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 (1004)
  • Very good (418)
  • Average (93)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (15)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great relaxing time.

Oct 21, 2024 Stephen D

Wonderful chill out holiday. We made full use of the all-inclusive dining and relaxing by the pools. My thanks go to Pla and Fee in the Verand beachside restaurant for their wonderful service. The site is set in beautiful native trees and shrubs.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Tropical Paradise

Oct 20, 2024 Jason A Mevagissey, United Kingdom

Just returned from 9 nights at this superb resort where the motto of where the rainforest meets the sea is spot on. We stayed in a base entry level room which overlooked a lagoon. It was very tranquil and the room was very well equipped with an amazing walk in rainforest shower. Room was cleaned every day by our friendly housekeeper and we were… Read more
Just returned from 9 nights at this superb resort where the motto of where the rainforest meets the sea is spot on. We stayed in a base entry level room which overlooked a lagoon. It was very tranquil and the room was very well equipped with an amazing walk in rainforest shower. Room was cleaned every day by our friendly housekeeper and we were always provided fresh towels and pool towels. The grounds are truly stunning and lead down to the picture postcard beach. Grounds constantly maintained by the gardeners and there’s always wildlife to be on the lookout for. We didn’t see the massive water monitor unlike others but did see various sized ones around the place. Thankfully we did not see any snakes. Loads of swimming pools to use, some of which have lovely water features and finding a lounger at pools or the gardens was never an issue. Food in both restaurants we thought was superb, buffet breakfasts with huge choice of Asian and international cuisine in Garden restaurant which sets you up nicely for the day. Lunch was A La Carte down at Veranda which is between the pool with the swim up bar and the beach bar. Large choice of both international and local food here. Dinner either in Garden or Veranda where A La Carte menu carried no supplements for AI guests. Both restaurants for dinner were really good. Drinks varied in quality, cocktails not as good as in local town or at places on the beach but no complaints and plenty of choice for drinks, Chang beer was excellent and ice cold and spirits freely available as was bottled water which not all AI hotels provide and was essential given heat and humidity. Staff throughout resort were very polite and friendly and general service was excellent. Nice mixture of nationalities staying at the resort and we never saw any drunken behaviour or rowdiness at any stage. Literally a couple of minutes walk to local amenities such as restaurants, bars, shops, laundry services, nail bars and currency exchanges. We booked trips off our own back as there’s plenty of opportunity to do so in local town, Pap in Elephant bar is highly recommended and you might find him wearing the Nottingham Forest shirt I gifted him when you visit. We did a couple of elephant experiences which were truly amazing along with temples and waterfalls. Bang Niang market is worth visiting for a browse and drinks and Pam’s restaurant near the Marriot was fabulous. A truly fantastic holiday, a first in the region for me but certainly will not be the last and without a doubt we would stay at Merlin again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Disappointed

Oct 20, 2024 Angela L

A nice hotel just not me, lots of problems with my room, smoke alarm and tv not working, air con not working and then no power in my room. Also I stayed in the Adult part of the hotel so felt quite isolated as it was far away from the main part of the hotel. Adult bar shut at 6, adult restaurant only open Wednesday Friday and Sunday. I did ask to… Read more
A nice hotel just not me, lots of problems with my room, smoke alarm and tv not working, air con not working and then no power in my room. Also I stayed in the Adult part of the hotel so felt quite isolated as it was far away from the main part of the hotel. Adult bar shut at 6, adult restaurant only open Wednesday Friday and Sunday. I did ask to be moved but wasn't really given good alternatives Quiet location, food was quite nice and again I can imagine alot of people would love it, just not for me. I wouldn't return Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Holiday of a lifetime

Oct 18, 2024 brianbR1982ZH Wexford, Ireland

This is hands down the best hotel resort I have ever been at ,from the hotel staff ,location, food, drink,facilities and tranquility. We have only been home less than a week and we are going to book again for next year 100%. If you have any fears about staying here don't worry it a beautiful place and drink and food is excellent.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Once in a Lifetime Experience

Oct 16, 2024 lornat998 St Helens, United Kingdom

My boyfriend and I came back from a 9 night stay at Khao Lak Merlin on the 2nd October and I’ve felt sad since 🤣 The resort is utterly breathtaking. The staff are unbelievably friendly and helpful. The rooms and fresh towels are so clean and the food was great! I think my only negatives (and they are minuscule) There was a tiny smell of mildew… Read more
My boyfriend and I came back from a 9 night stay at Khao Lak Merlin on the 2nd October and I’ve felt sad since 🤣 The resort is utterly breathtaking. The staff are unbelievably friendly and helpful. The rooms and fresh towels are so clean and the food was great! I think my only negatives (and they are minuscule) There was a tiny smell of mildew in the room (which I can imagine is due to us visiting during the rainy season) and some of the food I didn’t enjoy (I’m picky! Most of the food, especially breakfast 🤤 was delicious) The pools were incredible, the swim up bar served lovely cocktails. The wildlife was awe inspiring and creates a beautiful ambience both during the day and at night. There’s an onsite taxi service that is a very decent price too. Plus the benefit of being allowed to use your mini bar fridge for your own wares means you can check out the local 7eleven! 🧡 All in all, I’d visit again in a heartbeat and we’ll forever pine for the magic of Khao Lak Merlin until we can be there again. Read less