Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa Merlin Beach

This is written from an all inclusive perspective. Family of 4, (14/17)…..meeting up with friends from Australia. UK Easter holidays. I have stayed at AI’s in Dominican Republic (Dreams), Cape Verde (RIU) and Barbados (Sandals) in recent years for comparison. The food and service is really good. The best AI I have ever eaten in possibly with the exception of Sandals but it runs it really close. We love “Al a carte” dining and are not fans of buffets. These though, when we did buffet were the calmest and highest quality buffet restaurants we have experienced. No chaos at all. Hot fresh flavoursome food. Italian and Thai and other Al a carte were really good too. Feel like real restaurants, not some half baked all inclusive effort. Fight night Thai buffet on the grass was brilliant, no loss of food quality. Boxing wasn’t exactly brutal (family resort I understand) but it was well worth doing. Service was excellent everywhere. A glass of white wine in a restaurant, they remove your “red wine glass” returns with a chilled “white wine glass”, serve and continue to top up without asking, my sort of service. Pool service was pretty good. You kind of have to ask first up then they will look after you all day. People walking around offering fruit on cocktail sticks, a “water guy” with a huge back pack containing ice cold water. Small and simple things but just that next step up in service I’d say. Rum Shack was a great spot. We spent a lot of time there. The staff (Baz/Nina) and the rest were fantastic. I have never mentioned a specific employee before in a review and no one asks to be reviewed or mentioned but their hard work, happy and friendly nature was an absolute credit to them and this resort. Drinks were good. In the AI Package there are a few limitations so if you are an alcohol connoisseur you may have a slight issue but the beer (lagers) were all good, sparkling wine was nice (not dead sweet) and you can still get Rum / vodka etc just not every type. Eg last I asked for something at the Rum Shack, she made me aware that wasn’t part of the AI Package, I switched to Jim Beam and coke which was fine. We were not that keen on the lounge bar, a bit sterile, not much atmosphere unless a singer on which helped. AI you get a wrist band so they know. You get asked your room number and sign for everything. It’s no real hassle though. Free Kayaks and Paddle boards. Did jet ski (2500 THB) for 30 mins. Not the hotel, some guy comes and has them. Same price whether 1 or 2 on it. You just take it out alone and whizz about, no rules or anyone to follow, just don’t hit anyone! The staff are great. Attentive, friendly, really lovely people. For AI it’s great. If you are wanting to be out and about doing loads of stuff the location may not be perfect for you. Patong is a bit crazy, especially Bangla Road, but as you drift a street or more further out it’s a bit more “normal”. There isn’t that much in the evening, we would have liked a bit more later on, singers or DJ or something but it was fairly quiet, no issue for us with our friends but worth noting if you are here for any late nights. Breakfast is included in the AI Package, with juices, coffee etc but the AI is 11am-11pm. Bit strange to me but at least I was fresh(ish) the next day. Also, they will generally come to you in the bar (Specifically Rum Shack) and warn you just before 11 of the time and ask if you want more. Get a couple more in if you want, they don’t mind. All in all a top class resort, exceptional staff and quality food, especially if Thai style is for you but plenty of other options.

The Rum Shack is our favourite place to drink and relax The staff MJ, Big, Nina, Beer, Man & Baz are just next level in such an amazing resort. Service and drinks are always perfection. Thanks for another amazing holiday experience - see you next year. 5pm at the Rum Shack 🍹

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach and would especially like to recognize Pinky at reception for her outstanding service. She was consistently kind, friendly, and very helpful, always taking the time to answer all of our questions.

Lovely stay at the Marriott for the whole week. Rooms were modern and beautiful and the restaurants were lovely - Patty was so helpful and friendly everyday and made the experience even better.

Had an amazing stay at Phuket Marriott Merlin Beach! The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the beach right by the resort is beautiful and great for fun days in the sand. What really made the experience special was the incredibly friendly service. Huge thanks to Gigi at the front desk, Pola for sharing the cute elephant, and to Pearry and Patt at Merchant — you were all so warm and helpful. Also a shout-out to the nice young guy at the concierge (so sorry, I forgot your name!), you were awesome too. Truly a wonderful team in a beautiful setting. Highly recommend!