Picture Singapore and you’ll likely see one iconic building in your head – yes, the three soaring towers of Marina Bay Sands (aka. MBS) topped by its iconic rooftop infinity pool.
For any traveller to the Lion City, a visit to MBS is a must (whether it’s to its SkyPark Observation Deck, convention centre, casino, theatre, shoppes, restaurants or clubs), but trust us when we say, so is a stay at its plush and newly revamped hotel rooms and suites.
Having just undergone a US$1 billion refurbishment on Towers 1 and 2 with new premium lifestyle and dining experiences, plus another US$750 million on Tower 3 (meanwhile, the new ultra-luxury resort adjacent to MBS, Las Vegas Sands, has just broke ground), we recently stayed in one of the newly renovated Sands Premier Suites to see what’s changed.
Rooms
Tower 1 and Tower 2 of MBS has a total of 1,300 rooms split across The Paiza Collection and The Sands Collection, each with its own room types.
Tip: Book into The Paiza Collection if ultra-luxe, residential-style suites are your jam. Reserved for MBS’s most distinguished guests and only fully opened in November 2024, all Paiza suites include private VIP arrival, dedicated lifts, butler service and exclusive access to the Paiza Sky Residence on Level 55 of Tower 2.
Our Sands Premier Suite – at a roomy 95 square metres – featured a giant king-sized bed, separate living room with a 75-inch television and four-seater dining table, walk-in wardrobe with a dedicated dressing table (replete with a small sink for beauty rituals), two-person bath tub, Jo Loves by Jo Malone bath amenities and a Bespoke Armoire and cocktail trolley.
We loved how cushy and plush everything felt in the suite, from the soft carpet flooring to the gold and dark wood accents, to the leather-clad hangers, Nespresso coffee machine and even the bins, which really gave the rooms that ultra-premium feel.
The giant TV screens (both in the bedroom and living area) were literally head-turnng and gave us a real home theatre experience, while the cloud-like bed deserves an extra special mention for being one of the best we’ve ever snoozed on (and did not want to get out of). The views from the rooms are also stunning from the floor-to-ceiling windows, whether you’re facing the City or Gardens by the Bay.
Dining
All suites come with daily buffet breakfast at The Club, RISE Restaurant or a breakfast set menu at Spago by Wolfgang Puck on level 55, alongside different perks for different suites. For Sands Bay Suites and Sands Premier Suites, guests are entitled to complimentary daily afternoon tea at RISE Restaurant, meaning you definitely won’t go hungry.
Early birds will get to be seated quickly at RISE – otherwise, expect to stand in line for a table (don’t worry, juices and coffee will kindly be served while you wait). The good thing is, once seated, the restaurant never feels crowded, so you can peruse and enjoy the fantastic breakfast spread of local and international cuisine for as long as you want.
Besides that, MBS has got you covered with plenty of other dining options, such as WAKUDA, Mott 32, Maison Boulud by Daniel Boulud, at Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay and much, much more. Newly opened in July is its latest addition, Jin Ting Wan on Level 55 of Tower 1, where you’ll find exquisite Cantonese cuisine led by executive chef Albert Li.
Classical techniques meet innovative flavours under Chef Li, whose background lies in Yue (Cantonese) cuisine. With over two decades of experience leading Michelin-starred kitchens in Shanghai and Beijing, Chef Li’s dishes range from classic Cantonese to other Guangdong cuisine such as Teochew, Hakka and Shun De styles.
Things to do
Besides luxuriating in your room, guests of MBS also get complimentary access to the rooftop infinity pool, SkyPark Observation Deck, ArtScience Museum, and a slew of other special offers and privileges for shopping and dining. For workout buffs, the hotel also has a fitness centre (accessible via the Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Level 3) which is open 24/7 and accessible for those aged 12 and up.
Hotel guests also get complimentary access to a range of open-to-the-public wellness classes held on Level 56 at the SkyPark Observation Deck, including Soul Flow, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Pilates, Sound Meditation and Aqua Fit, which is for in-house guests only (but be warned, flaking out on any of the class bookings will result in a charge).
Verdict
Pre- or post-refurbishment, Marina Bay Sands has always been iconic, but now, it’s even more so with its ultra-luxurious and premium offerings. From the super-plush rooms and suites to the ever-expanding range of dining, retail, entertainment and wellness options, it continues to be a bonafide bucket list spot in Singapore to visit and stay – at least once (or more) in your lifetime.
Learn more at marinabaysands.com
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