Khaolak Merlin Resort

Kristian Kjærnes

First of all I want to say that we love this hotel. The lush jungle feel of Merlin is it's best feature and you can be sure to see a lot of different wildlife here. The rooms are very comfortable and the room we got was newly renovated which was nice, although I don't understand the use of light "Scandinavian" woodwork in a tropical environment. I'd rather see more traditional Thai woodwork in such a hotel like this, but I guess that's just my personal preference. It was disappointing that the lobby bar was closed as we loved this area the last time we visited. The alternative was the beach bar, but this area has potential to be greatly improved. It's very basic and is not a bar you want to spend hours sipping cocktails and enjoying the beautiful views. Look at the neighbour hotel and see how it should be done. It's also disappointing that the beach bar does not open before 11 am, as we love to go to the beach early, and it would be nice to be able to buy a coffee or some water before 11 am. Why not open at 9 or 10? Anyways, other than these things, we really love Merlin, and we will probably come back some day, but hopefully it's a bit improved then. Thanks for a great vacation.

laila Raman-Abdulla

Nice way to end a trip to Thailand, with lazy beach days and poolside chilling. The hotels opens onto the beach and there's no shortage of space to relax at the pool. Food is excellent quality, beautiful and excellent breakfast. Walking distance to shops and 7-11. Must try the Skyrock adventure nearby and Ko-Khai restaurant 500m down the road. Loved my stay with my family.

Alex Flück

What makes this hotel stand out is the environmental aspect: they have a self-sustaining water cycle and the hotel basically is located in a jungle environment itself with >200 trees and (non-harmful) wild animals like birds and lizards. The staff is super friendly, forthcoming and helpful. Prices are ~20% higher in the hotel than all around, which we found to be OK given the sustainment cost. Nevertheless, be aware that this is still a very touristy hotspot. Guests were 2/3 elderly couples, 1/3 younger couples with children. During our stay end oct / start nov it rained almost everyday. Temperatures are hot and humid with >65% humidity. This makes the rooms also sonetimes damp, thiugh the hotel offers de-humidifiers. Tours around are all the same, often overbooked and cramped. If you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, this can be a great place to What they do, they do very well.

N G

Absolutely outstanding beautiful and tranquil. Never experienced such a beautiful resort and above all the staff. Stayed here with two children 20 and 12 and we all had the most magic time. Memories to last a life time. The rooms are spacious but if there’s a big age gap like mine I would stay in a two bed villa if it’s possible when booking but a room to just sleep in did us perfectly well. The food is beautiful, great quality and fantastic service. The staff are attentive, caring and polite. The locals in the village are the same. There’s lots to do and see in the area and at the night seeing the wildlife around the hotel is breathtaking. I would happily return and would recommend people to book and experience this place. Thank you again to all at Merlin.

Clayton Manning

Stayed 6 awesome nights at the Merlin. —Great food and excellent service at the restaurant and breakfast buffet. -Rooms were clean and modern, and fit the tropical theme nicely. -Always surrounded by lush vegetation and interesting wildlife. I love they have a biologist on site to lead bird walks and nighttime tours. The resort highlights the conservation of the critters living on the property in a tasteful way using info signs and videos. -Beach is excellent and there is plenty of natural shade under a few well placed trees. 10/10. I hope they open another Merlin somewhere else one day. Would definitely go!