Staying at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

The Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Photo / Supplied

Michelle Weir checks into the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

Getting there: I had flown in to Singapore direct from Auckland and was at Marina Bay Sands within 20 minutes of leaving the airport.

Check-in experience: The first impression was a massive wow, what a hotel! Check-in was easy except they didn't like us paying with a debit card. We asked about upgrading to a Club Suite and were able to do so at a very reasonable cost given what else was to be included — $160 more gave us a room on a higher floor, two hours of cocktails and canapes, breakfast and late check-out.

Room: We had a Club Suite room on the 36th floor facing the city. What a room, what a view! A huge king-sized bed, curtains that closed at the touch of a button, couch and an incredible bathroom. Super-impressed.

Price: We paid $650 for one night's accommodation and a further $160 to upgrade

What's so good about this place: You don't really need to leave the hotel complex. More restaurants than we could count, an epic infinity pool looking over the city, hundreds of shops (and a few that suited our modest budget). But if you did want to explore Singapore, as we did, it was a $6 taxi ride to China Town or Clarke Quay.

And the bad: With 2800 hotel rooms, there are literally thousands of people around.

What's in the neighbourhood: Shops, restaurants and more shops.

Toiletries: The usual with added razor, comb, dental kit, and talcum powder.

Food and drink: Delicious, but bloody expensive.

The bed: A king-size bed that was ridiculously comfortable.

A room with a view: Singapore's CBD — awesome at night with the light and water show.

Bathroom: Huge: the shower was the size of our bathroom at home. I judge a hotel by the bathroom so was very happy and impressed with this one

Noise: Just the hum of thousands of people.

Free Wi-Fi: Yes.

Exercise facilities: A well-stocked gym — not that I had time for a workout though.

Contact: marinabaysands.com

Value for money: I would love to stay here again.