In February this year, I spent almost two weeks in Singapore and managed a walk around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and from there to the Singapore Flyer. The view of Marina Bay Sands was so beautiful at night, I secretly wished I could score a complimentary stay at the hotel.
My wish came true.
I received an email invite to enjoy a 3D 2N stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and explore the gastronomical offerings it has to offer. Opened on 27 April 2010, Marina Bay Sands offers everything under one roof – business, leisure, entertainment and casino.The hotel boasts three 55-story towers with 2,561 luxury rooms and suites, and capped by Sands SkyPark which offers 360-degree views of Singapore’s skyline.
It is also easily accessible via MRT (Bayfront and Marina Bay) and for those who are flying into Singapore, there is a complimentary shuttle service from Changi airport. The bus departs every 30 minutes or so.
I was given a Deluxe Room on the 36th floor, facing Gardens by the Bay, and it was quite spacious by Singapore standard. The bathroom boasted a large shower stall, separate toilet, washing area and I liked the Paiza bathroom amenities provided. My king size bed was large and plushy – too large for me alone – while the pillows were fluffy.
I noticed the hotel has good soundproofing – there were no noises coming from the next room or along the corridor. Good for ‘expressive’ people. *cough cough* My only complaint is the shower pressure; it’s a bit too slow and I found it difficult to tilt the knob to the left for hot water. Yes, I’m a noob.
Guests are given exclusive access to Sands SkyPark Infinity Pool, Banyan Tree Fitness Club and complimentary high-speed internet which explains why I was able to FB, blog, instagram and tweet during my stay there.
For those who wants to de-stress or relax, check out Banyan Tree Spa’s luxurious treatments and services. It is open to in-house gusts as well as members of the public. But by reservation only.
The infinity pool feels as though you’re swimming in the air. Eiling and I checked out the pool at 7am, and we were not alone. There were quite a number of people swimming WITH their camera in one hand. So we followed suit. Here’s a random video of us at the edge of the pool.
Marina Bay Sands is really huge and they employ over 10,000 staff (they are referred to as Team Members) to keep things running smoothly. That said, you cannot expect them to exclusively attend to you unless you’re staying in the Chairman Suite with 24-hour butler service. Have a bit of patience or just be a bit more self-sufficient. It’s actually quite easy to get around the hotel.
Weather was sunny with clear skies throughout my stay, making the view from Sky on 57 even more breathtaking. On my last night after we were done with our itinerary, I checked out Ku De Ta (at Tower 3) to see what the hype was all about. This chic lounge/restaurant is said to be the leading lifestyle destination in Asia. Being super kiasu, I dressed my best and could not breathe properly because I ate a cow too much for dinner. Thank you Couture Chic!
Drinks were reasonable – a cocktail starts from SGD20 – and the two I ordered were pretty lethal. I was light headed by the time I finished my second glass. Even on a weeknight, the place was crowded but I didn’t get hit on despite dressing up. I did notice this expat who walked past my table 9 times (yes, I counted), but he probably smelled “married” on me and backed off.
Breakfast at Rise (SGD38++ – adult, SGD22++ – child) boasts six food stations comprising fresh juices, fruits, salads, smoked salmon, cold cuts, freshly baked pastries, waffles, Asian and Western delights.
You have to try the honey cured ham from the carving station. I may be pork deprived when it comes to hotel buffets in Malaysia, but it was good ham. And don’t get me started on the pork bacon and chipolatas. *hallelujah*
The dim sum was decent too and if you’re a fan of muesli, you’ll love the selection here. Coffee however, was just passable. Rise also offers an a la-carte menu and is open for walk-in customers. There’s a daily lunch and dinner buffet, priced at SGD48++ and SGD68++ respectively.
By the way, the Marina Bay Sands hotel lift is the fastest lift I’ve ever been on. Going to the 57th floor from the lobby took just 26 seconds!! It was fast enough to make yours ears pop. If only my office lift was that fast. Then I wouldn’t be late for work anymore.
If you’re planning to visit Singapore and are in lookout for a hotel, check out Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Alternatively, you can follow Marina Bay Sands on twitter.
- Like my Facebook page here.
8 comments
Such a nice place! Porky breakfast? Me likey!!
Hmm…bacon chocolate? How’s the taste? good?
Yes, I love the pork selection!
The bacon chocolate was yummy. It’s not bacon-flavoured, but bacon-infused. The bacon part hits you at the end. 😉
Lucky you to get to stay here… I also always admire from afar ;P
Hehe…yeah, lucky me! 😀
Were you not scared to be at the edge of the pool,lol? The honey cure ham looks good, and it’s the boiled type, so it would be nice and moist. Mmmm, porkylicious.
Nope. It was liberating! 🙂
ooo, 26 seconds for 57 floors! i figure that’s as fast a motorcycle might be able to travel (horizontally, heh). and i guess if someone used the staircase and tried to race u to the top, u’d have finished two cocktails by the time they arrive! 😀
Lol! I would have finished at least 4. 😉