Khaolak Merlin Resort

Kristian Kjærnes

First of all I want to say that we love this hotel. The lush jungle feel of Merlin is it's best feature and you can be sure to see a lot of different wildlife here. The rooms are very comfortable and the room we got was newly renovated which was nice, although I don't understand the use of light "Scandinavian" woodwork in a tropical environment. I'd rather see more traditional Thai woodwork in such a hotel like this, but I guess that's just my personal preference. It was disappointing that the lobby bar was closed as we loved this area the last time we visited. The alternative was the beach bar, but this area has potential to be greatly improved. It's very basic and is not a bar you want to spend hours sipping cocktails and enjoying the beautiful views. Look at the neighbour hotel and see how it should be done. It's also disappointing that the beach bar does not open before 11 am, as we love to go to the beach early, and it would be nice to be able to buy a coffee or some water before 11 am. Why not open at 9 or 10? Anyways, other than these things, we really love Merlin, and we will probably come back some day, but hopefully it's a bit improved then. Thanks for a great vacation.

Kate Brawley

We stayed at Khaolak Merlin Resort for a few nights and had a really relaxing experience overall. The resort is surrounded by nature, with lots of greenery, big trees, and a peaceful atmosphere that immediately makes you feel calm. It feels very different from busy resorts, which is exactly what we were looking for. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. Housekeeping did a great job every day, and the room felt well maintained. We especially liked the balcony area, which was nice for sitting and enjoying the quiet surroundings. The resort has several swimming pools, and we enjoyed spending time by the pool and walking around the property. The beach area is beautiful and not crowded at all, perfect for long walks and watching the sunset. Breakfast had a good variety of options, both Thai and international food. Everything was fresh and well prepared. We also tried the restaurant for dinner once, and the food was good with fair prices for a resort. The staff were friendly, polite, and always willing to help. They made us feel welcome throughout our stay without being too formal or distant. Overall, Khaolak Merlin Resort is a great choice if you want a quiet, nature-focused stay in Khao Lak. It’s perfect for relaxing, slowing down, and enjoying a peaceful holiday. We would definitely consider staying here again.

Oliver Weisflog

Great location and grounds with mature trees and well tended gardens. Pool and beach have plenty of seating scattered in the gardens. Food was good served in 2 restaurants. Beach bar open all day. Rooms spacious and well equipped but chose carefully as some face into dark courtyards. Worth extra to get grounds or pool view. Mainly all inclusive guests so drinks reflect that lower quality even when paying individually. Short walk outside to local bars and restaurants. With a few improvements this could be a stunning resort

Dennis Schmelz

We had a wonderful stay at Khao Lak Merlin Resort. The resort is surrounded by nature and full of wildlife, which makes it feel very special and alive. One of our highlights was the night walk tour. Being out after dark, spotting animals and experiencing the resort in a completely different atmosphere was truly memorable and a great way to feel close to nature. The overall atmosphere is calm and relaxing, and the staff were friendly, warm, and helpful throughout our stay. A beautiful place for anyone who enjoys nature and a more grounded, authentic resort experience.

JAMES PRENDERGAST

45 minutes from Phuket Airport. Reception and front of house is as expected very nice indeed. Lovely staff. Check In - completely painless Check Out - painless and bill free Room was clean and well presented. Balcony with view of pool and tree canopy, nice. Fridge with fresh water daily. More beach towels than you need so no queueing up and cards etc. Shower and bath, tea and coffee. daily room service. We were B&B. Breakfast was very good and plenty of everything. Again, very clean with lovely staff. Sit in the forest and listen to the birds sing above you. lots of seats, in and out. Facilities, bars, indoor seating areas, etc, see website. Beach - Loads of sunbeds so no rush there and plenty of space. very sandy in and out of the water. We took beach shoes for this but didnt need them as no stones and could use the sea barefoot. Lots of fish for snorkeling, beware though that it is quite choppy at times and visibility is often reduced. If you are able to, and capable, look to your right to the peninsula and forest as it juts out to sea. its clearer there and I saw eels and larger fish. Only have double kayaks. worth it though. Also paddle boards. FOC. not used much by many. The beach area and beach routine was absolutely lovely. Bars on the Beach - there is a beach bar, but is more expensive than the three bars that you can walk to in minutes on the beach. Friends is lovely for example. Smoothies in the day, and drinks and food at sunset. Very cheap. 4 of us ate and drank there for only £9 each for everything. These bars are within 5-10 minutes of the hotel beach front, you cannot miss them. Location - walk out of the hotel and you are in a small town centre type place, about 40-50 cafe restaurants, bars, massage, mini markets etc. Loads of choice, cheap, good quality. We ate out every night and had no tummy issues at all. Taxis - in the hotel reception, or loads of them in the town centre. Head towards the main road, they are there. 250 baht for 1 person to Khao Lak, 400 for two, about the same to go to the big market. Cash points - loads of them in the town centre, All very similar rates. If you have cash to change, go to the FX booths. We are going back next year, so something was right. We basically had absolutely no issues. For me I would have liked single kayaks, otherwise it was really good.