I toured Singapore's famous Marina Bay Sands resort, which has the world's longest rooftop pool and luxury suites that can go for $17,000 per night

Taylor RainsFeb 1, 2023, 21:49 IST

Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.Taylor Rains/Insider

Marina Bay Sands resort opened in 2010 and is one of the most recognizable hotels in Singapore.
The property features over 2,200 rooms, celebrity chef restaurants, and the famous rooftop infinity pool.

Marina Bay Sands is only 13 years old but has grown to become one of the most popular and recognizable attractions in Singapore.

Rebecca Harrington/Insider

Overlooking the country's picturesque Supertree Grove, the massive, three-tower hotel is home to over 2,200 guest rooms, delicious food, and endless shopping.

A view of Marina Bay Sands from the canopy walk between the Skytrees.Taylor Rains/Insider

On my recent trip to Singapore, I toured the resort to see everything it has to offer — take a look.

Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore.Taylor Rains/Insider

MBS opened in 2010 and is owned by Las Vegas Sands — a company famous for its "integrated resorts" that feature all-in-one hotels with rooms, dining, shopping, meeting space, and gambling.

The Venetian casino resort in Macau, which is owned by Las Vegas Sands.Kin Cheung, File/AP Photo

MBS opened in 2010 and is owned by Las Vegas Sands — a company famous for its "integrated resorts" that feature all-in-one hotels with rooms, dining, shopping, meeting space, and gambling.

Singapore’s resort is probably the company’s most spectacular, having been designed by famed architect Moshe Safdie.

MBS has seasonal decorations, like the bunny statue for the Chinese New Year.Taylor Rains/Insider

It consists of three towers, all of which are connected by a long walkway of restaurants, shops, and decor. The resort's assistant director of communications, Dawn Wang, explained the buildings are sloped, with Tower 1 being the widest and Towers 2 and 3 being more narrow.

A view of the sloping buildings viewed from the inside of the resort.Taylor Rains/Insider

It consists of three towers, all of which are connected by a long walkway of restaurants, shops, and decor. The resort's assistant director of communications, Dawn Wang, explained the buildings are sloped, with Tower 1 being the widest and Towers 2 and 3 being more narrow.

The design is intended to mimic two playing cards leaning against each other to create a house of cards, which was Safdie's inspiration for the building.

You can see the "playing cards" from this view of the building.Shutterstock/F11 Photo

Source: Marina Bay Sands

I enjoyed the unique design, which also featured huge windows and impressive plants and trees — all of which are real, according to Wang.

A view of the slopes tower.Taylor Rains/Insider

She also said the building is focused on sustainability, pointing out that the ceiling design creates natural light and the rooftop features a large solar panel system.

The natural light coming in from all angles.Taylor Rains/Insider

She also said the building is focused on sustainability, pointing out that the ceiling design creates natural light and the rooftop features a large solar panel system.

While there are several entry points to MBS, stopping at tower 1 is the most efficient for check-in as this is where the main lobby is.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Here, guests can get their room key from the front desk…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…or talk to the concierge.

Taylor Rains/Insider

When heading to the rooms, there are several sets of elevators, which are being upgraded with a new elegant interior, Wang explained.

Taylor Rains/Insider

We got out on floor 10, and it was cool looking down at all the plants and decor below.

There are three room "collections" at MBS, including original, luxe, and signature.Taylor Rains/Insider

On my tour, I was not able to see any of the rooms because they are being renovated as part of the resort's $1 billion upgrade project announced in early 2022.

The resort's current two-bedroom accommodations.Marina Bay Sands

Guests will find all of the rooms and suites in Towers 1 and 2 redesigned by the end of this year, according to MBS.

The current bathroom in the chairman suite.Marina Bay Sands

Source: Marina Bay Sands

However, some original rooms will still remain, featuring luxuries like a large TV, plenty of storage, city or garden views, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The resort's current deluxe king garden view room. This is part of the "original collection."Marina Bay Sands

Source: Marina Bay Sands

Currently, a stay in a mid-tier "luxe collection" room costs $1,360 per night in March or about $3,230 for a full weekend.

The current Sands Suite living room at MBS, which is part of the "luxe collection."Marina Bay Sands

Source: Marina Bay Sands

The most expensive accommodation — the four-bedroom chairman suite — goes for $17,000, before any potential renovations.

The current Chairman Suite living room, which is part of the "signature collection."Marina Bay Sands

The resort's huge investment is on top of the multi-billion hotel expansion announced in 2019, which will see the addition of a fourth tower and a large entertainment arena.

The current theater at MBS.Marina Bay Sands

Source: Marina Bay Sands

The resort's huge investment is on top of the multi-billion hotel expansion announced in 2019, which will see the addition of a fourth tower and a large entertainment arena.

Considering Marina Bay has attracted celebrities like Katy Perry and David Beckham, the arena is expected to host a wide variety of VIPs and top artists.

Katy Perry held a press conference in the infinity pool of MBS in 2010 after its opening.Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Source: Marina Bay Sands

While the upgrades are all expected to be complete by 2026, the hotel already has plenty to offer. Starting on the ground floor, there are myriad shops for guests to enjoy….

Taylor Rains/Insider

While the upgrades are all expected to be complete by 2026, the hotel already has plenty to offer. Starting on the ground floor, there are myriad shops for guests to enjoy….

…bars and lounges, like the 24-hour Renku Club...

Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Marina Bay Sands

...and fine-dining restaurants, like Blossom and Rise. In total, the MBS property houses over 60 eateries, many of which are by celebrity chefs, like Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen.

Taylor Rains/Insider

...and fine-dining restaurants, like Blossom and Rise. In total, the MBS property houses over 60 eateries, many of which are by celebrity chefs, like Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen.

Connected to the main floor via walkways are other attractions like the ArtScience museum, which has a virtual reality exhibit...

Visitors in the VR gallery at the ArtScience Museum.Marina Bay Sands

...as well as a four-level casino, theater, and nightly light and water show.

MBS' nightly light and water show.Marina Bay Sands

But, the crown jewel sits on the resort's 55th floor — the world's longest rooftop infinity pool.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The pool stretches a whopping 492 feet, which is about the length of three Olympic-sized pools or two Airbus A380 aircraft, Wang told Insider.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Some may remember the pool from the movie Crazy Rich Asians, which featured a team of synchronized swimmers dancing in the water in the film's final scene.

The final scene of the movie on the 55th floor of MBS.Warner Bros.

I was happy to find the water was warm and only about four feet deep. There were seats in the pool to relax, or guests could swim to the edge and overlook Singapore.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was happy to find the water was warm and only about four feet deep. There were seats in the pool to relax, or guests could swim to the edge and overlook Singapore.

While the thought of looking down may be scary, Wang said there is a wall and a one-meter buffer to keep people from falling over the side. Moreover, kids must be accompanied by an adult, or they can use the dedicated kiddie pool.

A full view of the pool.TILT Photography/Shutterstock

While the thought of looking down may be scary, Wang said there is a wall and a one-meter buffer to keep people from falling over the side. Moreover, kids must be accompanied by an adult, or they can use the dedicated kiddie pool.

For tourists looking to enjoy the pool, it is unfortunately only reserved for hotel guests. In fact, most of the SkyPark area can only be accessed by those with an active room key.

Chairs and cabanas by the pool, which can be reserved.Taylor Rains/Insider

For tourists looking to enjoy the pool, it is unfortunately only reserved for hotel guests. In fact, most of the SkyPark area can only be accessed by those with an active room key.

This means the jacuzzi...

Taylor Rains/Insider

…the gym and spa…

The entrance to the gym.Taylor Rains/Insider

…the plethora of seating…

Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and the garden is restricted to resort guests.

The garden area is opposite the pool.Taylor Rains/Insider

However, there are also several rooftop restaurants that can be accessed by non-guests, though a reservation is typically required. However, walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, but they must wait downstairs.

The restaurant on the observation deck.Taylor Rains/Insider

However, there are also several rooftop restaurants that can be accessed by non-guests, though a reservation is typically required. However, walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, but they must wait downstairs.

During my tour, I ate at Spago, but there were also other options like CÉ LA VI, which serves contemporary Asian cuisine, or LAVO, which focuses on Italian-American food.

Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore.Taylor Rains/Insider

During my tour, I ate at Spago, but there were also other options like CÉ LA VI, which serves contemporary Asian cuisine, or LAVO, which focuses on Italian-American food.

I thought the food at Spago, which is by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, was delicious. I tried the burger, Japanese chicken wings, a juicy steak, and pork bao — my favorite of the four.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I thought the food at Spago, which is by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, was delicious. I tried the burger, Japanese chicken wings, a juicy steak, and pork bao — my favorite of the four.

One other SkyPark attraction that can be visited by non-guests is MBS' famous observation deck.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The platform, which costs S$26 (about $20), is another two floors higher than the pool and offers a 360-degree view.

The elevators for floor 57, which is where the observation deck is.Taylor Rains/Insider

Here, tourists can overlook the South China Sea and several other famous Singapore attractions, like the beautiful Raffles Hotel…

While difficult to see from the photo, the Raffles Hotel sits to the right of the white cylinder skyscraper (it has a red roof).Taylor Rains/Insider

…and one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels.

Surrounding the ferris wheel is the city's F1 race track.Taylor Rains/Insider

Also visible are the several other buildings connected to MBS, including the convention center, the ArtScience museum, a nightclub, a casino, and the Sands Theater.

Taylor Rains/Insider

There is even a floating Louis Vuitton "island" store sitting in the water — a symbol of the wealth and luxury that sits within MBS and Singapore.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I was impressed with the giant resort and the plethora of amenities and attractions available.

Hallway of the 10th floor.Taylor Rains/Insider

While the rooms may be shockingly expensive, I was not surprised when Wang said the resort has been booked out 90% — both pre and post-pandemic.

The car pick-up and drop-out outside the main lobby.Taylor Rains/Insider

Although I would probably not splurge the $600 per night for even a standard room, it's clear the allure of the property — as well as the exclusivity of the SkyPark — attracts deep-pocket travelers willing to splash out thousands for the experience.

View of the south china sea and gardens by the bay from the observation deck.Taylor Rains/Insider

Although I would probably not splurge the $600 per night for even a standard room, it's clear the allure of the property — as well as the exclusivity of the SkyPark — attracts deep-pocket travelers willing to splash out thousands for the experience.

A previously rat-infested lighthouse on a tiny Irish island was transformed into a $5.2 million hotel with a sauna. Take a look around.

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I toured Singapore's famous Marina Bay Sands resort, which has the world's longest rooftop pool and luxury suites that can go for $17,000 per night

Marina Bay Sands is only 13 years old but has grown to become one of the most popular and recognizable attractions in Singapore.

Overlooking the country's picturesque Supertree Grove, the massive, three-tower hotel is home to over 2,200 guest rooms, delicious food, and endless shopping.

On my recent trip to Singapore, I toured the resort to see everything it has to offer — take a look.

MBS opened in 2010 and is owned by Las Vegas Sands — a company famous for its "integrated resorts" that feature all-in-one hotels with rooms, dining, shopping, meeting space, and gambling.

Singapore’s resort is probably the company’s most spectacular, having been designed by famed architect Moshe Safdie.

It consists of three towers, all of which are connected by a long walkway of restaurants, shops, and decor. The resort's assistant director of communications, Dawn Wang, explained the buildings are sloped, with Tower 1 being the widest and Towers 2 and 3 being more narrow.

The design is intended to mimic two playing cards leaning against each other to create a house of cards, which was Safdie's inspiration for the building.

I enjoyed the unique design, which also featured huge windows and impressive plants and trees — all of which are real, according to Wang.

She also said the building is focused on sustainability, pointing out that the ceiling design creates natural light and the rooftop features a large solar panel system.

While there are several entry points to MBS, stopping at tower 1 is the most efficient for check-in as this is where the main lobby is.

Here, guests can get their room key from the front desk…

…or talk to the concierge.

When heading to the rooms, there are several sets of elevators, which are being upgraded with a new elegant interior, Wang explained.

We got out on floor 10, and it was cool looking down at all the plants and decor below.

On my tour, I was not able to see any of the rooms because they are being renovated as part of the resort's $1 billion upgrade project announced in early 2022.

Guests will find all of the rooms and suites in Towers 1 and 2 redesigned by the end of this year, according to MBS.

However, some original rooms will still remain, featuring luxuries like a large TV, plenty of storage, city or garden views, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Currently, a stay in a mid-tier "luxe collection" room costs $1,360 per night in March or about $3,230 for a full weekend.

The most expensive accommodation — the four-bedroom chairman suite — goes for $17,000, before any potential renovations.

The resort's huge investment is on top of the multi-billion hotel expansion announced in 2019, which will see the addition of a fourth tower and a large entertainment arena.

Considering Marina Bay has attracted celebrities like Katy Perry and David Beckham, the arena is expected to host a wide variety of VIPs and top artists.

While the upgrades are all expected to be complete by 2026, the hotel already has plenty to offer. Starting on the ground floor, there are myriad shops for guests to enjoy….

…bars and lounges, like the 24-hour Renku Club...

...and fine-dining restaurants, like Blossom and Rise. In total, the MBS property houses over 60 eateries, many of which are by celebrity chefs, like Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen.

Connected to the main floor via walkways are other attractions like the ArtScience museum, which has a virtual reality exhibit...

...as well as a four-level casino, theater, and nightly light and water show.

But, the crown jewel sits on the resort's 55th floor — the world's longest rooftop infinity pool.

The pool stretches a whopping 492 feet, which is about the length of three Olympic-sized pools or two Airbus A380 aircraft, Wang told Insider.

Some may remember the pool from the movie Crazy Rich Asians, which featured a team of synchronized swimmers dancing in the water in the film's final scene.

I was happy to find the water was warm and only about four feet deep. There were seats in the pool to relax, or guests could swim to the edge and overlook Singapore.

While the thought of looking down may be scary, Wang said there is a wall and a one-meter buffer to keep people from falling over the side. Moreover, kids must be accompanied by an adult, or they can use the dedicated kiddie pool.

For tourists looking to enjoy the pool, it is unfortunately only reserved for hotel guests. In fact, most of the SkyPark area can only be accessed by those with an active room key.

This means the jacuzzi...

…the gym and spa…

…the plethora of seating…

…and the garden is restricted to resort guests.

However, there are also several rooftop restaurants that can be accessed by non-guests, though a reservation is typically required. However, walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, but they must wait downstairs.

During my tour, I ate at Spago, but there were also other options like CÉ LA VI, which serves contemporary Asian cuisine, or LAVO, which focuses on Italian-American food.

I thought the food at Spago, which is by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, was delicious. I tried the burger, Japanese chicken wings, a juicy steak, and pork bao — my favorite of the four.

One other SkyPark attraction that can be visited by non-guests is MBS' famous observation deck.

The platform, which costs S$26 (about $20), is another two floors higher than the pool and offers a 360-degree view.

Here, tourists can overlook the South China Sea and several other famous Singapore attractions, like the beautiful Raffles Hotel…

…and one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels.

Also visible are the several other buildings connected to MBS, including the convention center, the ArtScience museum, a nightclub, a casino, and the Sands Theater.

There is even a floating Louis Vuitton "island" store sitting in the water — a symbol of the wealth and luxury that sits within MBS and Singapore.

Overall, I was impressed with the giant resort and the plethora of amenities and attractions available.

While the rooms may be shockingly expensive, I was not surprised when Wang said the resort has been booked out 90% — both pre and post-pandemic.

Although I would probably not splurge the $600 per night for even a standard room, it's clear the allure of the property — as well as the exclusivity of the SkyPark — attracts deep-pocket travelers willing to splash out thousands for the experience.