Merlin Beach Resort Hotel

Third time to this particular resort in 5 years and it is better than ever. The first two times were pre tsunami but this time was afterwards. The resort was pretty badly damaged in the tragedy but to their credit they have created a much more beautiful resort.
From the moment you enter the foyer you are immersed in the culture of Thailand.
Hotel staff were amazing as per usual, tending to my every need without hesitation. Facilities are second to none.
There are many options if you wish to spend the day at the hotel rather than down at the shops or bars. Three enormous pools ensure you are never left without a banana lounge, a spa for those who wish to immerse themselves in luxury or if you want traditional Thai massage just head down to the private beach, a pool bar to indulge in your favourite cocktail or just have a beer or something to eat while sitting in the pool, several eating spots in the resort to cure your hunger, a kids play area, internet bar, games room, many bars with live entertainment and even a tennis court.
The rooms are magnificently decorated in a truly luxurious decor. Massive beds will help you to sleep off the long nights at the go go bars. A TV with international TV programs will help with homesickness. Much needed air conditioners cool you down after a few hours in the blistering sun. a very generous bathroom with separate shower and bath and a close able window looking into the bathroom for the not so modest.
All in all I rate it a ten because of the wonderful experiences I had at the resort and I did not encounter a single problem.
Would recommend this resort to anyone who is looking to experience Phuket.

This hotel was very nice, but not up to the same standard as some 4* hotels we have stayed in at Bangkok (Century Park) and Pattaya (The Dusit).
Majority of staff were pleasant, exception being the restaurant staff who gave the distinct impression they couldn't be bothered. Food was very good, Italian and Thai restaurants to choose from as well as the nightly buffet. Breakfasts were excellent, plenty of variety.
We stayed at the hotel with another couple and there was something odd about the rooms which we couldn't put our finger on. There was a musty smell to the rooms, the other couple's was worse than ours because even their pillows at the end of their hols had a damp smell. Bedlinen and towels were changed daily. The tiles on the floor look like they'd had a lick of paint. Basement bar/pool room had a very bad damp smell. Turns out hotel had been hit ever so slightly by the Tsunami. However, the overall appearance of the hotel was lovely, you wouldn't know.
The beach was a little disappointing - being next to this lovely hotel, it was very unkempt. No swimming was allowed due to the strong currents. As the 3 pools were fabulous, everyone sunbathed there instead. Plenty of comfortable sunbeds with courtesy towels. Mixed age group at this hotel which was very nice.
Only downside was the distance it was away from the resort of Patong - you needed a taxi as it was too far away and too hot to walk.
That being said, if we were ever in this neck of the woods again, would definitely recommend staying at this resort.