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 (1017)
  • Very good (422)
  • Average (95)
  • Poor (17)
  • Terrible (16)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful Merlin Village

Jan 29, 2025 EssexRogue Essex

What a beautiful experience, we spent two weeks here from the 7/1 it was one of the best holidays that we have ever had. The room 2109 was big with plenty of storage space there was bottled water left in the room together with tea and coffee sachets. The room was kept nice and clean and there was always clean beach towels and bath towels when we… Read more
What a beautiful experience, we spent two weeks here from the 7/1 it was one of the best holidays that we have ever had. The room 2109 was big with plenty of storage space there was bottled water left in the room together with tea and coffee sachets. The room was kept nice and clean and there was always clean beach towels and bath towels when we needed them. The bed was huge and really comfortable. It was lovely each morning opening the patio doors and listening to the bird song as they were waking up. Every single member of staff were so friendly and attentive. The food was really good we loved eating lunch at the Veranda every day and the buffets in the evenings were really good, there was so much choice and it was all really lovely. The service was always good as soon as you walked in you were shown to a table and drink orders taken. Breakfast was quite busy and the egg station some mornings was quite chaotic not knowing which end to queue from but that was the only downside. The beach was beautiful we loved the no smoking policy it was good to see a beautiful beach without any cigarette ends on it and the grass area with all the trees and the bird song absolutely fantastic and no music blaring out. We spent the evenings in the bar we loved the guitarist on a Thursday and Sunday he was really good also enjoyed the lady and man that played other nights. The young lady doing the drinks in the bar was really good we didn’t manage to catch her name she was too quick for us she always remembered what you were drinking. The only small downside was on arrival which was 10am in the morning we had been travelling from the early hours of the previous day and we were told our room wouldn’t be ready until 2pm and trying to sort out shorts etc from our cases on the floor of reception wasn’t how I expected to start our holiday and although breakfast was underway we were told we would have to pay. Also the toilets at the Veranda needed to be checked more regularly, often by lunchtime there was no paper in the ladies toilets. Some changing cabins on the grass area would be a good idea so that people could change out of wet swim clothes rather than use the toilets. Thank you for a beautiful fortnight. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Absolutely faultless!

Jan 29, 2025 W5716YKkerrys

The most amazing rooms are at Khaolak Merlin resort! We stayed in room 2207 deluxe modern and it is so spacious, gorgeous shower and bath tub and the room couldn’t be cleaner! All staff are so welcoming, it really is such a pleasure to speak with them. It was my mum’s birthday, so the staff put a banner on the door and a cake with fruit in the… Read more
The most amazing rooms are at Khaolak Merlin resort! We stayed in room 2207 deluxe modern and it is so spacious, gorgeous shower and bath tub and the room couldn’t be cleaner! All staff are so welcoming, it really is such a pleasure to speak with them. It was my mum’s birthday, so the staff put a banner on the door and a cake with fruit in the room for our arrival, they really couldn’t do enough for us. We also requested the same room as last year and they made it happen (can’t be guaranteed). It really is where the jungle meets the sea, we love it here and definitely plan to come again, it is our home away from home. Thank you to all the staff! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A very lazy holiday in the sun

Jan 26, 2025 Judy619 London, United Kingdom

We stayed nine nights in this beautiful eco-resort. The resort occupies a very spacious area beside by the beach and the tropical gardens environment is exceptionally beautiful and well-maintained. There are several pools, some ornamental, and many sunbeds spread over the charming estate. The staff were always helpful. The breakfast buffet… Read more
We stayed nine nights in this beautiful eco-resort. The resort occupies a very spacious area beside by the beach and the tropical gardens environment is exceptionally beautiful and well-maintained. There are several pools, some ornamental, and many sunbeds spread over the charming estate. The staff were always helpful. The breakfast buffet could be busy at times but there was a wide range of food and I particularly appreciated that the glutenfree foods were well labelled. There were buffets on offer most evenings and an a la carte restaurant. Or you could walk to the local village, five minutes away, which had shops and restaurants, or get a taxi to Khao Lak. We were disappointed by the food in the a la carte restaurant, enjoyed some of the themed buffets and ate well in one of the village restaurants. There is a spa but we didn’t try it and there is an excursion desk and taxis can be ordered easily. For a very lazy break, the Merlin resort is ideal. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Relaxing holiday

Jan 24, 2025 Nichola R Saltash, United Kingdom

This hotel is so peaceful and quiet, staff are excellent, all very friendly and help you wherever you ask of them. All the different pools are clean and tidy, and having the beach next to the hotel is refreshing too and nice and warm for an ocean. The only thing lacking in the hotel rooms is not enough storage. Also, the balcony has no privacy.… Read more
This hotel is so peaceful and quiet, staff are excellent, all very friendly and help you wherever you ask of them. All the different pools are clean and tidy, and having the beach next to the hotel is refreshing too and nice and warm for an ocean. The only thing lacking in the hotel rooms is not enough storage. Also, the balcony has no privacy. But other than that, excellent hotel Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Living in the rainforest

Jan 20, 2025 Richard Q Birstall, United Kingdom

The pictures of this hotel do not do it justice , a stunning place to stay! From check in to check out nothing was too much trouble for the amazing staff , always greeted with a genuine smile . The room was large and spacious with lots of storage , safe , fridge with soft drinks and coffee making facilities. The bathroom was huge with a massive… Read more
The pictures of this hotel do not do it justice , a stunning place to stay! From check in to check out nothing was too much trouble for the amazing staff , always greeted with a genuine smile . The room was large and spacious with lots of storage , safe , fridge with soft drinks and coffee making facilities. The bathroom was huge with a massive sunken whirlpool bath and separate , powerful shower. They also supplied complimentary mosquito repellent which i would recommend you use ! The rooms were cleaned on a daily basis and towels changed as often as you needed. The food in both restaurants was always fresh , hot and very tasty . Some of the breakfast options were amazing . Over the 2 weeks I don't think we ate the same thing twice . The beach bar is a great place to sit and watch the sun go down . The lobby bar was always a nice place to sit on an evening and the staff were outstanding , especially Ammi (hope I spelled her name right). There was live music some nights but it was all very reserved , so if you want discos etc have a 5 minute walk into the village. The grounds were always kept clean and the gardens are an amazing place to walk through with huge trees . shrubs , streams and ponds containing lots of wildlife. I can recommend the evening nature walk , it was very informative even though the Slow Lorris evaded us All in all an amazing place to stay made even better by the staff ! Read less