Singapore - Singapore Marina Bay Sands Hotel

Hi - I'm travelling to Singapore Jan 5, and I was wondering what people think about the Sands Hotel. Are there any promos going on?

I happen to be going there this weekend, booked a club room. This was about USD 350 per night directly from the hotel, and >USD 400 per night on expedia, etc. on the web. Rate varies quite a bit by date, so if you have flexibility it may be cheaper. Demand is very high for the hotel at the moment, plus it is a casino so wants to keep a high room rate to make comped rooms more valuable :) The pool and gardens on the 57th floor looks very well done, and club rooms get breakfast up there too (along with afternoon tea and cocktails, etc. so well worth the differential). Given that FS, Raffles, etc. are not that stellar in Singapore, the Marina Sands may be worth a stay even if it isn't luxury but just a high-tech huge convention hotel. I'll know more in 4 days.

Hi,

I just spent 7 nights there in a 49th floor club room week before last. The rooms are fine, but not luxury, the city view pretty spectacular. Taking breakfast and evening drinks in the sky park club is really really nice. The club has a lot of glass so you can see ocean & city depending which way you look, as well as that crazy infinity pool.

There is also a pretty stupendous mall in the complex, along with the casino & meeting facilities. It's a very busy place.

Drawbacks are cost. Like almost $350 Singapore for a 4 person somewhat mediocre lunch in Ku De Ta, no alcohol. Maybe $80 for lunch for 2 (club sandwich & iced tea) in the lobby outlet. There are food court options in the mall. If you need any dry cleaning call your bank for a loan to fund it. This hotel is just expensive to live in, and there is a lot of money running around the place. Also, if you look closely you can see a good deal of less than perfect construction, like it was rushed.

In my opinion MBS is worth experiencing at least once, but I wouldn't say it's on my list to repeat. Not that I would mind, but I'm perfectly happy at the Pan Pac (where I can then look at MBS). Oh, except for one small issue - I never went swiming in that amazing pool.

how does club check-in?

suites above orchid have in-suite checkin

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Thanks..
Obscure2k
Moderator
Luxury Hotels

how does club check-in?

suites above orchid have in-suite checkinI've yet to stay there, but have been told there is a separate club check-in (which is quite fast, rather important given the size of this hotel). The comments by Dudemius are bang on the money with my expectations and the way the hotel is marketed.

yeah

could be quite a few club rooms and orchid suites

230 suite figure may not include orchid suites

im curious whether suites above orchid are bookable...

Typically not in casino hotels, and for tonight the hotel is sold out -- apparently typical for weekends, esp. near christmas (there is a huge and supposedly prized shopping mall as part of the complex, some come from mainland china to shop there). I'll update in a couple of days after staying there, but when I book only club rooms (and regular rooms) were available, no suites of any kind for any price. My room rate is close to double what it is during less peak times, so it is supply/demand driven and not related to the quality of the hotel.

I wound up staying in one of the Paiza suites (floors 50-54) and those are by far the finest hotel in Singapore. Truly Peninsula quality, both in service level and quality of furnishings. The rest of the hotel is presumably not like that at all (normally Paiza is not bookable, I think, it is probably for whales). Not only is there butler service, but room service is close to instantaneous (ordering food and a bucket of ice results in 2 people bringing the items separately, for example, to ensure faster service). Private elevators just for these floors, so never a long wait (the hotel has 2500 rooms, so elevators are bound to be a bottleneck for regular rooms). I was charged USD 1000 per night for a huge suite (guess over 2000 sq. ft.) and this includes all drinks 24x7 though alcoholic is just 2 hours per day (but unlimited and includes things like Martell Cordon Bleu and Dom). This thread really belongs in Luxury hotel forum, at least this part of the hotel would make the top 20 luxury hotels in the world list and have a shot at top spot! I expected little, and wound up getting a lot.

Even for regular club rooms, the rooftop pool, park and club combo is stunning, as are the public spaces and shopping. I wasn't wanting to shop, but there is maybe the world's largest Luis Vuitton store there, as well as excellent Chanel, Prada, Hermes, etc. stores. And good prices, at least for high-end goods. Got all my Christmas presents bought.

In my opinion MBS is worth experiencing at least once, but I wouldn't say it's on my list to repeat. Not that I would mind, but I'm perfectly happy at the Pan Pac (where I can then look at MBS). Oh, except for one small issue - I never went swiming in that amazing pool.

x2. I stayed there once in mid-2011, wouldn't go back due to high cost. If you try it definitely swim in their pool, it's amazing.

my friend had a comped night so we stayed on the thirty-something floor, can't remember... but the views of the city were spectacular and I spend half a day in that pool, lol

the view on the other side of the building isn't all that, besides the construction going on and the litter of cargo ships in the strait, it looks quite terrible. so insist for the city view room... be sure to watch the show on the water/from your room when they start on the hour, I think after 8, 9 and 10pm. The shopping mall is OK, same stores you'd find in the US but more expensive. There is a food court on the lower level to the very east side of the building next to an ice skating rink... though for more authentic food I'd make the short walk into town, there's a very good place near Raffles Place.

Ku De Ta is a great alternative to get up to the top if you cannot book a room there.... same views from the pool, just no access to it.

one of my favorite views of the city from the MBS!

In my opinion MBS is worth experiencing at least once, but I wouldn't say it's on my list to repeat. Not that I would mind, but I'm perfectly happy at the Pan Pac (where I can then look at MBS). Oh, except for one small issue - I never went swiming in that amazing pool.

Exactly my thoughts, go there once and place a tick on the "been there, done that" list.

Personally I like the Swissotel hotels in Singapore, especially the one in Clarke Quay. But The Stamford one of very nice too, and it has a lounge very high up, from where you actually... look down at the MBS. :)

Plus it has a bar on the top floor called the New Asia Bar which has one of the best views in Singapore.

Just on rooms, service and views the ritz is best for me. The lobby is a bit sterile though.

MBS lower level rooms seem smaller, and a lot less lavish than what the price suggests. Yes and the wrong time of the day means bad wait times for the elevator.

MBS shopping mall has the best western restaurants in Singapore IMHO

You might like the Pan Pacific with quite a nice bar in the lobby, and basically the same location as the Ritz.

As for MBS, I think the casino is he worst one I have ever been to (globally), but then it isn't targetted at people like myself. I like the hotel rooms, but not the hotel itself. The pool is a nice gimmick and worth a dip, so like I said go their once and place a tick on your list of places to see in Singapore.

As for western restaurants at the mall there, which ones do you mean? The best thing about the shops (or shoppes as they put it) there is actually the huge food court at the end that serves all sorts of great dishes. Western food is that last thing I'd look for there, or anywhere in Singapore for that matter. :)

As for western restaurants at the mall there, which ones do you mean? The best thing about the shops (or shoppes as they put it) there is actually the huge food court at the end that serves all sorts of great dishes. Western food is that last thing I'd look for there, or anywhere in Singapore for that matter. :)

HeHe agree. On a relative basis I found pizzeria mozza and db Bistro better than similar fare elsewhere in the island. I stress similar fare because unless as an occasional change or for formal events (where hosts mistakenly assume visitors are dying for more pizza or burgers), there is no need to look beyond local fare.

As others have already stated, I too stay at the Pan Pacific and get a room with a view of the MBS. Much cheaper and still killer views. I do go to MBS to have lunch at the roof top Japanese restaurant (expensive but great food with great views). Have not been able to experience the infinty pool though :(

Stayed here in October 2011. Cannot recommend it highly enough. The SkyPark and pool are just insane and out of this world. I agree with previous posters that MBS is simply one of those experiences you must do, even if only for the skypark!

I will back in Singapore in April for some solo travel, and I simply cannot bring myself to stay anywhere else. I'm even seriously considering the Orchid Suite with City View this time round... ^

I wouldn't stay there again as the location really isn't that good. I'd rather take the Fullerton and be on the other side of the bay, close to everything. Or the Swissotel 'The Stamford', where the view from the top-floor bar/club is even better than MBS as it is quite a bit higher, so you kind of end up looking... DOWN at the Sands. :)

Where exactly is the Club located for Clubroom guests?

There is a building on the end of the SkYpark behind the SkyPark Shop. Is that the Club?

Where exactly is the Club located for Clubroom guests?

There is a building on the end of the SkYpark behind the SkyPark Shop. Is that the Club?

club for clubroom guests is in the center above tower 2, sky lounge for suite guests is to your left, when you look from the pool area towards the city, above tower 1 I think.

Can you use the facilities without getting a room for a fee?

You can't use the pool, but you can go up to the SkyDeck for a peek/drink.

Personally I'd recommend going to the Swissotel The Stamford to the New Asia Bar (top floor) which is significantly higher than the MBS. Plus they won't charge you to go up, so you can spend your $$$ on drinks instead... and look down at the MBS. :)

You can't use the pool, but you can go up to the SkyDeck for a peek/drink.



The drink you mention is merely buying a Coke from a drinks stand on the visitor portion of the SkyPark. Visitors cannot get to the main bar (Ku de Ta) without a reservation, and certainly cannot use the Guest Services Team on the SkyPark to order drinks around the pool!

On another note, I just emailed Marina Bay Sands to confirm that they got my 4 night reservation for April. They said they have no booking under my name!

I have emailed them back asking to check again, but if they persist, then what do I do next? Did I just waste £900 for nothing? If I book again, then surely I risk being charged twice?

The drink you mention is merely buying a Coke from a drinks stand on the visitor portion of the SkyPark. Visitors cannot get to the main bar (Ku de Ta) without a reservation, and certainly cannot use the Guest Services Team on the SkyPark to order drinks around the pool!

On another note, I just emailed Marina Bay Sands to confirm that they got my 4 night reservation for April. They said they have no booking under my name!

I have emailed them back asking to check again, but if they persist, then what do I do next? Did I just waste £900 for nothing? If I book again, then surely I risk being charged twice?

Should have booked 2 nights there and 2 nights elsewhere. The MBS is good for a stay just to tick it off the list, but it's not a place I would ever contemplate returning to. It's best feature are actually the rooms, which are very spacious. But the location, hotel atmosphere (apart from the pool, there is none), etc., isn't as good. And the casino is not one you would want to spend any time in unless you are hooked on that sort of thing.

Been there, done that is all I can say. :)

I plan on going here for my 1 night stay in Singapore. Can't book using their Early Booking Promo unfortunately (guess they sold out for end of May), but should be worth it just to say I did it. Should be awesome!

edit: It seems that the hotel is more expensive on the weekday than it is on the weekend =/ I would have figured it be the other way around. S$529 on Mon night while S$489 on a Friday night (and the Early Booking Promo seems to be only available on weekends)

You'll like the view and the room itself, as well as the pool and rooftop.

You won't like the location as much, and the rest of the hotel is a major letdown with no ambiance.

Will you be checking out the casino? If you're from Vegas then I get the feeling you'll be quite unimpressed by it.

I plan on going here for my 1 night stay in Singapore. Can't book using their Early Booking Promo unfortunately (guess they sold out for end of May), but should be worth it just to say I did it. Should be awesome!

edit: It seems that the hotel is more expensive on the weekday than it is on the weekend =/ I would have figured it be the other way around. S$529 on Mon night while S$489 on a Friday night (and the Early Booking Promo seems to be only available on weekends)

I thought the early booking promo was for any date 45 days in advance of purchase?

And I found that booking consecutive nights at MBS is usually slighter cheaper starting at beginning of week (mon) rather than half way through. This made me plan my flights from London so that I arrive Monday instead of Tuesday. I knocked off S$80 by doing that! ;)

You'll like the view and the room itself, as well as the pool and rooftop.

You won't like the location as much, and the rest of the hotel is a major letdown with no ambiance.

Will you be checking out the casino? If you're from Vegas then I get the feeling you'll be quite unimpressed by it.

Yeah, I imagine, being from Vegas, that the casino will be just like anything else. But I feel still worth it in the end. Always wanted to do the pool ever since I first saw it.

I thought the early booking promo was for any date 45 days in advance of purchase?

And I found that booking consecutive nights at MBS is usually slighter cheaper starting at beginning of week (mon) rather than half way through. This made me plan my flights from London so that I arrive Monday instead of Tuesday. I knocked off S$80 by doing that! ;)

that's what it says, but I checked and it only seemed to bring up rooms for the weekend dates. (the dates i wanted was May 28, well in advance of 45 days). Emailed them and they said the promo wasn't valid on that day. =/

Yeah, I imagine, being from Vegas, that the casino will be just like anything else. But I feel still worth it in the end.

I'd be really interested in hearing what you think of it. Personally I think it's the most boring casino I've ever been in.

It's big, I'll give it that. But apart from playing the tables there is nothing else going on (maybe that's the point though), it's not a fun place to have drinks even.

Yeah, I imagine, being from Vegas, that the casino will be just like anything else. But I feel still worth it in the end. Always wanted to do the pool ever since I first saw it.




I agree, how can anyone knock the pool?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsmwG-QcuLY ^ ^

Makes me want to be there, and I will be in April! :D

I'd be really interested in hearing what you think of it. Personally I think it's the most boring casino I've ever been in.

It's big, I'll give it that. But apart from playing the tables there is nothing else going on (maybe that's the point though), it's not a fun place to have drinks even.

Drinks are free in the casino. And maybe some light snacks, too. Considering it's a 24hr casino, you are well-looked after if you want to spend time in there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-cNckmoow0

Yeah, still distilled water bottles are free. Maybe a cup of tea. That's it. :grin:

The place is extremely boring when you stand up from the tables or walk away from the slots. Snacks? Forget it. Drinks? As mentioned. :)

Personally I thought the casino at Sentosa is much better on all counts, from the design of the casino itself to the bar in a central location, though the drinks (including just beer) were quite expensive.

Let's see what Jaesun has to say once he's visited one or both of them.

Can someone please tell what the highest category of room is at Marina Bay Sands?

There is Orchid Suite, Sands Suite, Marina Suite, Presidential Suite, and the Straights Suite.

Now, Presidential and Straights suites are not usually available to book online, although I just found Presidential Suite available for 7 nights for just over £7k on the official website. Not bad value really, if you had the money.

But I hear that the Straights Suite costs £3500 PER NIGHT, which would mean nearly £25k for the same 7 day period.

What's so special about the Straights Suite?

Recently stayed at the hotel - not overly impressed, although club had good f+b offering.

review on driven2travel (http://www.driven2travel.co.uk/marina-bay-sands---club-room.html)

A Dutchmen fell from the roof terrace and has been killed, Dutch new agency reports.

A Dutchmen fell from the roof terrace and has been killed, Dutch new agency reports.

...? You mean from the pool? Or the restaurant terrance?

The pool. The papers have rectified the article; it was a German.

Does anyone know which rooms have a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, with the bathtub set right next to them?

This youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61hs2LCwB6M) shows a Grand room with the bathtub right next to the windows. Is this a city view room? I wanted to treat my mother to a few nights at MBS (there are more luxurious hotels, I know, but it's her choice) and was thinking of booking her into a Club Room or a suite, but she'd take a downgraded room if it has a tub with a view. :o


Edit! According to this tripadvisor review (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294265-d1770798-on445-Marina_Bay_Sands-Singapore.html#UR126569588), it seems you can see into the bathroom from the hallway?! :eek: I'll try to convince my mum to the RC Millenia instead then, as that seems to offer the best view from the tub.

Does anyone know which rooms have a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, with the bathtub set right next to them?

This youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61hs2LCwB6M) shows a Grand room with the bathtub right next to the windows. Is this a city view room? I wanted to treat my mother to a few nights at MBS (there are more luxurious hotels, I know, but it's her choice) and was thinking of booking her into a Club Room or a suite, but she'd take a downgraded room if it has a tub with a view. :o


Edit! According to this tripadvisor review (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294265-d1770798-on445-Marina_Bay_Sands-Singapore.html#UR126569588), it seems you can see into the bathroom from the hallway?! :eek: I'll try to convince my mum to the RC Millenia instead then, as that seems to offer the best view from the tub.

Well that could be a bonus for the voyeur .. instead of an out point lol.

Can someone tell me the kinds of suites available at Marina Bay Sands?

The MBS website lists the following:

Orchid Suite (very basic, entry level suite, 1 bedroom)
Sands Suite (1 bedroom)
Marina Suite (1 bedroom)
Presidential Suite (3 bedrooms)
Chairman Suite (top of the lot, with 4 bedrooms)

However, at various times I have heard Merlion Suite and Straights Suite being used to describe rooms. Have these been 'discontinued' or renamed? As it seems weird that MBS do not mention them on their own website anymore.

Another question

Is it possible to book the hotel room with a credit card, and then actually split the payment between debit and credit cards upon checkout?

When you book with MBS your account isn't debited automatically, so I hope to use whatever I can from what's remaining on a debit card to reduce the amount that is paid on the credit card (for obvious reasons).

But upon checkout, if the entire stay's room bill has been placed against one card, is it even possible to ask MBS to switch the cards as to do the above?

Just want to know if anyone stayed in Marina Bay Sands during the just past Grand Prix period? I want to know about the room rates during this period (all I know is the rent charges are prepaid and non-refundable in this period)

Because I am now planning to stay at MBS for the next year's GP, so I have start my planning early

Another question:

Is it easy to ask for a free room upgrade during the Grand Prix weekend, I noticed several examples that visitors can get upgraded to their 500sqm Presidential Suite (I think it's not in the GP weekend), will that situation happen in peak periods like the GP?

Is it possible to redeem free nights here? Do they have any partnerships that can transfer points? (e.g. one can get free Hilton nights by converting points from airlines).