A Night at the Marina Bay Sands

With my 24 hour trip to Singapore I decided to go all out and stay at the Marina Bay Sands hotel. This “5 star” hotel is the largest hotel in Singapore, and it surely isn’t lacking in luxury. There were plenty of things to like about the hotel that made it worth booking even for just one night, and the price wasn’t so terrible that it turned me away (although it just about did before converting the currency).

View of the tower's from down at the Garden

After hopping off the world’s longest flight, I took the subway straight to the hotel to check in and get to exploring. From Changi airport you can take the downtown line subway essentially right up to the hotel at the Bayfront stop, close to a 40 minute trip one way. After a quick walk through the shoppes I arrived at the check in counter which had a small line (a delight compared to some of the horror stories I heard from some of the staff). Each staff member I encountered from check in to check out was very professional and possessed an attitude that they would do their best to make sure each guests stay was above and beyond.

Check-In at Tower 1

I “splurged” just a little extra and went with a premier room with a harbor view, mostly because it would guarantee me no lower than the 40th floor. I thought this option would give me an incredible view from the deck of my room – I was wrong. Mostly due to the weather I could barely see the harbor, and the only view I really had was of the gardens directly below me 44 floors away. Lesson learned, don’t bank on your room alone for getting an awesome view – Especially when there’s a rooftop pool and a sky deck with views that beat anywhere else in in the city.

Despite not getting a “room with a view” the room itself was more than suffice for my one night stay. Both the bedroom and bathroom had a rather simple but sleek design and was super spacious, especially for a solo traveler. Although I wouldn’t be spending a lot of time here other than to sleep, it was still very enjoyable!

Premier Room on the 44th Floor

Easily the biggest perk to Marina Bay Sands, especially for a quick trip such as mine, is all the activities offered in and around the hotel. The Shoppes mall, a casino, downtown Singapore, and a museum are just a few of the offerings all on grounds or within a quick walk.

Marina Bay Sands & Downtown Singapore

I Guess the Rain Wasn't ALL Bad!

Bridge to the Singapore Flyer (Ferris Wheel)

Close by is Gardens by the Bay which is an expansive nature park (to say the least). Be sure and catch the light show by the super trees at night!

Gardens By the Bay - Super Short Walk from the Hotel

Gardens By the Bay at Night

And of course you have the rooftop of the hotel towers. There is a sky terrace that is open to the public (with a fee) where you can catch some incredible views of downtown Singapore and the coast (weather pending).

Downtown Singapore from the Sky Terrace

However, if you’re staying at the Marina Bay Sands you have access to the pool – Aka the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. This was easily the highlight of the trip, and a lot less crowded/obstructed than the sky terrace one level below.

The Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool

It's the Little Things!

The Marina Bay Sands hotel is a true icon in Singapore and it was absolutely worth every penny, even for just a one night stay. My room was comfortable and enabled me to get some solid rest, but it also presented plenty for me to do all within walking distance. My only regret was paying extra for a “premier” room as there were far better opportunities to catch a view. Although there is no earn or burn strategy for points as it isn’t a part of any major chain, it is still the best hotel in which you can experience some of the greatest that Singapore has to offer.