Marina Bay Sands

Situated in the Marina Bay precinct, Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore's most iconic landmarks. The lofted-boat silhouette is instantly recognized around the world, and has become almost inseparable from Singapore as a brand these days. But there's more to the Marina Bay Sands than landmark status, and as a hotel, it also impresses. Expect glitzy interiors featuring shiny marble surfaces and sky-high glass atriums with natural light streaming in seemingly all around. Though indoors, the long lobby that spans three towers is dotted with greenery -- a nice contrast to the hotel's urban look and feel. The spaces here are massive; it's easy to lose your way and the crowds at Marina Bay Sands are intense no matter the time of the day. Overall, the property attracts a mix of business travelers and leisure tourists, particularly families and older visitors who want easy access to the on-site casino. 

Marina Bay Sands is in the area of Singapore with which it shares a name -- Marina Bay -- right by the waterfront. Bayfront MRT is connected to Marina Bay Sands, and is a five-minute-walk away. There's plenty to do within the mall, from visiting various high-end stores at The Shoppes (a couple of minutes by foot) to checking out exhibitions at the ArtScience Museum (less than 10 minutes away by foot). Even beyond the hotel, other landmarks are within easy reach. Merlion Park is right opposite, a 20-minute-walk away, and so is Esplanade. The Orchard Road shopping district as well as the Little India cultural precinct are both about 20 minutes away via MRT. For Changi Airport, it can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes (depending on traffic) by car or taxi.

Rooms at the Marina Bay Sands start from 30 square meters (323 square feet), making them quite spacious by Singapore standards. Units are decked out with polished granite surfaces, sand-colored walls and drapes, and warm lighting. All rooms also have floor-to-ceiling windows, with many offering great views of either the waterfront or Gardens by the Bay. The bathrooms are sleek and modern, with more granite countertops, marble-tiled walls, and separate toilet and shower areas with either walk-in glass-encased showers or deep soaking tubs (the latter is for higher-tier rooms).In-room amenities for all units include air-conditioning, safes, hairdryers, bathrobes, irons and ironing boards, work desks, flat-screen smart TVs with cable, fully stocked mini-bars, and free Wi-Fi. Do note that all guests get free access to the Sands SkyPark Infinity Pool, and Club-level guests (plus those staying in the suites) get free access to Club55 (more below under "Features").

Marina Bay Sands has an extensive list of features that's nothing short of impressive. Marina Bay Sands' restaurants are numerous and varied, including buffet spots like Rise, as well as celebrity chef-helmed outlets like Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen and Wolfgang Puck's CUT (which was awarded a Michelin Star in 2017/2018). However, prices at Marina Bay Sands' restaurants can be high, so guests who want cheaper meals should go to local food spots elsewhere. Club-level guests (and those staying in suites) have access to Club55. Club privileges include free breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening drinks and canapes.The most iconic feature here is inarguably the Marina Bay Sands pool, which has been featured countless times on Instagram and media channels all over the world. The pool sits 57 floors above ground and overlooks the bay area. It's 150 meters long and spans three towers, so to control crowds, there is a limit to the number of guests (maximum of two people per room card) that can enter the pool. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, which includes an observation deck and landscaped areas, is open to the public for a fee, though the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool is strictly for hotel guests. On-site, the luxurious Banyan Tree Spa offers a variety of treatments, and includes the well-equipped 24/7 Banyan Tree Fitness Club, which comes with a good mix of machines, free weights, and equipment like medicine balls.Other hotel features include a casino, convention center, meeting rooms, and ballrooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout.