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
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (971)
  • Very good (411)
  • Average (90)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (14)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Eco Heaven.

Apr 18, 2024 hayleyhU9923EQ

We spent 12 nights at the Merlin resort as a family of 3. The resort itself focuses on environmental issues and this was clearly evident throughout the hotel and beautifully maintained gardens, flora and fauna. For example, the trees have tags providing information and there are informative boards around the resort regarding the many species of… Read more
We spent 12 nights at the Merlin resort as a family of 3. The resort itself focuses on environmental issues and this was clearly evident throughout the hotel and beautifully maintained gardens, flora and fauna. For example, the trees have tags providing information and there are informative boards around the resort regarding the many species of birds, butterfly's and other animals/insects to be found within the waterways and grounds. The two resteraunts provide a wide variety of food to cater for any palette, we particularly enjoyed the Verhanda resteraunt with the view of the sea and accompanying gentle breeze. The many pools (with waterfalls) are beautiful and well maintained with plenty of sunbeds/parasols and the gardens too provide both sunbeds,parasols and plenty of shaded areas away from the heat of the sun. The beach bar is also a lovely place to chill and grab a beer whilst watching the world fo by. The beach, long and uncrowded, stretches far to the left with a few bars, a resteraunt and cabanas offering a variety of massages, which I can highly recommend and at a very good rate, mine was amazing. To the right on the beach, is a secluded cove with a beautiful spot for watching the sun set of an evening. Our superior room overlooked the spa pool area and was well serviced and plenty big enough for the 3 of us, however, a few more hangers would have been appreciated, but I always take some too so it wasn't a problem for us. Finally, and most importantly, the staff. Always smiling, friendly and curteouus, always willing to help, and an absolute asset to the resort To each and every one of you 'thank you'. We enjoyed our holiday, and the 2 trips we did so much, we have already booked to return next year. Overall, a beautiful resort in a lovely quiet location (there are bars and shops a short walking distance from the resort should you want a livelier time). Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Loved it

Apr 15, 2024 Stefan G

Great place, amazing location, wonderful day trips, amazing food. Thoroughly recommend. One thing to note is if children are going they might get a little bored at the hotel, it’s more geared for 16 years plus I’d say, that’s my only negative comment as I loved it.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Overated not 4 star hotel but beds comfy

Apr 14, 2024 sionedd2020 Christchurch, United Kingdom

I'll start with the positives, the beds are very comfy, the cleaning staff and activities staff are very friendly and Kiki gives an amazing massage. Also, the taxi company who are at the front of the hotel are amazing. Sadly I don't think it is much more than its beautiful grounds. I'm not sure how it is a 4-star hotel, more like a 3-star which… Read more
I'll start with the positives, the beds are very comfy, the cleaning staff and activities staff are very friendly and Kiki gives an amazing massage. Also, the taxi company who are at the front of the hotel are amazing. Sadly I don't think it is much more than its beautiful grounds. I'm not sure how it is a 4-star hotel, more like a 3-star which was disappointing as we are used to staying in 4 stars. Many of the guests that stay here seem to be very much into the booze and sunburn, I'm not even sure they are aware of its eco status! After a week in a fairly lovely room, we had new guests move in all around us who were smoking constantly, we were travelling with our 11 yr old daughter and as I have had multiple lung surgeries (I have never been a smoker), this was incredibly unpleasant for us, as it meant when we were at the room we could not use the balcony or have the doors open- which we had been leaving open all night with the mosquito screen in place as we find air con too harsh. The hotel kindly moved us to another room, however, it was a significant downgrade from what we had paid for. Smaller and staring out at a concrete path surrounded by noisy generators. The food was average and did not cater well for vegetarians at breakfast, luckily it was cheap enough to travel around the island and there were amazing restaurants (namely Rasoi and Metang within walking distance which catered beautifully for us with incredible dishes). We checked out very early on the day we left, and the staff "kindly" put together a breakfast box for us. Sadly this box contained meat sandwiches which were useless to us. Luckily Thailand particularly Khao Lak Phuket is an amazing place full of amazing people, but next time we won't be coming back to the Merlin. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing holiday in a beautiful and unique hotel!

Apr 7, 2024 363kirstyk Bridgnorth, United Kingdom

What can I say…. This hotel is one of the best we have ever stayed in! If you are thinking of booking, please do! You will not regret it. Here are a few of our comments : We booked direct with hotel and communication was excellent and really helpful a huge thank you to Krisda for all of your help on the run up to this holiday. We had… Read more
What can I say…. This hotel is one of the best we have ever stayed in! If you are thinking of booking, please do! You will not regret it. Here are a few of our comments : We booked direct with hotel and communication was excellent and really helpful a huge thank you to Krisda for all of your help on the run up to this holiday. We had interconnecting rooms a double and twin for us and our 2 children aged 16 and 10. The rooms were beautiful and kept impeccably clean! We went all inclusive and the food is excellent. Plenty of choice and HUGE portions! Staff in the restaurants are also so amazing and helpful a special thank you to Mai, who was so lovely! He really does deserve a special thank you. Drinks were also good on AI. The grounds and pools are just beautiful. Everyday we kept saying how stunning that hotel was and the eco friendly side of it was so good! We did the night walk which was also interesting. The one thing this hotel had done well (apart from being is such a beautiful setting) was the sunbed situation! It made such a nice change to not have that horrible rush every morning to get a sunbed. The hotel was full but there were plenty to go around, still empty beds available after breakfast and all day. It made it a proper relaxing holiday…. The one and only thing I would say could have been better was the shower room for when you check out. We were unable to get a late checkout so used this facility but it is so hot in there and after a few have used it, it really was unbearable. But to be fair - this is minor in such a wonderful hotel. Thank you to everyone for such an amazing holiday!!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best stay so far in Thailand.

Apr 2, 2024 640parl Stockholm, Sweden

So, I land at this place, right? And I'm thinking, "This is it? This is what I've been freaking out over, checking every five seconds on my phone?" But then, oh man, it’s like I stepped into another dimension! This spot is nestled right in paradise. I mean, they’ve got pools that look like they've been photoshopped by Mother Nature herself,… Read more
So, I land at this place, right? And I'm thinking, "This is it? This is what I've been freaking out over, checking every five seconds on my phone?" But then, oh man, it’s like I stepped into another dimension! This spot is nestled right in paradise. I mean, they’ve got pools that look like they've been photoshopped by Mother Nature herself, especially those top ones. You’re swimming around, high up in the jungle trees, thinking, “Is that a monkey watching me do the backstroke?” And the breakfast, Jesus Christ! I’m a simple eggs and bacon guy, but those omelets turned me into a morning person. I’m talking about flipping your whole sleep schedule just to make sure you catch breakfast kind of good. Wildlife? It’s like being in one of those high-definition nature documentaries, except no one’s narrating your every move. Big lizards that look like they own the place, hermit crabs hustling around like they’re late for a meeting, and fish that make you wonder whether you’re swimming in an aquarium. The rooms, though, they’ll throw you off at first glance. You’re looking at the exterior thinking, “What did I get myself into?” But then, bam, you’re inside, and it’s like stepping into a European luxury catalog. Spotless. I’m half expecting to see my reflection on the floors, they’re so clean. Staff? Top-notch. It's like they've all taken a course in mind reading. And the area around? Loaded with restaurants that won’t have you calling your bank to increase your credit limit. Activities? They’ve got more options than a streaming service. We're talking day trips that have you bouncing around in taxis or cruising in boats, making memories that even your annoying co-worker can’t one-up. So, if you're on the fence about booking this place, let me tell you, jump off that fence. Dive into those jungle pools, eat those life-changing omelets, and say hi to the lizards for me. This isn’t just a stay; it’s the kind of trip you'll be boring your grandkids with stories about. This hotel is different, it's genuine and it feels like you're in thailand, all neighbour hotels felt bland and boring in comparison. Read less