Khaolak Merlin Resort

Khao Lak, Thailand

Virgin rating

The hotel

A deluxe hotel, inspired by Thailand’s rich culture, Khaolak Merlin Resort also enjoys a divine rainforest location on a gently sloping hillside and is surrounded by well-manicured, lush gardens. Enjoy direct access to a private stretch of beach, perfect for relaxing in the afternoon sun. More of a pool person? We've got you covered. As well as four swimming pools, there’s a kids' pool complete with water slide and a kids' playground. And speaking of kids, they can even have their own spa treatments to unwind their bodies after a days running around - they'll love getting involved in this! When it comes to dining, the aptly-named Tropical Garden is open all-day and serves International favourites as well as local fare. For something a little more romantic, head to Veranda, a beachside restaurant serving delicious seafood. The village centre is just a stroll away and offers more eating options. Alternatively, take a taxi to the centre of Khao Lak for a wider choice. And if shopping appeals check out Bang Niang Market, there are plenty of souvenirs to stock up on!

Amenities

  • Tennis
  • Babysitting service
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

In Khao Lak, overlooking the beach and a short walk from the village centre. Transfer time from Phuket Airport: 1 hour.

Hotel information

236 rooms. All with air-conditioning, balcony or terrace, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi access, mini-bar*, kettle, mini fridge, slippers, safe, bathroom amenities, flip flops, and hairdryer. 

Superior Rooms have garden and resort views, with either 1 king-size bed, or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

Board basis options:

Half Board Plus/Full Board Plus options: Half Board Plus includes breakfast and à la carte set menu dinner at The Garden or Veranda Beachside Restaurant or themed buffet evenings. Full Board Plus also includes lunch from à la carte set menu at The Garden or Veranda. Both includes one drink per person per meal (choose from house wines, local beers, juices, soft drinks and drinking water).

All Inclusive option (available May-Oct) includes: buffet breakfast, set menu à la carte lunch from Tropical Forest Restaurant or Veranda and set menu à la carte dinner at set outlets (these may change depending on day) and themed buffets three times a week on the Beach Lawn. Drinks include house wine, local beer, local spirits, juice, soft drinks, coffee/tea and drinking water in the Pool Bar, Veranda Bar, Beach Bar and Lobby Lounge (11:00am-11:00pm).

Room upgrades:

Deluxe Rooms are slightly larger in size, and feature a separate walk-in shower and bathtub, with 1 king-size bed or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

Family Superior Rooms and Family Deluxe Rooms consist of two interconnecting Superior/Deluxe rooms, with 1 king-size bed and twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 3 children.

Garden Pool Access rooms offer direct access to the Hidden Pool from the private patio, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 people (children 12 years and under are not permitted in this room category).

The Garden (open for buffet breakfast and a la carte dinner; International and Asian cuisine), Veranda Beachside Restaurant (lunch and dinner, Thai and International cuisine), Sunset Hut (Cocktail Bar and light fare), Pool Bar (Swim up bar), Lobby Lounge (nightly live music).

Themed buffet nights and live entertainment available seasonally. 

4 swimming pools, plus a kids' pool with slide, and a jacuzzi pool. Spa* with 5 treatment rooms, 2 outdoor pavilions and a sauna. Kids spa*. Fitness centre. Tennis court. Kids' playground. Table tennis. Pool table. Kayaking*. Stand up paddle boarding*. Night walks. Bird watching. Regular organised activities include tie-dying, stamp ralley, fruit carving, and natural water painting. 

Complimentary WiFi throughout the resort. Souvenir shop. Beauty salon*. Babysitting*. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Room service*.  Spa services*.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1007)
  • Very good (420)
  • Average (94)
  • Poor (17)
  • Terrible (16)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good hotel. Lovely setting and grounds.

Nov 21, 2024 R1922JDmattt Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Really nice hotel. Great tropical grounds with lots of wildlife and some magnificent trees. Nice big rooms and direct beach access. Breakfast was good. Very well kept grounds and pools. Friendly staff. Would recommend. Plenty of local places to eat within a 10 minute walk.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Can't recommend the Merlin Resort Khaolak enough, great place to stay.

Nov 18, 2024 Travel698675

We stayed at the Merlin Resort Khao Lak for six nights from 26th Oct - 1st Nov 2024 bed and breakfast. Having read reviews on this hotel our expectations were high and we were not disappointed. The hotel whilst situated in a jungle environment is also on a beach front. The hotels ethos is protection of the environment and the wildlife within it… Read more
We stayed at the Merlin Resort Khao Lak for six nights from 26th Oct - 1st Nov 2024 bed and breakfast. Having read reviews on this hotel our expectations were high and we were not disappointed. The hotel whilst situated in a jungle environment is also on a beach front. The hotels ethos is protection of the environment and the wildlife within it and it has dedicated staff to support this aim. Visitors for a small fee can participate in activies to explore the wildlife in their grounds. All areas are accessible and wheelchair friendly with many paths round the grounds are superb and well maintained. The rooms, are spotlessly clean as are all areas. There are rooms with swim up access but we decided to book a superior room with balcony overlooking one of the many pool areas. The walk in shower was amazing. Staff are lovely and very helpful we cannot fault them. Breakfast was buffet style with plenty of choice, catering for all diets. Whilst we ate in a few nights and enjoyed the evening menu we did explore the nearby village with its many eateries, all at reasonable prices. Highly recommend a stay here. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Disappointed could be much better

Nov 12, 2024 Getaway316238

I booked a two weeks all inclusive trip to this hotel through tui to celebrate my birthday. On arrival I was a little disappointed as this is advertised by TUI as a 4+ star platinum resort. The entrance to the hotel was very underwhelming as was the reception. I found the whole hotel although clean and tidy looked a bit tired and could do with a… Read more
I booked a two weeks all inclusive trip to this hotel through tui to celebrate my birthday. On arrival I was a little disappointed as this is advertised by TUI as a 4+ star platinum resort. The entrance to the hotel was very underwhelming as was the reception. I found the whole hotel although clean and tidy looked a bit tired and could do with a makeover. The beach bar is very basic rustic is probably the best description. This is a real shame as it would an ideal place to enjoy a drink whilst watching the sunset and more could definitely be made of this area namely comfy chairs and tables rather then rickety stools. The food was very good in both the beach and main restaurant with lots of choice and as we were All inclusive we only ate in the hotel. Towards the end of our stay both me and my husband got food poisoning which meant we couldn’t be any distance from toilet facilities which meant we missed out on a trip we had planned. I cannot say this was caused by the hotel but it is the only place we ate our meals. On the positives all of the staff are fantastic, hardworking friendly and efficient. The spa treatments were reasonably priced and very good. Bedrooms were clean and tidy. All in all we did enjoy our stay but having visited Thailand several times I think this was the worst of the hotels I’ve stayed at. I would definitely not return Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing, relaxing and stunning place

Oct 27, 2024 489cathy Harkerville, South Africa

Our experience at the resort along with the staff compliment was exceptional. Nothing was to much trouble for the staff and they made our stay pleasurable and enjoyable. The hotel was amazing, clean and set in the most incredible environment. Special thanks to all the staff we had the pleasure of meeting. We found the following staff members… Read more
Our experience at the resort along with the staff compliment was exceptional. Nothing was to much trouble for the staff and they made our stay pleasurable and enjoyable. The hotel was amazing, clean and set in the most incredible environment. Special thanks to all the staff we had the pleasure of meeting. We found the following staff members really made an extra effort - Ness, Weeiawat, Defy, Janny, Kung and the manger of the Buffet restaurant which sadly I never took his name down. We highly recommend this hotel. We will be back Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good but some pitfulls

Oct 25, 2024 Lesley F

Lovely place excellent food. Bar shuts at 11pm so your night ends there. While you wait in the reception for your taxi to the airport, there's no drinks ,so you have to walk back into the resort and carry drinks back into reception. Nightly entertainment was like going to a funeral. Sea was very rough and you can't use dun loungers on the beach?.… Read more
Lovely place excellent food. Bar shuts at 11pm so your night ends there. While you wait in the reception for your taxi to the airport, there's no drinks ,so you have to walk back into the resort and carry drinks back into reception. Nightly entertainment was like going to a funeral. Sea was very rough and you can't use dun loungers on the beach?. No 24 hour snacks. Read less