Since we're traveling with a kid, we're always looking for kid-friendly hotels. The happier and busier the kid is, the more we can relax and enjoy our holiday. So I'm always on the search for kid-friendly destinations and resorts or hotels. For our stay in Phuket, I chose for Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach and didn't regret it.
It' doesn't feel like staying at a playground or kindergarten, where kids run around everywhere. It is still a 5 star hotel where you can enjoy your time without kids. I want my kid to enjoy his holiday, but not to the expense of my sanity. I get stressed out if I'm surrounded by too many kids running around like crazy. I'm married to an introverted reserved man for a reason.
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach has 3 pools: A family pool, a waterfall pool, and a kids pool. What's special about these pools is that they're all connected to each other. You don't need to get out of the water to go to the other pool. There's a pool bar in the waterfall pool. I can't tell much more about this as it was closed due to the covid19 measurements. The resort has private access to Tri-Trang Beach. The ocean is clear and clean there. It does have a rocky bottom, so don't forget to bring your aqua shoes. There's a 24 hour gym, adult's sport activities twice a day, 6 restaurants and a coffee house. One of the restaurants is also a cocktail bar at the beach. There's plenty for adults to enjoy.
But what makes this hotel so kid-friendly you probably wonder. There's splash pool for the kids which has buckets of water tipping over, and colorful water fountains. There's a separate shallow pool for the smallest ones and there's a big slider for the thrill seekers. But what makes it even more wonderful for kids is the kid's club. There's plenty of hotels with kid's clubs you might think. But let's face it, some just have a kid's club to be able to state they have one. I've been to hotels where the staff doesn't seem to care at all. At Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach the staff, especially Paula and Film (kid's club staff), are really good with kids. We are very thankful for Paula and Film, because of them Dylan (our son) had a great stay and therefore we had a great holiday. Everyday the kid's club organizes 2 kid's events. The first event in the morning is usually something creative (like sand art) or active (like dance or kid's aerobic). The second event for kids is the little chef program. There's also activities applicable for adults and kids (examples: basic Thai language learning, nature club and movie screening).
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is one of the hotels that offers the M Passport Family Package. It allows children to complete hotel activities and receive treats as a reward. Up to 2 kids Under 12 Eat Free from the kid's menu when accompanied by an adult dining on regular menu. They provide children’s in-room amenity and you can get an early check-in (10am) and late check-out (3pm).
There's a butterfly garden, which is the home to many butterfly species, right next to the hotel. Admire the butterflies that aren't living in captivity at the resort.
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach was one of our son's favorite hotels to go to and was great for us as well. This hotel definitely belongs to the top kid-friendly 5 star hotels in Thailand.
