Khaolak Merlin Resort

Khao Lak, Thailand

Virgin rating

Pool Access Rooms
Superior Room
Garden Pool
Deluxe Twin Room
Pool Access Room
Waterfall Pool with Swim up Bar and Kids Pool
Tropical Garden Restaurant, Khaolak Merlin Resort, Thailand, Far East,
Superior Pool
Superior Room
Lagoon Pool
Deluxe Family Room
Deluxe Family Room
Pool Access Room
Pool Access Rooms
A video preview image
Superior Room
Garden Pool
Deluxe Twin Room
Pool Access Room
Waterfall Pool with Swim up Bar and Kids Pool
Tropical Garden Restaurant, Khaolak Merlin Resort, Thailand, Far East,
Superior Pool
Superior Room
Lagoon Pool
Deluxe Family Room
Deluxe Family Room
Pool Access Room

The hotel

A deluxe resort, 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. Guests enjoy direct access to a private stretch of beach, perfect for relaxing in the afternoon sun. The facilities are great and will please all the family. As well as four swimming pools, there’s a kids' pool complete with water slide and a kids' playground. Speaking of kids, they can even have their own spa treatments to unwind their bodies after a days running around - they'll love the special treatments! 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. 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*.

*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
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  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (988)
  • Very good (416)
  • Average (91)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (15)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating One of the best hotels.

Jul 13, 2024 BasBecks Waalwijk, The Netherlands

One of the best hotels i have ever stayed in. If you like breakfast this is the place to go. If you like good and affordable beds also. Just a few minutes walk to what the locals call the boulevard with several restaurants (Maili for the BBq 👍🏼) ATMs and supermarkets. The people in the hotel are very friendly and they are very busy… Read more
One of the best hotels i have ever stayed in. If you like breakfast this is the place to go. If you like good and affordable beds also. Just a few minutes walk to what the locals call the boulevard with several restaurants (Maili for the BBq 👍🏼) ATMs and supermarkets. The people in the hotel are very friendly and they are very busy conserving the enviroment around the resort. A lot of tropical rainforrest is still between the buildings and there are a lot of animals in the resorts from bullfrogs to birds. There are several swimmingpools, bars and more then enough deckchairs for everyone. The only remark i have are the prices. On the streets you can get yourself a massage for 300 baht in the hotel it will set you back more than double. Same goes for the food. On the street with 4 persons you will pay probably between 750 to 1200 baht. In the hotel it was 3000. Same food, different price. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Long but honest review

Jun 11, 2024 Anthony W

Upon arriving at the Merlin resort the staff who welcomed us were most helpful, kind and generous. The gentleman who helped us with suitcases was one of the most happiest, helpful staff member I’ve came across at a hotel, he even gave us a tour and explained everything about the hotel in detail. The hotel rooms are very clean and have great air… Read more
Upon arriving at the Merlin resort the staff who welcomed us were most helpful, kind and generous. The gentleman who helped us with suitcases was one of the most happiest, helpful staff member I’ve came across at a hotel, he even gave us a tour and explained everything about the hotel in detail. The hotel rooms are very clean and have great air conditioning which makes the stay a lot more comfortable During our the stay the all inclusive buffet was a good variety, unfortunately they moved this to a set menu which isn’t the best (personal opinion) The management in main restaurant (mainly the men) seem to have a lack of management skills and a bad attitude towards staff and the staff seem to be a bit nervous around them. The outdoor restaurant does have an ant problem, I appreciate the area and you can expect this, however, the table could be cleared of ants before being seated. We felt the beach restaurant which seems to be ran by a lady had a much more welcoming attitude and the staff seemed a lot more happier and were always welcoming to people, the good management by her could be felt from the staff as well. Although the area is tidy and the beach is kept clean, people should be aware stray dogs to sleep in the hotel and wander around the hotel , this wasn’t a problem for myself as I like dogs, but, people who aren’t so keen or have allergies to dogs should be aware of this. Either staff or guests eat under the stairs and leave left over food on the floor and tree trunks which sometimes isn’t taken away for a couple of days, not the best of pictures to paint for guests The night time entertainment is pretty good, they have 2 different duets who provide live music. We found the 2 gentleman to be really good in particular, the hotel should trying boost and advertise this more as it is ran by a lovely lady by herself who works hard and always has a smile on her face, would be lucky if we had a maximum of 8 people at once in the entertainment section Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating an example of amazing Thailand, not

Jun 11, 2024 tonyhalik london

Less than a month before arrival I was informed that there will be some renovation going on and certain areas will be closed off. I had a room with breakfast and dinner half board and I asked if will get a discount for this inconvenience or room upgrade or shall I simply cancel my booking, I was told to cancel my booking, which I did, found a… Read more
Less than a month before arrival I was informed that there will be some renovation going on and certain areas will be closed off. I had a room with breakfast and dinner half board and I asked if will get a discount for this inconvenience or room upgrade or shall I simply cancel my booking, I was told to cancel my booking, which I did, found a cheaper hotel more posh. This is a perfect example how thailand works. It's only about the money and thai smile is fake for which you have to pay . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating First time inThailand

Jun 8, 2024 Debbie F Dundee, United Kingdom

We stayed here from 16 th may 30th may we flew with turkish airline via istanbul - I booked through Tui for mid June however the day after booking on the hotel website it stated that the waterfall pool would be closed ! Despite contacting customer relations of the hotel 3 times via email - they did not get back in touch !! ( not the best of… Read more
We stayed here from 16 th may 30th may we flew with turkish airline via istanbul - I booked through Tui for mid June however the day after booking on the hotel website it stated that the waterfall pool would be closed ! Despite contacting customer relations of the hotel 3 times via email - they did not get back in touch !! ( not the best of starts) We managed to change our booking through Tui to mid may so all was ok. My husband had been in contact with the hotel Patchara (customer relaiton) for 3 months and multiple emails to request a room with jungle view- while I am aware that the hotel cannot guarantee a room he specifically asked not to be put in the new block, on arrival however this was where our room allocation was ! So nothing else for it but to pay another £200 + for a room upgrade to jungle view (reception staff probably most unhelpful !). So good points hotel porter was amazing (I didnt take his name but so kind after nearly 22 hours of travelling & also on the way home). The hotel is beautiful we stayed in room 3231 - we did the night walk - saw hermit crabs, green tree frogs & bull frogs but no slow loris. Food was amazing the buffet & verandah were our go to. Alcohol- if your AI the spirits are all non branded which to be honest not the best ! No prosecco or fizz !! (which for me on holiday is a thing !) Trips we booked through Mr Moo (out of hotel to bottom of street & turn left ) Taen (or 10) was so helpful -£95 for 2 approx each trip- we did Khao Sok - market, monkeys & temple, bamboo rafting lunch, elephant sanctuary (best experience ever )- ancient village market (as it was sunday) then back to hotel our guide Tuktuk and driver Audi were amazing x Second trip was James Bond island - long tail boat through mangroves to James Bond island( lots of photos our guide even had a replica golden gun) , floating island for lunch then reclining buddah - guide Otto & driver Audi were great x We also went to bangtang market which was good for a wander round we got taxi to and from - they are a set price. This was our first time in Thailand will definitely be back but will visit another part of the island. The staff at the hotel probably with the exception of reception staff were so helpful & polite, room was nice because we upgraded the outlook over the waterfall pools was special, hotel grounds amazing. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Merlin Resort

Jun 7, 2024 Annkilkee Southam, United Kingdom

Lovely hotel. Room very clean. Staff very friendly. Food was ok but not enough variety or choice. Buffet was closed in middle of our holiday with no warning. Leaving just the Al a carte menu for last 5 days. Told it was closed for 2 months. After booking All inclusive I was disappointed as I find it hard to find things to eat. Had to eat out side… Read more
Lovely hotel. Room very clean. Staff very friendly. Food was ok but not enough variety or choice. Buffet was closed in middle of our holiday with no warning. Leaving just the Al a carte menu for last 5 days. Told it was closed for 2 months. After booking All inclusive I was disappointed as I find it hard to find things to eat. Had to eat out side hotel few times. Breakfast was buffet but not enough dishes. Also aircon switched off in restaurant as low season and fans being used. This only happened when buffet was closed. Would be nice to have Thai dancing maybe one eve as there was just 2 people singing each night. Read less