Arrival/Check-in: It’s easy to spot the Marina Bay Sands from most places in Singapore. An architectural feat, the hotel’s three towers are connected across the top by a SkyPark on the 55th floor. After spotting it on my drives, I was eager to view the interior. The entrance was crowded with cars, and reception was just as busy, meaning check-in took a long time. A string quartet in the lobby eased the waiting process. Luckily, my room was in Tower 1, as the other towers were a long walk from the entrance. (26/30)

Guest Quarters: The most noteworthy feature of the room was the view. A wall of windows overlooking Singapore filled the space with natural light and helped me acquaint myself with the country’s unique skyline. Altogether, the property has 2,561 guestrooms and suites. As I entered, a large bathroom was to the left, with a closet to my right. Straight ahead were the TV, bureau and adjoining desk. Seating lined the window area. Completing the décor was a comfortable king-sized bed, two nightstands and a bench. Nothing stood out to me in the room, which was standard but perfectly comfortable. Though identified as non-smoking, the room and hallway held the faint scent of stale cigarettes throughout my stay. (26/30)

Services/Amenities: The question is: What doesn’t the Marina Bay Sands offer? Its location in the business district, 20 minutes from Changi Airport, is attractive to business travelers. And the SkyPark, complimentary for guests of the hotel, is unique and worth a visit. The infinity pools are stunning. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands feature 800,000 square feet of retail and dining space. More than 50 restaurants are on site with recognizable names including Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud and Guy Savory. The property also houses two state-of-the-art theaters, a museum, an outdoor event plaza and 1.3 million square feet of convention space. As part of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the complex also boasts a large casino and full gaming experience. (37/40)

The Experience: A stay at Marina Bay Sands is an experience, although I’m not sure it’s one a traveler needs more than once. The property is definitely worth a gander considering its impressive architecture and unique layout. It’s huge and falls victim to its size — I spent 30 minutes one morning trying to find a place to purchase to-go coffee. The hotel, though, has made its mark on the Singapore skyline.

Total Score: 89/100

Marina Bay Sands

10 Bayfront Ave.
Singapore 018956
tel 65 6688 8868
Marina Bay Sands