Khaolak Merlin Resort

Khao Lak, Thailand

Star 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 (1039)
  • Very good (426)
  • Average (98)
  • Poor (17)
  • Terrible (16)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Great Family Holiday

مايو 13, 2025 DorsetBex Dorset, United Kingdom

We visited the hotel as a family of three during the UK Easter holidays. We had booked the hotel on a B&B basis. The hotel is set in beautiful surroundings which make you feel like you are in the middle of a rainforest, with numerous pools and large garden spaces that allow you to sit/lay beside the beach overlooking the seashore. We were moved… Read more
We visited the hotel as a family of three during the UK Easter holidays. We had booked the hotel on a B&B basis. The hotel is set in beautiful surroundings which make you feel like you are in the middle of a rainforest, with numerous pools and large garden spaces that allow you to sit/lay beside the beach overlooking the seashore. We were moved after one night as there was an electrical problem in our room, causing the lights to flash. This move was done quickly and efficiently. Both rooms were really nice however I preferred our second room (4207) as it was closer to the beach and had views over the swim-up pool. The breakfasts at the hotel were excellent and would cater for most tastes. The area outside the hotel contained many restaurants, bars and supermarkets which meant there was lots of variety when eating out in the evening. All the restaurants were very competitively priced – particularly if you ordered Thai food. My favourite lunchtime restaurant was Nana’s which was just along the beach from the Merlin and the food is superb. We didn’t do any official trips as we have visited Khao Lak in the past but we took a number of trips into town where we ate out and visited the markets – where we bought a load of ‘designer’ gear 😂 The weather was superb despite some dodgy weather forecasts. We had rain – but it was mainly late afternoon or at night and certainly didn’t affect our stay in Thailand. On our last visit to Khao Lak we stayed in a villa at the Apsara and I thought that that experience could not be topped. But, we loved the Merlin so much we came home and have rebooked for next year. The Apsara – particularly on the Villa side - is perfect if you go all inclusive and don’t really want to leave the complex. But, the Merlin feels a lot more like being in Thailand and there’s a lot more going on just outside the hotel. The staff were great, the rims were great, the outside spaces were great and the location is great. I thoroughly recommend this hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent resort

مايو 11, 2025 susanfB64RN Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom

We have just returned from the Merlin and wow it was so beautiful. It exceeded our expectations. The staff are so friendly and the restaurants food is excellent. We had a deluxe room which was very spacious and overlooked the little waterfalls in front of the swim up rooms. We really couldn't have wished for anything better. We are already… Read more
We have just returned from the Merlin and wow it was so beautiful. It exceeded our expectations. The staff are so friendly and the restaurants food is excellent. We had a deluxe room which was very spacious and overlooked the little waterfalls in front of the swim up rooms. We really couldn't have wished for anything better. We are already planning our return visit for April next year! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing hotel. Where the forest meets the sea.

Apr 28, 2025 Ste C

This is our second time to this amazing hotel. From the minute you arrive, the staff can't do enough for you. We got to our room to find flowers and fruit in the room. Everything about this hotel is 5 star. From the choice of food from breakfast to dinner is amazing. The bar and restaurant staff are very friendly and welcoming. The pool area is… Read more
This is our second time to this amazing hotel. From the minute you arrive, the staff can't do enough for you. We got to our room to find flowers and fruit in the room. Everything about this hotel is 5 star. From the choice of food from breakfast to dinner is amazing. The bar and restaurant staff are very friendly and welcoming. The pool area is clean and tidy, and there are lots of sun loungers dotted about the pool and garden areas. There's a nice chilled out feeling here. We are definitely looking to book for a third time. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nice, calm lush setting. Somewhat away from it all.

Apr 24, 2025 Lollo35 Stockholm, Sweden

Beautiful, calm, nice setting. Beautiful lush hotel area. Good breakfast with loads to choose from. Good restaurant and bars. The service was excellent. Thank you so much for the beautiful birthday cake! A bit far away from the center, but there were loads of nice and affordable restaurants around the corner. The room felt somewhat outdated, but… Read more
Beautiful, calm, nice setting. Beautiful lush hotel area. Good breakfast with loads to choose from. Good restaurant and bars. The service was excellent. Thank you so much for the beautiful birthday cake! A bit far away from the center, but there were loads of nice and affordable restaurants around the corner. The room felt somewhat outdated, but quiet, and will soon be renovated as far as I’ve understood it. The gym was ok, although the WiFi was not working and there was no drinkable water available. A small minus was that their jungle evening walk only was available a couple a days a week and already fully booked upon arrival. Why not take a higher price than 100 baht and give more walks so that the money could be reinvested in the Loris and so that more people would be able to get a guidance through the animal life of the beautiful surroundings of the hotel? Overall an really enjoyable stay! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Simply the best

Mar 18, 2025 913gillianw England, United Kingdom

22nd January to 5 th February room 3124 a deluxe room We are late 50s well traveled Well I can honestly say that our stay at Merlin Khao Lak was an experience we will never forget,it’s absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. The food delicious, outstanding quality, the best we have had and we were on AI board. The Drinks and service in all… Read more
22nd January to 5 th February room 3124 a deluxe room We are late 50s well traveled Well I can honestly say that our stay at Merlin Khao Lak was an experience we will never forget,it’s absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. The food delicious, outstanding quality, the best we have had and we were on AI board. The Drinks and service in all restaurants and bars were excellent too. Our room was delightful we couldn’t have wished for a better room. The view was amazing and we loved to sit on our balcony morning and night. We could see the beach but it still was private with all the surrounding trees. The warm welcome we received was a genuine Thai hospitality and continued every where we went inside and outside the resort. This is the only hotel I felt that I didn’t need to step out off the resort, the pictures do not do it justice. Being set in the jungle and the only parts to be removed when built was trees that had died. I thought I would be watching my step, not at all I found that I was looking for wildlife instead. We did go out and recommend My Friends Restaurant to the left on the beach. We did many trips also around Khao lak it’s certainly beautiful where ever you go. All the staff are amazing Jenny to mention is certainly the most amazing person always smiling, The lady who cleaned our room was amazing too, so attentive to detail absolutely spotless in our room. We would highly recommend anyone to go you certainly won’t be disappointed. I’d definitely go back Read less