WHERE TO START..
I have to admit, I booked this place with LOTS of reservation having read very mixed reviews. However given that I could only access THE infinity pool as a guest which they actually did enforce very strictly, I decided that it'd be worth splitting or two nights stay in Singapore between this place and Fullerton Bay Hotel just so that I can experience having been here!
I was so paranoid of not receiving great service that I booked a Club level room for our less than 15-hours total stay at this place and I have to say that I'm relieved(!) to have enjoyed every minute of our stay here! The parking drive-in and the lobby was indeed hectic but not overwhelmingly crowded and it did help that we were served at a separate counter. The staff was welcoming, friendly and accommodated to our request (ie. Celebrating our honeymoon, late checkout, etc.) and places us in a delightful room with one of the best views of the Marina Bay and the Singapore night lights.
The club lounge which closes way too early was booming in the morning but still felt orderly and meticulous and the breakfast in one of the highest point in Singapore.
Club Lounge Breakfast :)
Now for the pool, despite our concerns, wasn't so crowded or disorderly and actually very well-kept given its grand size. The view was again every bit phenomenal and exactly what I had expected. My only complaint is that the pool water was a bit cold and hence it was hard to swim or spend long bits of time in the pool. There were also jacuzzis facing the Gardens by the Bay offering a different and equally intriguing harbor view of Singapore, but on a smaller side and crowded for comfort.
Would I recommend this hotel? Oh yes!!
Sad to say, but this hotel stay was completely overshadowed by our near-perfect stay the subsequent night at the hotel across the waters - Fullerton Bay Hotel. However, the uniqueness of what Marina Bay Sands offered (the grand lobby, the view from the famous infinity pool, observation deck, club lounge, spacious gym, humongous mall connected to the hotel, the casino, easy walkway to nearby attractions, incredible views from the City View rooms, etc.) offered nearly made up for it.
The room size, amenities, interior, service, etc also did not lack much behind other 5 star hotels of similar price/tiers. All in all, I'd say this hotel is very comparable to my experiences with humongous 5-Star resorts in Las Vegas (ie. Wynn/Encore, Aria, etc.) - all very modern, new large-scale hotels with impeccable room amenities and facilities but without necessary a very, very personalized service.