Khao Lak Merlin Beach Resort

We recently spent a wonderful two week family holiday in the Khaolak Merlin Resort. We have two teenage sons and would recommend it. We were made to feel welcome and special from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. The waiting and bar staff were extremely attentive and polite. The rooms were cleaned daily and our pyjamas left in a pretty pattern. The ground staff worked tirelessly and the pools were also cleaned daily. The hotel was quieter during our first week but by the time the schools had broken up the bottom swimming pool was extremely busy. We chose to base ourselves at the middle pool on the sun beds. The beach was clean and private but we only went in the sea once as there were rocks and the pools were so nice. We were all inclusive and happy with the selection of food and drinks available. We ate at the buffet every night, however our youngest son often chose off the menu and this was never a problem. The choice of food on offer at Breakfast was vast and the omelettes cooked in the Egg Hut were a firm favourite. I was worried that the weather would ruin our holiday but I needn’t have. The first couple of days were wet but after that the sun came out and it was dry most of the time with the odd shower. We booked two tours, an elephant day through the company in the hotel foyer and a James Bond Island day with Mr Moo in the village outside the hotel. Both were excellent but Mr Moo was better value for money. We also took a taxi to the market in Khao Lak which was fun and an experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone and we certainly had a fabulous fortnight.

This was our first visit to Thailand and we chose this hotel with the all inclusive option. Despite choosing to go in the wet season we were really lucky with the weather and only had rain for the first couple of days. Our teenage boys loved the pools and the non alcoholic cocktails. The staff are really attentive and speak good English. The food, especially the buffets is really imaginative and tasty. Only issues we had with the hotel was the fact the guests hogging the sun beds so early and the hotel should have a method of controlling this. If you are looking for lots of cheesy evening entertainment then this is not the hotel for you, also no kids clubs etc. Overall a really good family hotel, that is peaceful.

Just returned from this beautiful hotel. It’s an hour from Phuket airport - we were picked up & returned by the hotel taxi. Rooms are lovely, not that we spent much time in ours! Not much hanging space, & I’d recommend taking your own shampoos & conditioners. Nice balcony to have a drink on in the evening. We only booked breakfast - there was plenty of choice of food & drink. Ate in the beach restaurant a couple of times - lovely food; as expected just a bit more pricey than the village restaurants which are a 3 minute walk at the bottom of road. Pools and grounds are beautiful - proper feel of the rainforest right on the beach. Yellow flag for most of the time, and the sea comes right up to the wall on some occasions. Lots of wildlife to see. Nice bar is along the beach to the left of the hotel called ‘My Friend’. Lovely to watch the sun go down & cheaper than hotel drinks. (Just passed the masseurs - also cheaper than hotel & very relaxing. Approx £7 for hour’s oil massage) Lots of trips to be booked from here. We did the James Bond Island which is a lot of fun & highly recommended - booked with the tours on the street not the hotel. Elephant care is lovely but please do your research. There are many places offering these but make sure you’re not riding or seeing the mahouts that use the hooks. Turtle sanctuary is small but worth the visit. Kids are free & adults are about £1-2. Get a taxi from the bottom of the road (cheaper than doing the whole thing through the hotel). We did the night market - apparently it’s not as cheap as Phuket or Bangkok but you’re more out in the sticks here so only to be expected. It’s nice because you’re not hounded or harassed & you can still barter. Khao Lak main town is 10minute taxi ride. Lots shut at this time of year but still enough open to enjoy. We did this 3/4 times and enjoyed it each time. The Happy Snapper is a fun music bar and Monkey bar worth a visit too. Taxis are a bit difficult to find on your return but it doesn’t take longer for one to pass in the street as you’re walking - or ask a bar to call one. I’d definitely recommend touring if you can - we had a few nights in Bangkok first which my daughter loved. All in all a relaxing holiday. You won’t be disappointed. Just be aware that this hotel is not too accessible if you have mobility issues - there are ramps all around the hotel so it is wheelchair friendly, but the heat makes it pretty hard work even for the fittest!