Where to stay in Singapore
The right area depends on what you plan to do. Marina Bay puts you beside the resort sights and a station on the Circle and Downtown Lines. Clarke Quay sits on the Singapore River. Bugis is known for its street market, Chinatown for its shophouse streets, and Sentosa is an island with its own transport links.
Staying at Marina Bay Sands is its own choice, covered on the hotel page. If you stay elsewhere, SkyPark Observation Deck tickets cover the deck only. They do not open the pool.
Singapore areas compared
What each base is close to and how you get around.
| Area | Known for | Getting around | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Bay | Marina Bay Sands, the museum, Gardens by the Bay, Spectra | Bayfront MRT on the Circle and Downtown Lines | First visits built around the resort sights |
| Clarke Quay | Singapore River, river cruise departures | Check a route planner | Evenings by the river and boat trips |
| Bugis | Bugis Street market: clothing, souvenirs, snacks | Check a route planner | Shopping and street food |
| Chinatown | Historic shophouse district south of the river | Check a route planner | Heritage streets on foot |
| Sentosa | Island with Siloso Beach | Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Express, bus, cable car or on foot | Beach days away from the centre |
For most first visits focused on Marina Bay Sands, Marina Bay is the simplest base. Choose Clarke Quay for the river, and Sentosa if beach days matter more than the city sights.
Our pick: from your hotel
Our take: a private guide can collect you from your hotel for a route you plan together.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Singapore tours from any area
Bay cruises, city tours and day trips, with live prices and availability.
The areas in detail
What a stay in each one means for your days.
Marina Bay
Marina Bay Sands stands right at Bayfront, with direct links to the Circle and Downtown Lines. The museum, Gardens by the Bay and the free Spectra show are on your doorstep. Read the getting there guide for exits and the airport route.
Clarke Quay
Boats leave from the Clarke Quay Jetty, including an evening laser show cruise that runs only from there. Pick this area if a river location matters to you. The river cruise guide has prices and piers.
Bugis
Bugis Street is a shopping market with clothing, souvenirs and snacks. It describes the surroundings, not the quality of any hotel, so compare rooms yourself.
Chinatown
This is a historic shophouse district south of the Singapore River. It covers Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Bukit Pasoh and Tanjong Pagar.
Sentosa
You reach the island via Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Express, bus, cable car or on foot. A base there needs different routes than a stay at Bayfront, so allow extra time for each trip to the bay.
Staying at Marina Bay Sands
The hotel has 1,844 rooms and suites, or about 1,850 in round figures. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 11:00. Free early check-in is subject to availability. If your room is not ready, the hotel registers you and issues temporary cards for the pool, the Observation Deck and the fitness centre. That is not the same as an early room.
Rates depend on the date, room category, guests and cancellation terms, so check the current price for your own dates. Late check-out needs a request at least 24 hours ahead. Between 11:00 and 18:00 it can cost half a day's rate, and later a full day's rate.
Pool access and families
Rules that affect where you book.
The Infinity Pool
Only registered hotel guests with a room card can use the pool on level 57. There is no separately sold swim pass and no day access for visitors. It is open daily from 06:00 to 00:00. See the Infinity Pool page for the rules.
Children
A cot is free on request, and an extra bed carries a surcharge. Room capacity depends on the category and on safety limits.
Staying elsewhere
A guest of another hotel can still visit the deck, the museum and Gardens by the Bay with their own tickets. A ticket for the deck does not include the pool.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go once you have a base.
Where to stay in Singapore: frequently asked questions
Which area suits first-time visitors?
Marina Bay is the simplest base if you plan to see the resort, the museum, Gardens by the Bay and Spectra. Clarke Quay suits you if you want the river, and Sentosa suits beach stays.
Can I use the Marina Bay Sands pool if I stay elsewhere?
No. The pool is only for registered hotel guests with a room card, and a SkyPark ticket does not change that.
What time is check-in at Marina Bay Sands?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. Early check-in is free only if a room is available.
How much is a night at Marina Bay Sands?
It depends on the date, room category, guests and cancellation terms. Check the current price for your dates before you decide.
Is a new tower being built at Marina Bay Sands?
An expansion with a new hotel of 570 suites and a 15,000-seat arena is planned. Opening is planned for January 2031, subject to government approval. It is not a booking option today.
Is this the official Marina Bay Sands website?
No. This is an independent guide, not affiliated with Marina Bay Sands, Las Vegas Sands or any hotel. Check each hotel for current rates and rules.