of chocolate cake. We’ve been told they also do this for anniversaries and other special occasions, too. So let them know if you’re celebrating something!
Late Check-out time: Once you check-out you’re not actually able to stay on the property for the afternoon and use the amenities. Make sure to get all your swimming in beforehand.
4. Swim in the Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Speaking of swimming… By staying at the best luxury hotel in Singapore you’ll have access to the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool! Perched atop the 57th-floor hotel towers is the replica cruise ship, which is the defining feature of this amazing resort.
Swimming high above the Lion City was definitely a bucket list item for us. After so many visits to Singapore and staring up at it, we always dreamed of someday being in that water!
Unfortunately, this aqua playground is available to hotel guests only. So you’ll have to book a room to swim in the outdoor pool and get the marvelous panoramic view.
→ Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool Singapore: Is It Worth The Hype?
5. Sands Skypark Observation Deck
Whether you’re staying at the Marina Bay Sands or not, you can still take advantage of the Sands Skypark Observation Deck. Here you can get the same breathtaking views of Singapore next to the pool, and even grab a drink at the rooftop bar.
Did you know Singapore is the world’s 2nd largest port after Shanghai? One of our favorite things to do is watch the hundreds of cargo ships coming into the city from the sky park.
6. Visit the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
As you can imagine, this isn’t your typical shopping mall! Yet, what do you expect from one of the most expensive buildings in the world? First of all, the architecture inside is every bit as stunning as the exterior.
The over 100 luxury stores are covered by a massive, dome shaped skylight running above the storefronts. Marina Bay Sands in Singapore plays host to many lavish stores such as Gucci, Armani, Prada, and Versace.
Also, don’t miss out on the Rain Oculus! The 70 foot wide whirlpool collects rainwater and transfers it into a pool below. The rainwater then fills a manmade canal which streams through the entire length of the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. You know… Just in case you need a boat ride down to Dior!
Even if you’re not doing any shopping, we recommend taking a walk through this impressive mall on your visit. The designer boutiques and Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands are sure to catch your attention.
7. Try Your Luck at the Marina Bay Sands Casino
For this section of the blog I (Jake) need to tell you a quick story! The first time I stepped foot here was back in 2011 when Marina Bay Sands hotel had recently opened.
Picture a naive study abroad student walking into the biggest casino atrium in the world, complete with 500 card tables and 1600 slot machines. Needless to say, I was a bit overwhelmed! Somehow, I got hot at the blackjack table and walked away with $1,000 cash.
So here I am in 2015, strolling into the very same casino and praying lady luck would strike twice. Fortunately, the gambling gods were on my side and I was blessed with a 21 on my very first next hand. Then it happened. I got HOT.
Like standing on the sun, eating jalapeños, in your Christmas sweater hot.
Fast forward 45 minutes later, and I have 3 Asian men betting on MY hand and 10 black ($100) chips in my pocket. And you wonder why we love the Marina Bay Sands Singapore so much?
Walking out with another $1000 in my pocket was an exhilarating feeling! The Marina Bay Sands Casino ended up funding our beach hopping trip through Thailand and Cambodia that year so I’m glad we made another stop in.
8. Marina Bay Sands After Dark
When the sun goes down in Singapore, the Maria Bay Sands literally lights up. There is a massive light show nightly that shoots out of the hotel and flashes over the harbor. If you’re in Singapore for a few nights we recommend watching it as many times as possible.
Hands down, the most incredible place we watched this show from was in the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool. However, if you’re not a guest (or want a closer look at the show) it’s best to head across the harbor to Merlion Park.
Looking out over the water, music radiates from the hotel and the night sky is completely lit up. In our opinion, this is one of the best experiences in Singapore and great for all ages.
Still confused about where to watch it? Just head to the famous Merlion statue and walk along the harbor’s edge to find your own spot. There is also a water show directly in front of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Also, be sure to check out the other amazing light show inside Gardens by the Bay. If you’re quick on your feet you can even see both shows in one night!
→ 3 Epic Places to Watch Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Light Show
9. Eating at the Marina Bay Sands
The hotel has multiple restaurants featuring world-class and celebrity chefs from around the world. Wolfgang Puck has a restaurant here as well as Gordon Ramsay! Not up for fine dining?? Don’t worry!
There are several hawker centers to choose from in Singapore including the historic Lau Pa Sat. These food courts serve up some of the best cuisine from Southeast Asia at cheaper prices. There’s no shortage of great dining options in this city!
10. Around the Marina Bay Sands Hotel
The only issue with staying at the Marina Bay Sands is that you won’t want to leave the property! For this reason, we recommend spending multiple nights in the city.
On our recent visit, we decided to book the hotel for one night. Aside from taking a walk through the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, we didn’t even leave the resort! After our amazing night we then moved to another accommodation for a couple of days to truly explore the city.
Nonetheless, if you’re lucky enough to have more than one night at the Marina Bay Sands know that there is plenty to see right around the hotel. Here’s some of our favorite things to do right in the area.
Best Things to do Near Marina Bay Sands
Gardens by the Bay: Set directly behind the Marina Bay Sands hotel is one of the most beautiful places in all of Singapore. The Gardens by the Bay features plants from around the world, the world’s largest indoor waterfall, and a nightly light show at the Supertree Grove.
Helix Bridge: To the right of the hotel is the city’s helix bridge that is fun to see during the day. Like many things in Singapore though, it’s best visited at night when it lights up!
Harbor Boat Ride: Just outside the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands entrance you can jump on a boat and head upriver. This is a great way to learn all about the history of Singapore and what makes the city so special.
Visit Merlion Park: Right across the harbor from the hotel is the famous statue of the Merlion! You can actually walk from the hotel to Merlion Park! This will give you unreal views of the Marina Bay Sands and you can take a picture with the mythical symbol of the city.
Eat on Satay Street: As we mentioned, you can’t go to Singapore without eating at a hawker center! Lau Pa Sat is one of the originals and has some of the best street food in Asia. It’s got everything from duck noodle to the classic breakfast of Kaya Toast with soft-boiled egg. At night you’ll find dozens of grills serving shrimp satay, chicken, and beef skewers right outside.
ArtScience Museum: One of the most renowned museums of its kind in all of Southeast Asia make sure to book your ticket in advance so you can skip the line.
Singapore Flyer: Take a spin on the massive ferris wheel for gorgeous views of the Singapore skyline.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own experience at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where to Stay in Singapore
Iconic – Raffles Hotel – As one of the most historic hotels Southeast Asia, staying at the Raffles Hotel will be an experience like no other. Enjoy a Singapore Sling and take in the amazing architecture of this landmark built in 1887.
Fun Vacation– Parkroyal on Pickering– It doesn’t get much more green and lush then Parkroyal on Pickering! This fun vacation spot is literally one of the greenest hotels in the world. Plant life covers the entire property to make for a unique stay in Singapore.
Boutique – KēSa House – Located in Chinatown, this fantastic hotel was built in 1920’s. Enjoy the incredible setting in the heart of the city in a traditional building on Keong Saik Road.
Hostel – Hipstercity hostel – Fun hostel in downtown Singapore with both private and dorm rooms. Great place to meet other travelers to explore the city with.
Pin For Later ↓
Singapore Travel Planning
Activities: 23 Fun Things to Do – Butterfly Garden – Chinatown – Haji Lane – Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel – Singapore Jewel
Hawker Centers: 8 Must Try Hawkers – Maxwell – Old Airport Road – Tekka Centre – Chinatown Complex – Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Travel Tips: Singapore Airlines Review – Using the MRT – 15 Wild Laws
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Athens to Singapore for $230 USD, and Singapore to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Singapore. You can book everything from a Singapore Highlights Bike Tour to a Gardens by the Bay E-Ticket, and even a private food tour with 10 tastings!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
