Khao Lak Merlin Beach Resort

Have just returned from a two week, all inclusive, stay at the Merlin Hotel. The room was beautiful, clean and spacious. Everything needed was there, including slippers, bath robes, hair dryer and plenty of hanging and storage space. Bath and swim towels were replaced every day if required, along with face cloths and a selection of toiletries. The room had a huge bed, balcony, sunken bath and shower. There was also a fridge, safe and a range of drinks and snacks which could be purchased. The resort is quite hilly, with steps down to the beach, so not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility. There are four pools but we used the beach pool every day with the swim up bar! Beds were plentiful but you had to get there early for poolside. The pool was lovely and warm and kept clean. Two restaurants, one in the main resort and one on the beach, both with different menus. The hotel restaurant offered buffet service, but you could also order of the menu. All food was presented beautifully, so much detail and effort to make it special. So tasty as well. The cake and desert selection was amazing. Usually the cakes look nice but are bland, not so here. The beach restaurant offers a range of cakes that are delicious. From cheesecake, chocolate brownie, tiramisu, banoffi, creme brûlée, panna cotta, all tasting as good as they look. Top restaurant quality, I managed to work my way through most of them! The coffee was the best I’ve ever had all inclusive, except for at breakfast, when it was more instant. The drinks are generous measures and there’s a good selection. Neither of us became ill, which is very unusual when trying different food and drinks, as one of us usually suffers. All food is freshly cooked so we were confident in ordering (the pizzas were amazing!), as well as the really varied menu. Front desk staff were really helpful, changing money and printing off my boarding passes for the return journey. Entertainment in the evening was a musical trio, who were good, but not as appreciated as they deserved. We mainly played cards in the evening as nothing else to do. I got bitten a few times by mosquitoes ? but mainly when I was lax in applying deet. There were a few lizards about, some quite big, but none of the creepie crawIies I was worried about. The first week was very quiet, great for relaxing, but it did get busier accommodating many of the disappointed Thomas Cook holidaymakers. We did a couple of trips out, booking from the street outside the hotel but make sure you have a fluent English speaking guide otherwise you mis out on the commentary about the area and places you visit. The only downside was the all inclusive system, where you have to present cards for drinks and food and then forget to take them back at the end of the meal! Wristbands would have been so much better.

Highly recommend this hotel. Food was excellent and the staff friendly and very efficient. Rooms were clean. No loud music around the pool, which made a change so very peaceful and relaxing which is what we were looking for. Recommend a Thai massage outside. Mon my spa therapist was excellent. This hotel and staff did not disappoint us.