Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak

We had a lovely 4 night stay in May, and our private pool access room really made it for us. It was fantastic. The welcome was warm, and the resort's Thai ponds with frogs and other nature made it feel peaceful and relaxing. We booked room only, so didn't try breakfast or the restaurants. We did stop at the patio bar, where the cocktails are fantastic at happy hour rates from 9pm to 10pm. The resort is in a rural part of Thailand, about 90 minutes' drive north from Phuket Airport, but there are amenities nearby as well as lots of local restaurants and bars. We'd visit again.

Right on a stunning beach, this hotel is a beautiful little gem. The grounds were spectacular, the room was amazing, and everyone on staff was friendly and helpful. We loved the pool bar too, and watching the sunset from the beach was just perfect. Take me back please.

The garden pool was lovely, and with so many babies and children around, it might be good to designate it as a quiet zone. We didn't spend time at the main pool because of the number of kids, which surprised us, though of course that's not the hotel's fault. We were really well looked after. The manager checked that everything was OK, and Prince arranged a wonderful anniversary meal on our balcony. The spa experience and meal setting made the day for us. We'd definitely return. The gardens are lush and beautifully cared for by a team constantly tending the palms, ferns, bananas and other tropical plants. The resort is near the beach and a small village with a handful of bars and restaurants. Our suite was well presented and nicely air conditioned. There was plenty of bottled water in the room, an important detail that many hotels get wrong. Breakfast was included and made a perfect start to the day, with fruit, salad, eggs, Thai food, pastries and decent coffee.

The staff really made this stay special. In, June and Yo deserve a particular shout-out for being friendly, attentive and a real credit to the hotel. Check-in was smooth and efficient, and the system for managing sun loungers worked well. It was always easy to find a good spot by the pool or beach. The hotel has a lovely layout that blends into its surroundings, and it sits on a wonderful stretch of beach. The food on site was very good and varied, with lots of excellent places to eat within easy walking distance outside too. Prices in the hotel were reasonable, and the happy hour deals throughout the day were a bonus. My room was extremely comfortable and relaxing. Two small things could be better: the bedroom door didn't shut fully on its own and needed a tug, and the daily activities weren't advertised clearly. I usually stumbled across them rather than knowing about them in advance. A brilliant hotel, and I'd happily return and recommend it.