Marina Bay Sands vs Raffles Singapore

When it comes to luxury stays in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands and Raffles Singapore stand out as two of the most iconic hotels. Both offer exceptional experiences, in this piece we look into which one truly excels in the Marina Bay Sands vs Raffles Singapore showdown.

Accommodation

Raffles Singapore: Raffles Singapore exudes timeless elegance with its distinctive colonial architecture and original 14ft ceilings. The suites, ranging from romantic studios with garden views to luxurious Presidential Suites, with antiques, teakwood floors, and fascinating memorabilia. Each suite is refined for modern tastes, featuring Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary non-alcoholic mini bars, and Ormonde Jayne bath amenities. A personal butler is available 24/7 to cater to guests' needs, adding a touch of luxury to the stay.

Marina Bay Sands: Marina Bay Sands offers a contemporary twist on luxury. With three distinct collections—The Sands Collection, The Paiza Collection, and The Original Collection—guests can choose from rooms and suites with spectacular views of Gardens by the Bay, the sea, or the city skyline. Each room is meticulously designed with stylish furnishings and offers privileged access to the world-famous rooftop infinity pool. The ultra-luxurious Paiza Collection suites come with 24-hour butler service.

Winner: Raffles Singapore. While Marina Bay Sands' modern luxury is impressive, Raffles Singapore's colonial charm offers a more unique and intimate experience.

Location

Raffles Singapore: Raffles Singapore is perfectly positioned in the heart of the business and civic district. The hotel sits on the original plot of 10 bungalows at Beach Road, now surrounded by bustling malls and skyscrapers. City Hall MRT, Raffles City Shopping Centre, and JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach are all within a five-minute walk, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city.

Marina Bay Sands: Marina Bay Sands is located in the city's lively district, offering easy access to key attractions like Gardens by the Bay, the ArtScience Museum, and the Marina Bay Financial Centre. Its central location is ideal for both leisure and business travellers, providing stunning views and proximity to cultural landmarks.

Winner: Marina Bay Sands. The hotel’s prime location near major attractions and its breathtaking views of the city and bay make it a perfect choice for travellers wanting to be at the heart of the action.

Dining Options

Raffles Singapore: Raffles Singapore offers a refined culinary experience with its distinguished dining options. At 藝 yì by Jereme Leung, guests can savour Cantonese classics and ancient Chinese delicacies reimagined for modern tastes. Butcher's Block presents a unique wood-fire cooking experience, where the depth of flavours created by pure wood-fire is celebrated in an atmospheric setting. The Tiffin Room, one of Singapore’s oldest North Indian restaurants, has been serving up the golden age delicacies of the maharajahs since 1892, making it a historic and gastronomic landmark.

Marina Bay Sands: Marina Bay Sands boasts an extensive array of dining options, including numerous celebrity chef restaurants. Guests can indulge in Western favourites at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer or enjoy waterfront dining at Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay. CUT by Wolfgang Puck offers a sophisticated steakhouse experience, while KOMA Singapore provides exquisite Japanese fine dining. For Italian cuisine, LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar offers not only delicious food but also stunning views from its rooftop location. Additionally, Spago by Wolfgang Puck combines gourmet dining with spectacular vistas, creating a memorable culinary experience.

Winner: Marina Bay Sands. The sheer variety and number of high-end dining options, particularly the celebrity chef restaurants, make it a dining haven.

Amenities and Facilities

Raffles Singapore: Raffles offers a luxurious spa experience with treatments, a rooftop swimming pool, and exclusive shopping at the Raffles Arcade. Guests can also enjoy a well-equipped fitness centre, room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Marina Bay Sands: Marina Bay Sands is a paradise for shoppers with over 170 luxury and premium boutiques at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. It also features unique attractions like the world’s only floating Louis Vuitton Island Maison and an Apple store surrounded by water. Guests can enjoy the iconic rooftop infinity pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a spa, and various entertainment options.

Winner: Marina Bay Sands. The extensive shopping options and the unique amenities, such as the rooftop infinity pool and floating luxury stores, make it a standout choice.

Overall Winner

While Raffles Singapore offers a charming and elegant stay with its colonial heritage and central location, Marina Bay Sands takes the crown for its modern luxury, unparalleled dining options, and exceptional amenities.

Marina Bay Sands vs Raffles Singapore