Merlin Beach Resort, Phuket

BOOKED 12MNTHS IN ADVANCED FOR A FAMILY WEDDING ON ARRIVAL ROOMS NOT READY GROOM HAD 3 ROOM CHANGES PRIOR TO WEDDING AS HIS ROOM NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO OVERBOOKING OF HOTEL TOO FAR OUT OF TOWN AND LIMITED SHUTTLE BUSES TAXI MAFIA KNOWING THIS OVERCHARGED BOTH WAYS DO NOT HAVE THE BUFFET MEALS AS PIGS TROUGH WOULD FEED YOU BETTER REMEMBER TO RETURN YOU TOWELS TO THE POOL AREA ON LEAVING OR STAFF WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO LEAVE HOTEL UNTIL THEY SIGHT THEM TAKE YOUR OWN TEABAGS (AS THEY ONLY SUPPLY 1 PER PERSON PER DAY) AND BUY MILK AT 7/11 AS WHITENER NOT TOO FLASH EITHER. WON'T STAY AT THIS HOTEL AGAIN IN AHURRY

Our family of 4 stayed for 2 weeks and whilst we received interconnecting rooms as requested it required numerous telephone calls and emails prior to arrival. By day two one of our family members fell ill (despite no having left the hotel). Day 4 second member fell ill. Advised front office staff of our concern of food quality, who in turn suggested we complain to each restaurant (obviously not interested in our plight!). Day 5 second family member had to be rushed to hospital for treatment. Staff suggested we cue for a taxi! No concern at all. Hospital staff and processes exceptional! Tsunami warning. What warning? Absolutely none given. We heard from a friend staying in Patong and received updates via texts from family in Perth! No staff to be seen, no systems in place. Fortunately other guests sort out water and bread rolls for those who escaped to the roof. Our rooms were located on the second floor and initially free of any external noise until an adjoining room was occupied by noisy guests. After a few sleepless nights we contacted reception to intervene. Staff suggested we either call the room concerned or visit them! Restaurant service was appalling as was the clearing away of dirty dishes. Staff obviously think that as guests have a relaxed attitude they can too! With the exception of the Thai restaurant - fantastic service and quality dishes. Limited poolside service - you had to seek out staff to place orders and then wait and wait....Very "westernised"food and not necessarily at 4 star quality. Shuttle Bus suited our needs although if you have young children, it could be a long time between each service. The service from Phuket Town never ran on time. The gym is pathetic! We particularly wanted a well equipped gym and requested photos prior to booking. The photos now look to be those of the Patong Merlin and not the Merlin Beach. Broken equipment hidden away in a temporary room with no ventilation, no cleaning products for wipedown and no windows Considering the travel rating being very high, we found the resort to be less than average. Very disappointing - we will not be back.

Its a great pleasure staying in Merlin Beach,pools are wondrerful,resturants are amazing,specially for breakfast,wonderful private beach overall one of the best experience staying at such a great hotel.everything is fabulous but corridors are old designed & not goog looking.

Only drawback is that it is located on a hill...(great if another tsunami hits) but, not so great if you would like to walk to Patong Beach to swim or shop. Other than that, if you want a great getaway place , this is it. It is also set up to bring the kiddoes, but , even though there were some there when this old lady was in town, they stayed on the pool side that had an area just for them, and away from the pool where we were enjoying the pool bars.

everything was very good nice friendly people all the resturants were great can't speak highly enough of the place. the only thing we didn't like was it was a bit out of town but only 200 bahrt for a tuk tuk to town

Fantastic hotel located on its own private beach. 3 enormous pools and a pool bar, great happy hour at inside bar and fantastic service. Heaps of recreational activities including gym, tennis courts, table tennis table and pool tables in one of the bars (with internet access in bar also). Breakfast is great, and meals at restaurants are superb. Very professional and helpful staff. We have stayed there twice, once in a superior room and once in a pool access room. Both great, comfortable rooms. Facilities at hotel are better than any others we have stayed at in Patong (have been 5 times in total). Highly recommended hotel. On our second visit we received a 'welcome back' letter from the Manager, which was very well received and a lovely gesture. Will definitely be staying there again.