Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach — Hotel in Patong

We just returned from a fantastic 4-night family vacation at the Marriott Phuket Merlin Beach Resort, and it was an absolute delight! From the moment we arrived, the stunning private beach, lush tropical gardens, and luxurious accommodations made us feel like we’d discovered paradise. The rooms were spacious, impeccably clean, and offered breathtaking ocean views that set the perfect tone for relaxation. The resort’s elegant yet welcoming atmosphere, paired with top-notch amenities like the infinity pools and spa, catered perfectly to both adults and our young children. For families, this is one of the best spots in Phuket—five stars all the way!

Our stay was made truly memorable from the start, thanks to the incredible front desk team, especially Jam. Her warm hospitality and attention to detail were exceptional—she personally crafted a thoughtful, handmade birthday card for my daughter’s celebration, filled with sweet messages and charming drawings. This heartfelt gesture made the day unforgettable and instantly made us feel like family. Jam’s genuine kindness and outstanding service set the perfect tone for our entire trip!

The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the hotel’s Kids Club—a complete game-changer for our family! Our two children (ages 6 and 4) were thrilled to visit every day, and we were happy to let them because it gave us parents some well-deserved relaxation while knowing they were in the best hands. The club is a vibrant, fun-filled space with engaging activities like treasure hunts, arts and crafts, beach games, and even mini cooking classes that kept our kids entertained and learning. The facilities are bright, safe, and well-equipped, and the staff’s enthusiasm made every moment special. We were blown away by the team’s dedication, and I have to give a special shoutout to these incredible women who made our kids’ experience unforgettable:

Rainy: Her contagious energy and imaginative storytelling captivated the kids—she’s a natural at sparking their creativity! Alice: So patient and artistic, she guided our little ones through delightful craft projects they proudly showed off. Ann: Her kind, nurturing demeanor made our shy 4-year-old feel instantly comfortable, always offering warm smiles and extra care. Tan: Her enthusiasm for outdoor games turned simple activities into epic adventures that had our kids buzzing with excitement. Puifai: Her bubbly personality lit up the dance parties—she taught fun routines that had everyone giggling and dancing with joy. Namwan: A fantastic multitasker, she organized group games with ease, ensuring every child felt included and valued. Ellie: Her thoughtful one-on-one attention, like helping with personalized drawings, made our kids feel like true VIPs every day.

These remarkable women went above and beyond, creating cherished memories and allowing us to fully enjoy the resort. The Kids Club isn’t just childcare; it’s a magical experience that sets this Marriott apart.

The dining options were also impressive, with fresh and varied choices across the resort that pleased everyone, including our picky eaters. We particularly enjoyed the new Japanese restaurant, Kanpai, where the sushi and sashimi were fresh and flavorful, adding a delightful touch to our dining experience. Appreciate Nina and the whole restaurant staff for taking care of us!

In summary, our 4-night stay at Marriott Phuket Merlin Beach Resort far exceeded our expectations for a family getaway. The combination of luxurious comfort, exceptional service (a huge thank you to Jam!), and the phenomenal Kids Club made it perfect for us and our 6- and 4-year-old. We’re already planning our return—thank you for an incredible experience! Highly recommended for families seeking a slice of paradise in...

A Vibrant Escape with Room for Fine-Tuning The Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa at Merlin Beach delivers a blend of lively energy, thoughtful amenities, and culinary delights that make it a standout choice for a beach getaway. Despite a few areas that could use some polishing, the overall experience left me impressed and eager to return. Check-In and Room Check-in was seamless, and as a Silver Marriott Bonvoy Elite, I was thrilled with the room upgrade. The room itself was spacious, modern, and well-appointed. However, the hotel’s exterior and layout reveal its age. Roof cleaning, fresh paint, and some cosmetic updates could go a long way, though a larger investment in modernization might be on the horizon. Beach and Activities The beachfront is unique—it’s not ideal for swimming due to the reefs, but the resort provides reef shoes, ensuring safety for those wading in. On calm days, this area transforms into a snorkeling haven, with nurseries of fish and coral reefs to explore. It’s a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

The activities offered are diverse and well thought out. Morning yoga is popular, so arriving early to secure a spot at the pavilion is advisable. The instructor’s routine was excellent, though the addition of a microphone could improve audibility. The lively vibe of the resort extends to the pool bar, which became a favorite spot for me. The Mai Thai was perfect, though food orders at the bar took longer than expected—something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight schedule. Room Amenities The in-room amenities were comprehensive and thoughtful—thongs and hair bands are small touches that enhance the experience. However, the quality of essentials like tea, soap, and shampoo fell short compared to competitors like the InterContinental, which uses luxury brands like Byredo, Harnn, and TWG. Marriott’s choice of Dilmah tea and standard toiletries felt a bit underwhelming in comparison. Dining The dining experience was a highlight, exceeding expectations across the board. The Thai Pantry is a must-visit, with dishes that were consistently delicious. The only exception was the crab curry, which lacked thickness and didn’t quite match the quality of places like Tu Kab Khao. The dinner buffet was also excellent, with a strong seafood selection that delighted my palate.

The all-inclusive package was a nice option to try, though I found myself indulging a bit too much—next time, I might opt for à la carte orders instead. Special Mentions A big shoutout to the Thai Pantry chefs and the water sports team! The water sports staff were incredibly friendly, offered valuable advice, and prioritized safety, which I deeply appreciated. Their efforts added to the overall sense of care and attention that the resort exudes. Final Thoughts While there’s room for improvement in certain areas—modernizing the infrastructure and upgrading in-room amenities—Marriott Phuket Merlin Beach remains a fantastic choice for a vibrant, food-filled escape. The combination of thoughtful service, diverse activities, and standout dining options makes it easy to recommend this hotel to family and friends. I’ll...

My family and I recently stayed here and I can’t put into words how amazing this place truly is. If you’re looking for accommodation, this is one!!

The hotel is beautiful, clean, extremely accommodating and catered to all our needs. This hotel exceeded expectations. The pools were amazing, clean, the children’s splash pool and all the slides were a bonus, loved the kids club, the activities included for children (every hour of everyday there’s an activity for children and teens to participate in) all the facilities they had for the children. There’s a 24hr gym, there’s 5 restaurants which provided AMAZING food (if you opt out for the all inclusive package you won’t regret it. Free breakfast, lunch, dinners, drinks and yes alcoholic beverages are also included!). The spa is just beyond amazing. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus service to and from the hotel also. The private beach is amazing! The playground, trampoline, butterfly sanctuary! This place was truly magical and we have found our new home away from home.

I want to say a special thank you to some of the staff and give recognition: Thank you our sweet Mook from beach grill, your service is truly amazing and you have become our dear friend. The children love you! You’re so kind and loving towards us and the children, thank you Mook we appreciate you! Thank you to Ae for your kindness and being the best bar tender in all of Thailand!

Thank you to Ammy for welcoming us in Merchant Kitchen and being so loving to our children, your kindness is so special. The children adore you! Thank you Patt from Merchant Kitchen for always welcoming us in the morning, helping with the children to get settled for breakfast and knowing our coffee order so we can have our morning coffee straight away. You understood even on holiday, parenting is still tiring! You’re so kind to us, thank you.

Thank you to all the staff at Kids Club! Your softness and kindness to all the children is so beautiful to see. You tend to all the children’s needs and ensure they’re all safe and having fun. You all provide excellent care.

Thank you Annie for showing us around and informing us of all the beautiful benefits of the Marriott, you helped us get settled and catered to our needs.

This last one is a special one, a big thank you to our beautiful Nina!! We love you so much and we will miss you beyond words. We can’t thank you enough for all the love you showed the children and us. You helped with the children and showed them kindness and they had so much fun with you! Your smile warmed us all and I shed a tear to say goodbye to you. Thank you so much for becoming family to us. Nina you are so special and I am so grateful for you and children are still talking about you!

The staff here are all truly beautiful and this hotel isn’t just a job to them, they all welcome you like family and the connection we have formed to this hotel is just pure, we will not stay anywhere else moving forward. This place is our home away from home. This hotel is beautiful. I truly highly recommend to stay here. You will...