Khaolak Merlin Resort

We checked out several hours before breakfast, but the resort had our luggage collected on time and prepared a breakfast box for us. When we arrived, our booked rooms weren't ready, so we were given a pool villa upgrade for one night and a voucher for dinner at the hotel restaurant. That meal was amazing. The grounds are beautifully green, with so many plants, and there was always plenty of space for us, whether in the large rooms, at the beach or pool, or around the breakfast buffet tables. We really enjoyed our eight nights and can recommend this resort to couples and families alike.

The jungle feel is what we love most about Merlin, and there's plenty of wildlife around. We had a newly renovated, comfortable room, though the light Scandinavian style woodwork felt out of place to me in the tropics. I'd prefer more traditional Thai woodwork, but that's just personal taste. We were disappointed the lobby bar was closed, since we loved it on our last visit. The beach bar could be much better too. It's basic, not somewhere you'd want to linger over cocktails and the view, and it doesn't open until 11. We like going to the beach early, so being able to get coffee or water before then would be nice. Maybe 9 or 10 would work. Still, we really love Merlin and will probably return, hopefully to find some improvements. Thanks for a great holiday.

We liked how different Khaolak Merlin Resort felt from a busy resort, with big trees, greenery, and a calm atmosphere all around. The beach was beautiful and quiet, great for long walks and sunset watching. We also enjoyed the several pools and wandering around the property. Our room was clean, comfortable, and spacious, with daily housekeeping doing a good job. The balcony was a nice place to sit in the peaceful surroundings. Breakfast offered a good mix of Thai and international food, fresh and well prepared. We tried dinner at the restaurant once, and found the food good and the prices fair for a resort. Staff were friendly, polite, and helpful without feeling formal or distant. It's a good choice for a quiet, nature-focused break in Khao Lak, and we'd consider staying again.

The tropical surroundings are lovely, with lots of wildlife, and the beach is excellent. The pools are spacious and comfortable too. But the hotel doesn't feel up to a four-star standard. Our room smelled unpleasant, the air conditioning was very old, and the air didn't seem healthy. Staff were helpful when they moved us to another room, but the problems were much the same. The decor is outdated and needs renovation. Upkeep elsewhere was poor as well: leaves often filled the pools, there was no way to replace towels at the pool, and the hotel seemed understaffed. That was a negative contrast with our other stays in Thailand, where service and maintenance have usually been much better. The setting and beach are real pluses, but the rooms, maintenance, and staffing need major improvements to justify the rating.