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I stayed here with my family of five for ten nights from 1st May. There is not really much I can say about this resort that hasn't already been said many times in the previous reviews but we were so impressed by the Merlin that I felt the need to write a review anyway. I loved absolutely everything about the resort and give a big thumbs up and a ten out of ten to the wonderful staff, the beautiful gardens, the great location, the amazing rooms, the best pools, the gorgeous beach and the delicious restaurants. I searched far and wide for a resort that offered peace and quiet in beautiful relaxing surrounds for some much needed R&R and I made the perfect choice in the Merlin Resort. As there is so much information about the resort in previous reviews I thought some people might find it helpful to have a little information about the area in general. The little village outside the resort is a two minute walk from the resort entrance. It is only small but we found it had everything we needed without having to travel. It contains approximately 7 restaurants, 4 massage places, 5 tailors, 4 tourist shops & 3 small convenience stores selling the basics such as snacks, insect repellant, drinks etc. We used our travel card to withdraw cash from the ATM at the Turtle & Family Mart outside The Emerald Resort without any problems. There are also a couple of places to get massages and a couple of restaurants along the beach. We were told by a local that some of these businesses close for a while through the low season though. We made only one trip into Khao Lak Town Centre and we weren't very impressed as it just didn't have any character. We much preferred the atmosphere of the small village near the Merlin. We also went to Bang Niang markets which I highly recommend if you want to shop. We organised taxi's to and from both these places in advance with the very friendly lady at the taxi desk in the lobby of the resort. It was no more expensive than getting a taxi from the village and we had no problems at all.For a massage I can personally recommend Dokkaew Massage which is owned by a very lovely lady. If you want to utilise a tailor then go and see Raja at Boss Tailors. We had two evening dresses made and cannot fault Raja's service or professionalism. The lady at Bamboo massage does wonderful nail art. Our favourite restaurants were Bamboo and Roy Yim's. To organise any tour or trip to anywhere you can't go wrong with Mr Moo next to Joe's Seafood.If I had to find one thing to complain about it would be the smoking. We are a big non-smoking family and unfortunately most public areas around the resort allow smoking including the restaurants. This is however my one and only complaint.If you are after a busy, party atmosphere then this resort is not the one for you but for us it was everything we were hoping for and more and we look forward to returning in the future.

returned from khao lak friday 10th may,after our first visit.stayed at the merlin resort for 16 nights,the place is stunning,lovely grounds and a beach straight out of a bounty advert!!!!!!sunbeds not allowed on beaches which just adds to the beauty of the place.there are a dozen or so restaurants and a few bars 2 minutes from the hotel.my only (slight dissapointment)was not over impressed with khao lak town itself,please note we had several nights in the town over our stay nice bars and restuarants,but to me it just lacked a little something,was hoping for a bit more thai feel to it.i am not saying its not worth going it is just my own oppinion,so please dont be put off.breakfasts and service at the merlin were first class,a word of warning be prepared for running the gauntlet by the 4 or 5 tailors shops in the space of about 30 yards friendly but as others have said it can get on your nerves after the first few nights,i know they have a living to make just wonder if they would get more custon if they left you to decide if you want to buy.to sum up loved the place very very pretty,would not hessitate to go back. went on the lake explorer trip simply amazing day out what scenery,and the weather was fantastic.thanks garryblake

Why only write a review when something was wrong?We spent 10 days at this hotel around Christmas, and it was a beautiful experience. A huge, super clean and charming room with an amazing bathroom. Lush gardens where it was always possible to find a quiet spot, lots of swimming pools, a beach made for long walks, extremely friendly personnel. Breakfast was very good and varied catering for many different tastes, and the couple of times we had dinner at the hotel we were not disappointed, even if a bit pricey compared to the restaurants outside.Only point that could be made is that the little town outside the hotel is indeed very small (a couple of restaurants and a few very eager tailors). If you want a bigger choice of shops and restaurants you will have to take a taxi. Don't hesitate to use the limousine service of the hotel, at least for going, cars are much more comfortable than the ones you get outside the hotel, and the price is the same....

Stayed at the Khao Lak Merlin Resort for 7 nights late April 2013. I chose the resort as I was a solo traveller, looking for a safe, quiet resort where I could relax, it was perfect. I agree with everything everyone has said about the delicious buffet breakfast, the friendly staff, the jungle surrounds, and the beautiful beaches and pools.I used the fitness room each morning. It is open from 8am and small towels are provided. I managed to fill in an hour with the basic equipment: treadmill, x-trainer, bike, weights. There is no music so bring your ipod or else it is really quiet.Other than breakfast I never ate at the resort. Lunch was always fresh fruit and corn-on-the-cob from the stand to the left of the resort on the beach. It was run by a girl and two boys and you could buy delicious fresh snacks for 50baht each. I ate at the local restaurants: 999kitchen, Mali, Bamboo, Kaylana and Jos Seafood. They were all excellent, great seafood, friendly eager staff. All restaurants provided extras eg spring roll appetizers, a salad bar, plate of fruit at the end of the meal. I went into Khao Lak twice. I found the large village to be very boring: lots of cheap souvenir shops, restaurants and massage shops. More of what is just outside of the resort. Down the Nang Thong Supermarket side street I found the Coconut Massage shop that offered a fantastic fish massage which I tried (500baht 80 mins). I also went to the Tsunami Museum and the Bang Niang market. Both of these are worth a visit. You cannot barter a cheaper rate with the taxis, it is a set rate to/from the resort: 150baht to Khao Lak, 250 to the Bang Niang market and Museum.I had amazing daily massages at Komol Corner cafe (up the beach to the left of the resort). 1hour for 250baht, The cafe is small, the staff friendly, the view beautiful. I also had a facial at the resort day spa. It was OK, it was advertised for 60mins, but realistically only went for 40mins.

Once again we stayed at the Merlin late March early April, and we must say again that The Merlin have done themselves proud...Everthing from checking in, rooms are large and spotless, pools you have your choice, fantastic breakfasts each morning, great beach to walk along, yummy restaurants and of course we cant speak highly enough of all the wonderfull staff and a big thank you also to Ching for making our stay with our family a memorable one.