Andaz Singapore Review: Why We Choose It Over Marina Bay Sands

After staying at dozens of luxury hotels around the world, one of our favorites still has to be the Andaz Singapore by Hyatt. Located in the popular Bugis district on the upper floors of Duo Tower, this hotel delivers sophistication and incredible views. OK, not quite the same views as Marina Bay Sands—but at nearly half the price, with what we believe is more attentive service, and without the tourist crowd vibe.

Here's everything you need to know from our latest stay, including how to book for the best value...

🎥 Andaz Singapore by Hyatt – Full Stay Experience

📍 Compare Prices & Book Andaz Singapore:

Starting from $260/night (Last checked: Jan 2026).

Why We Chose Andaz Singapore Instead of Marina Bay Sands

OK, first off—Marina Bay Sands is iconic. We're of course talking about their world-renowned infinity pool that stretches across the three-building structure. We're not disputing that. But here's what we've learned:

Andaz Singapore advantages:

40-60% lower rates for comparable luxury

Located in authentic Bugis/Kampong Glam (better food, culture, shopping)

More personalized service (smaller property)

Infinity rooftop pool without the MBS crowds

Walking distance to Bugis MRT (basically underneath the Andaz) and hawker centers

When to choose MBS instead:...

You want the specific infinity pool photo op

First time in Singapore and want the "icon" experience

Casino/shopping is your priority

For us, Andaz delivers the better overall value—and we're not alone. It consistently ranks among Singapore's top-rated luxury hotels for good reason.

Getting There from Changi Airport

Check-In Experience & 25th Floor Lobby

Check-in is on the 25th floor—take the elevators from the Duo Tower lobby. Instead of a traditional reception desk, Andaz uses personal check-in counters, which feels more boutique than corporate. Some people might like this while others might not like the two banks of elevators to get between room and street.

What impressed us—one particular situation that really stood out as customer service above and beyond:

We had damaged luggage from our flight to Singapore. We notified customer service at the airport and they said they would contact us. When we checked in, the staff at the Andaz said they would coordinate everything without hesitation—from luggage pick-up to making sure it was returned to us in time for our flight. It's these little things that make a difference.

Other highlights:

• Arrived at 8 AM (way before 3 PM check-in)

• Offered immediate city view upgrade for just $20 SGD

• Zero wait time, room was available right away (now at lower-level hotels I might think this a scam, but in this case it definitely worked out in our favor)

OK, as far as the lobby design—it is bright and contemporary, with local art installations and a generally welcoming atmosphere that made us feel relaxed after a few busy days in Tokyo and an early morning flight. It kind of set the tone for the rest of our stay.

Our Room: King City View (Floor 30)

Room 3027 became our home for the next few nights, and here's the breakdown:

The View:

Floor-to-ceiling windows with a beautiful Singapore skyline view. The windows have solar-filtering dots—smart design that reduces heat while maintaining the view. The hotel is known for its eco-friendly policies. It was a great floor to get a real feel for the city.

The Bed:

It was a really comfortable king with quality linens, which made for well-needed sleep after being out all day exploring Singapore. Bedside controls for lighting, blinds, and climate. USB charging ports and power outlets on both sides (rare and really appreciated).

In-Room Features:

• Bose Bluetooth speaker to play your own music

• Smart TV with hotel services menu (and no, we generally do not watch TV when traveling )

• Spacious work desk with ergonomic chair

• Mini-bar with an assortment of drinks and snacks (free), including a couple of Andaz Pils beers

• Setup to make your own coffee and tea (supplied)

• Reusable water bottle with message "Take me home, this is my last plastic bottle"

**And they remind you everywhere: tap water is safe to drink in Singapore. They are quite proud of that fact.

Bathroom:

Spacious walk-in rain shower, separate toilet area for privacy, robes, full toiletries including razors and hair dryer. The separate toilet room is a thoughtful design touch you don't always find.

Plenty of Closet/Storage Space (even with the amount of clothes Lili likes to bring):
Room safe, iron/board, slippers, umbrella, extra pillows and blankets.

Tech:
Reliable fast WiFi, solid air conditioning (essential in Singapore's humidity), wooden keycard (unique touch that I really liked).

The Rooftop Infinity Pool

This is where Andaz truly stands out. The 25th-floor infinity pool offers incredible city views in a serene, garden-like setting....

What makes it special:

• Panoramic views without Marina Bay Sands prices or crowds (again, not the same—the Marina Bay is definitely a step up in pool size and view)

• Surrounded by lush greenery and urban garden design

• Separate children's pool area

• Towel station with infused water, which yet again Andaz: nice touch

• Pool showers and changing facilities

• Sky herb garden (supplies hotel restaurants, which is awesome in itself)

Pool Bar Menu:

Nice selection but expect Singapore luxury pricing. We typically grabbed drinks from nearby stores or the Sunroom (we received a few drink vouchers).

Best time to visit:

Sunrise or sunset for best views and fewer guests. Although it wasn't really crowded throughout our stay—always chairs available.

Sunroom: Hidden Gem

• The Sunroom is an underrated amenity on the pool level. Think of it as an all-day complimentary snack bar:

• Iced teas and coffee

• Fresh fruit

• Yogurt parfaits

• Local snacks (including spicy chips)

• Infused water

We used our welcome drink vouchers at the bar here. It's a casual space perfect for unwinding between exploring sessions.

Mr. Stork Rooftop Bar (39th Floor)

If the pool gives you daytime views, Mr. Stork delivers great sunset panoramic views.

The setting:

Unique teepees, open-air seating, and incredible city views from the 39th floor. It's romantic without being stuffy—OK, it's also filled with many of the guests from the hotel.

Booking Strategy: How to Get the Best Rate

Here's how we approach booking Andaz Singapore:

1. Compare all platforms:

Ready to book? Compare prices from all platforms: Hyatt, Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com

2. Consider these factors:

Book direct with Hyatt if:

• You're a World of Hyatt member (earn points + benefits)

• You see "Member Rate" pricing

• You want guaranteed room choice

Book via Credit Card portal if:

• Using credit card travel credit (Capital One, Amex, Chase)

• Better cancellation terms ( depends on booking )

(Always check the difference in pricing)

3. Room upgrade tip:

Ask at check-in about upgrades. The $20 SGD we paid was absolutely worth it, especially getting into our room almost 7 hours early.

4. Watch for:

• Singapore off-season (November-January, excluding holidays of course)

• Mid-week stays (cheaper than weekends)

• Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates ( usually is the case but I keep an eye out for early booking specials)

Who Should Stay at Andaz Singapore

Perfect for:

• Travelers wanting luxury and quality service without Marina Bay Sands prices

• Couples seeking a beautiful rooftop experience

• Anyone prioritizing location (Bugis is central and authentic)

• World of Hyatt loyalty members

• Business travelers (work-friendly rooms, central location)

Maybe reconsider if:

• You specifically want the MBS pool photo op

• You need to be in Marina Bay area

• Budget is under $150/night (look at Ibis or Hotel G)

Drinks & Pricing:

Cocktails run about $18-25 SGD before taxes (add 10% service + 9% GST). Happy hour ( which the refer to as Happier Hour ) does offers better value and fourtunerly coincdes with happy hour. Quality is solid, but you're really paying for the views—and they're worth it!!!

**Our recommendation:

Go for sunset, order one round, take in the atmosphere. Now, tipping isn't mandatory in Singapore but appreciated for exceptional service. (We usually tip, as we both had worked in the service field at one time.)

Dining Options

Full disclosure: We didn't eat many meals at the hotel. Singapore's hawker centers are world-class and a fraction of the price. That said, here are the on-site options:

Alley on 25 (25th floor): All-day dining featuring their "Lazy Breakfast" buffet with extensive Western and Asian options. We spotted the breakfast spread—it looked impressive.

5 on 25 (25th floor): Another dining venue on the lobby level with classic Cantonese food with a vintage vibe ( date night place )

665°F (25th floor): Steakhouse concept with a unique name (the name refers to the cooking temperature). Come here for top-notch meat and seafood as well

Bar Square (25th floor): Cocktail bar and lounge area. Great place to grab a casual drink next to the lobby and pool ( we used our drink vouchers here ).

Mr. Stork (39th floor): Rooftop bar with panoramic views and small plates menu.

Room service: Available but we didn't test it.( Not really our thing ).

Our strategy:
Breakfast at hotel (if included—it wasn't in this case), lunch/dinner at hawker centers or local spots. We usually combine eating around wherever we are sight seeing. Some recommended hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown, plus ones near the Andaz like Albert Centre or Berseh Food Centre (both walking distance).

Fitness Center & Other Amenities

38th Floor Fitness Center:
Modern equipment with skyline views (kind of motivating!). Open 24/7.

Sustainability Features:

• Housekeeping every 3 days (sheets/towels on request—you can request more frequently if needed)

• Solar-filtering windows reduce energy use

• Reusable water bottles

• Herb garden supplies restaurants

Hallway Design:
Light-filled atrium design makes corridors feel open rather than hotel-cramped.

Watch Our Full Video Tour

🎥 Andaz Singapore by Hyatt – Full Stay Experience

For the complete visual tour including room walkthrough, pool footage, and Mr. Stork bar at sunset, watch our full video review above. Don't forget to subscribe for more honest hotel reviews from around the world.

**More Singapore Resources:

Singapore: Top 10 Must-See Attractions!

10 Real Tips for Singapore – What We Learned

CHANGI AIRPORT SINGAPORE-The BEST Layover- And it's ALL for FREE]

Our Travel Resources Page

Have you stayed at Andaz Singapore? What was your experience? Drop a comment below—we read them all.

Best options ranked by value:

City Shuttle ($9-12 SGD) - Our pick. Air-conditioned coach, direct drop-off. Buy tickets at airport arrival hall counters. Only on arrival, not for return to airport.

MRT ($2-3 SGD) - Budget option. Take to Bugis Station, Exit E. 5-minute walk with luggage. (With a lot of luggage might look at other options.)

Grab ($25-35 SGD) - Convenient for families or late arrivals. Book via app. We used throughout Singapore as well as other Asian countries (and met some real interesting drivers as you can see in our video).

Taxi ($30-40 SGD) - Available at taxi stands, but Grab is usually cheaper. And a plus—you will know the price ahead of time.

Pro tip: The hotel is above Bugis MRT, making neighborhood exploration incredibly easy. But keep in mind Singapore can be very humid, so walking around during the day can be a little uncomfortable, but we did it (water in hand).

Final Verdict: Our Take

Andaz Singapore has become our #1 choice for our stays in Singapore. The combination of location, design, service, and value is hard to beat. Staff is top-notch, rooms are very well maintained, and the rooftop pool never gets old.

Rating: 9.5/10

(-0.5 only because dining prices are high, but that's Singapore luxury hotels in general)

Would we stay again? We absolutely would. And that's really the highest compliment we can give.