Pros

  • Family-friendly luxury hotel on a relaxed, private beach
  • Free shuttle service to Patong (limited hours)
  • Three large pools; one has a splash area for kids and one has a swim-up bar
  • 2017-renovated rooms are contemporary and have furnished terraces
  • Separate showers and tubs, desks, and coffeemakers come standard
  • Quality international, Italian, and Thai restaurants, plus a beachfront grill
  • Elegant spa and a modern fitness center
  • Kids' club with daily activities and an outdoor playground
  • Butterfly sanctuary and a Reef Education Center
  • Activities such as yoga, Muay Thai boxing, and water sports offered
  • Free Wi-Fi (for those that sign up for the Marriott rewards program)
See More Pros

Cons

  • Little within walking distance
  • Ocean here is extremely rocky
  • Some units have minor wear and tear and older bathroom fixtures
  • Some complaints of poor soundproofing
  • Rooms are generic and lack much Thai style
See More Cons

Bottom Line

A six-minute drive from Patong Beach, the luxury Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is a large, contemporary property with ample to keep guests of all ages entertained. Its beach is private and generally quiet, but the ocean is extremely rocky and water shoes are a necessity. Fortunately, there are three big pools -- one with a waterslide and another with a swim-up bar, in addition to a spa, kids' club, and a Muay Thai boxing stage. Several restaurants offer Thai, Italian, and international cuisines, plus there are a coffee shop and smoothie spot. The 414 rooms are spacious and modern, albeit chain-like and lacking Thai flair, all equipped with furnished terraces, separate tubs and showers, and coffeemakers, plus some add pool access or sea views. Some minor wear and tear, older shower fixtures in certain units, and noise issues are notable downsides. For something closer to the airport, consider JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa.

See More Bottom Line

Oyster Hotel Review

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

Scene

Large, laid-back resort drawing all types of travelers with array of features and removed location

Formerly known as Merlin Beach Resort, the property was sold to Marriott and underwent renovations, reopening as Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach in 2016-17. It draws families, couples, and groups of friends with its array of features and quiet location removed from bustling Patong, though still within easy driving distance (five to 10 minutes). Common areas are swish and modern, done up in marble, neutral tones, and accents such as cacti planters. There are three large freeform pools at this sprawling resort: one for families, one with a swim-up bar, and a quieter lagoon-style one. There's ample space to lounge, and never a bar or restaurant far from a sunbed, but the same can't be said for the beach, where chairs are limited and reserved early. Also on the downside, while the beach here is private and consists of soft sand, the ocean is extremely rocky and not suitable for swimming unless guests go far out into the water.

This is a true resort with lots to do, but travelers more interested in swimming in the ocean should consider Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. Be aware that this is a non-smoking property.

See More Scene

Location

Along a quiet private beach, a five- to 10-minute drive from Patong Beach

The Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach has a great location along a secluded private beach, within a five- to 10-minute drive of bustling Patong Beach. The hotel provides free shuttle service to Patong a few times a day, though hours are limited and it's not always free. Additionally, it's worth noting that the ocean here is very rocky and not the best for swimming. There's little within walking distance, aside from other resorts and a popular Thai restaurant that can be reached by walking up a hill from the beach. Phuket International Airport is typically an hour to 90 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. 

See More Location

Rooms

Well-equipped, contemporary rooms with generic decor, separate tubs and showers, and terraces

The 414 rooms here are attractive and contemporary, although done in a generic, chain-like style with little Thai flair aside from a few wall hangings. Additionally, some units have minor wear and tear, bathrooms with older fixtures, and poor soundproofing. On the upside, units are spacious and have excellent amenities. Furnished balconies or terraces come standard, and some provide pool access or sea views. Bathrooms are also a highlight, with separate showers and tubs, quality toiletries, and hairdryers. Closets have bathrobes and slippers, in addition to electronic safes and ironing equipment. Beds are comfy, plus there are sitting areas, desks, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and iPod docks.  

See More Rooms

Features

Three huge pools, a spa, kids' club, and activities such as water sports and boxing

There's no shortage of things to do at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach. Both kids and adults are well-catered to, including with the three huge pools. The Family Pool has a kids' splash area and waterslide, while the central Swim Up Pool has a swim-up bar, ocean vistas, and little islands with greenery. The lagoon-like Nahm-Tok Pool is generally the quietest, and it has secluded hot tubs, animal sculptures spouting water, and adjacent room patios with direct access via steps. Ample loungers and umbrellas are found at all pools, and waiter service is available. 

Raised up from the beach are a limited number of umbrella-shaped sunbeds, which are often taken starting early in the morning. While the below stretch of sand is pretty, the actual ocean is very rocky -- visible at low tide -- so water shoes are needed and visitors will have to go out far to actually swim. Non-motorized water sports and snorkeling gear are available for free, and an adjacent Reed Education Center is available for those looking to learn more about the reefs.

Other activities include the on-site Merlin Butterfly Sanctuary, Muay Thai boxing, yoga, and more. The kids' club also provides supervised activities throughout the day, and a playground is by the beach. The spa provides a variety of treatments, including massages, mani/pedis, and facials. Wi-Fi is free for those that sign up for the Marriott rewards program. Meeting and event spaces are on-site, including a ballroom, and weddings can be arranged on the beach.

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Several dining options provide Thai, Italian, and international cuisines

Multiple dining and drinking options are on-site, all of which largely receive positive reviews. Merchant Kitchen is the all-day international option with indoor seating and an outdoor terrace by the main pool. It offers an extensive and varied buffet breakfast. Next to it is D.O.C.G, a dinner-only Italian restaurant that's a particular favorite with guests. For local cuisine, Thai Pantry serves regional specialties in an atmospheric space for dinner. Open all day is the Beach Grill, a casual eatery serving seafood-centric dishes. Adjacent to it is Phuket Coffee Co., which offers pastries, coffee, smoothies, and light bites. Wellness is a juice and smoothie spot by the Nahm-Tok Pool, while The Rum Shack serves tapas overlooking the beach for lunch and dinner, sometimes accompanied by live Reggae music.

Room service is available 24/7.

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Things You Should Know About Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

Also Known As

  • Merlin Beach Resort

Address

99 Muen-Ngoen Road, Tri-Trang Beach, Phuket, Patong 83150, Thailand

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

Scene

Large, laid-back resort drawing all types of travelers with array of features and removed location

Formerly known as Merlin Beach Resort, the property was sold to Marriott and underwent renovations, reopening as Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach in 2016-17. It draws families, couples, and groups of friends with its array of features and quiet location removed from bustling Patong, though still within easy driving distance (five to 10 minutes). Common areas are swish and modern, done up in marble, neutral tones, and accents such as cacti planters. There are three large freeform pools at this sprawling resort: one for families, one with a swim-up bar, and a quieter lagoon-style one. There's ample space to lounge, and never a bar or restaurant far from a sunbed, but the same can't be said for the beach, where chairs are limited and reserved early. Also on the downside, while the beach here is private and consists of soft sand, the ocean is extremely rocky and not suitable for swimming unless guests go far out into the water.

This is a true resort with lots to do, but travelers more interested in swimming in the ocean should consider Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. Be aware that this is a non-smoking property.

See More Scene

Location

Along a quiet private beach, a five- to 10-minute drive from Patong Beach

The Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach has a great location along a secluded private beach, within a five- to 10-minute drive of bustling Patong Beach. The hotel provides free shuttle service to Patong a few times a day, though hours are limited and it's not always free. Additionally, it's worth noting that the ocean here is very rocky and not the best for swimming. There's little within walking distance, aside from other resorts and a popular Thai restaurant that can be reached by walking up a hill from the beach. Phuket International Airport is typically an hour to 90 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. 

See More Location

Rooms

Well-equipped, contemporary rooms with generic decor, separate tubs and showers, and terraces

The 414 rooms here are attractive and contemporary, although done in a generic, chain-like style with little Thai flair aside from a few wall hangings. Additionally, some units have minor wear and tear, bathrooms with older fixtures, and poor soundproofing. On the upside, units are spacious and have excellent amenities. Furnished balconies or terraces come standard, and some provide pool access or sea views. Bathrooms are also a highlight, with separate showers and tubs, quality toiletries, and hairdryers. Closets have bathrobes and slippers, in addition to electronic safes and ironing equipment. Beds are comfy, plus there are sitting areas, desks, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and iPod docks.  

See More Rooms

Features

Three huge pools, a spa, kids' club, and activities such as water sports and boxing

There's no shortage of things to do at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach. Both kids and adults are well-catered to, including with the three huge pools. The Family Pool has a kids' splash area and waterslide, while the central Swim Up Pool has a swim-up bar, ocean vistas, and little islands with greenery. The lagoon-like Nahm-Tok Pool is generally the quietest, and it has secluded hot tubs, animal sculptures spouting water, and adjacent room patios with direct access via steps. Ample loungers and umbrellas are found at all pools, and waiter service is available. 

Raised up from the beach are a limited number of umbrella-shaped sunbeds, which are often taken starting early in the morning. While the below stretch of sand is pretty, the actual ocean is very rocky -- visible at low tide -- so water shoes are needed and visitors will have to go out far to actually swim. Non-motorized water sports and snorkeling gear are available for free, and an adjacent Reed Education Center is available for those looking to learn more about the reefs.

Other activities include the on-site Merlin Butterfly Sanctuary, Muay Thai boxing, yoga, and more. The kids' club also provides supervised activities throughout the day, and a playground is by the beach. The spa provides a variety of treatments, including massages, mani/pedis, and facials. Wi-Fi is free for those that sign up for the Marriott rewards program. Meeting and event spaces are on-site, including a ballroom, and weddings can be arranged on the beach.

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Several dining options provide Thai, Italian, and international cuisines

Multiple dining and drinking options are on-site, all of which largely receive positive reviews. Merchant Kitchen is the all-day international option with indoor seating and an outdoor terrace by the main pool. It offers an extensive and varied buffet breakfast. Next to it is D.O.C.G, a dinner-only Italian restaurant that's a particular favorite with guests. For local cuisine, Thai Pantry serves regional specialties in an atmospheric space for dinner. Open all day is the Beach Grill, a casual eatery serving seafood-centric dishes. Adjacent to it is Phuket Coffee Co., which offers pastries, coffee, smoothies, and light bites. Wellness is a juice and smoothie spot by the Nahm-Tok Pool, while The Rum Shack serves tapas overlooking the beach for lunch and dinner, sometimes accompanied by live Reggae music.

Room service is available 24/7.

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Smoking Rooms Available

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.