Hotel Review: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
I had seen the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands in photos for years — that perfect edge disappearing into the skyline of Singapore. So when we returned in January 2023, traveling with our little kids, we decided it was finally time. We booked a Deluxe King Harbour View room for $1,008 SGD for one night, fully aware we were paying for the experience.
Floating above the city at sunset was surreal — but what surprised me most was watching the Supertree light show at Gardens by the Bay from our own balcony. It was a great way to experience the light show with a 2 year old and 7 year old.
The question is: was it actually worth $1,000 a night?
Why We Finally Booked It
This wasn’t our first trip to Singapore. We had walked around Marina Bay before, admired the architecture, and seen the hotel from every angle — except from inside.
This time, we intentionally planned one night at Marina Bay Sands because it had become a bucket-list stay for us. With kids, we also liked the idea of having the main attractions within walking distance and built-in entertainment (the pool, the views, the skyline).
We knew it would be a splurge.
The Room: Deluxe King Harbour View
We booked directly through the hotel and chose the Deluxe King Harbour View. The room itself was modern, clean, and comfortable. It was spacious, the bed was great, the layout functional, and everything felt polished.
But for over $1,000 a night, I expected something that felt more overtly luxurious. The finishes were nice — but not dramatically different from other high-end city hotels. There wasn’t that over-the-top wow factor inside the room itself.
Where this category shines is the view.
View of Gardens by the Bay Supertree light show from Marina Bay Sands balcony
The balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows delivered sweeping harbour views. At night, the skyline lit up beautifully. And because we had a direct line of sight toward Gardens by the Bay, we were able to watch the Supertree light show without leaving our room.
With little kids, that was honestly priceless. No late-night crowds. No tired meltdowns. Just music, glowing trees, and skyline views from our own balcony.
Looking at Gardens by the Bay viewed from Marina Bay Sands balcony at sunrise
If you’re booking here, I wouldn’t skip the harbour view.
What’s Included (And What’s Not)
Infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands overlooking the Singapore skyline at mid-morning
For $1,008 SGD, you might expect a few bundled perks.
There was:
No complimentary breakfast
No lounge access
No resort credit or spa inclusion
The rooftop infinity pool was free for guests to access, that’s it.
On the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands overlooking the city
There were some discounts offered through Marina Bay Sands and surrounding shops, but overall, this is not a value-packed luxury stay in terms of inclusions. You are paying primarily for the location and the one iconic amenity.
The Infinity Pool: The Real Reason to Stay
Infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands overlooking the Singapore skyline at sunset
Let’s be honest — this is why most people book. The rooftop infinity pool is exclusive to hotel guests, and access is included with your stay. No additional fee required. And yes, it lives up to the hype.
Swimming at the edge of the skyline, especially around sunset, genuinely feels cinematic. The scale of the city below you makes the experience unforgettable. It’s the experience of being suspended above Singapore.
If it’s on your bucket list, this is the moment you’re paying for.
The kid’s pool at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
One thing to note is that the pool water was cold. Frigid. It took a lot of willpower to stay in. However, at the opposite end of the pool is a kids pool with glass railing that was warm. Our kids had more fun in there.
Is Marina Bay Sands Worth $1,008 for One Night?
Harbour view from a Deluxe King room at Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Here’s my honest breakdown:
Worth it for:
The infinity pool experience
Iconic skyline views
Watching the Supertree show from your balcony
A one-night bucket list stay
Not worth it for:
Ultra-luxury room finishes
Included amenities
Multi-night value
Eating chocolate cake on the balcony at Marina Bay Sands looking at the boats in the harbor
For us, one night was perfect. We swam. We watched the lights. We experienced it — and then we moved on to explore more of Singapore.
Would I stay multiple nights at that price? No.
Would I do one night again for the experience? Also no. For me, it’s a one-and-done stay — there are simply too many other incredible hotels to try next time.
That said, Marina Bay Sands is iconic for a reason. The infinity pool absolutely delivers. The harbour views are spectacular. And if you’re traveling with kids, being able to watch the Supertree light show at Gardens by the Bay from your own balcony adds an unexpected layer of magic.
Just go into it knowing: you’re paying for the experience — not necessarily for unmatched luxury inside the room itself.
And sometimes, once is enough.
At the edge of the world it feels like
This review reflects our stay in January 2023. As of May 2025, rooms at Marina Bay Sands have been updated and may no longer look identical to the photos shared in this post.
