I have just recently returned from the resort and found it to be not up to standard. The renovated rooms are called delux however the bathroom only has a shower no bath tub. We were located on the 6th floor and every morning we were woken at about 6am by the noise of the service trolley going down the passage followed at about 7am by the sound of a generator or some other mechanical item which came on at 7am and went off at midnight.
The language skills of the staff needs attention as well as the level of service was generally poor. I booked a transfer to the airport via the hotel which they forgot to arrange so I had to find a local who could take us to the airport otherwise I would of missed by plane. Overall there was definately a lack of service and no finess when the staff were dealing with guests. I would not recomend this resort if you expect a reasonable level of service.

We, husband + 1 & 3 1/2 year old, stayed for 7 nights in early February (returning last Tuesday). I read this site religiously prior to booking and thought I would offer some feedback.

We loved it. The children were too young to have a separate room and I thought we could all bunk in for a family holiday. Flying west from Australia (time difference of 4 hours) meant we (me) woke at 3am. 4am, 4.30, 5am and I think the best was 5.30. Next time we fly east and have sleep ins! The rooms have DVDs and their favourite videos kept them happy.

We stayed in a terrace suite - room 594 in Mali wing. When looking at hotel I think pool rooms run along the back, the ocean views on the sloping sides, and the garden views behind them. Suites are at the font of the wings. There are 6 terrace suites which are on the back wall (same as pool suites) and look over the pool and foyer pavillion. We liked our suite as it had a huge terrace (6 paces x 14 paces), was in the shade until about 11am, didn't get too hot, and was marvellous to sit on while the sun set, the kids were watching TV or going to sleep. Given the terrace was also open to the north (ie entrance of hotel), this time of year we got cooling breezes. Also there was no room above us, a service area next to us (that didn't make any noise) - so in effect we never heard anyone else.

The suite easily accomodated an extra bed and cot (subject to moving a piece of furniture). We easily unpacked everyones clothes into 4 small drawers, 3 big drawers, a number of shelves and heaps of hanging space. The suite had a big shower and two basins. The rooms were servcied twice daily but we often couldn't take advantage of the second one as the children were asleep.

We booked a taxi to pick us up from Phuket airport for US$32 which was easy late at night with small kids. The service when we checked in was great - leis, face washers and cold drinks.

Penguin Club is great You can drop your +3 year old in at any time and although it was quite the week we were there (no more than 4 kids at any time), our 3.5 year old still seem to love it. He didn't do the Thai dancing, but loved the treasure hunt, fan and candle making. You can arrange to have baby sitting for <3 year old - 4 hours was THB600 - well worth it on day of leaving. Night babysitting for 2 (in room) was THB800 for about 3 hours. You can leave the resort at night - you are not supposed to leave the resort when kids are in the Club.

The baby elephant, Sawedah, apparently visits every day at 10am and 3pm in the foyer and/or kids club, but we only saw her once.

The restaurants are good by hotel standards. We enjoyed the Wang Warin (Thai) and Ariake (Japanese), which had reasonable Shabu Shabu. Saki was THB120 (or was that 180) for about 6 small glasses which was better than THB180 for a glass of wine or approx A$100 for a bottle. Stick to beer at THB180.

Lunch at La Fiamma / Pizza hut is good. A couple of times we had dinner for the boys ther and pre-ordered pizza for 6pm (when it closes) with some drinks. Very pelasant way to end the day. For lunch also worth looking at Beach BBQ menu. On last day I had grilled sardines on olive toast with eggplant puree and salad leaves.

There are a series of shops just outside the hotel gates which sell cold drinks (poppers for kids) - especially Singha for THB40 can. This compares favourable with Patong supermarket of THB30. My husband did a daily walk for essentials and there is sufficient room in the mini-bar to get things cool. There are also Taxis and a tuk-tuk here ready for departure into Patong or further afield. Paptong is THB150 in tuk-tuk - although first time he will ask THB200. Taxi to Phuket Town / Department store was THB400. Easy to get taxi back again at same price.

Breakfasts - as everyone says are great. The cafe opens at 6am (good on first day with early rising kids) but better to wait until 7am when the pool pavillion opens. It can all get very busy when hotel is full.

Beach is really great and very calm this time of year. Both kids enjoyed splashing in the waves. The beach hut (cash only - not part of hotel) sells plates of papaya for THB60 and does banana smoothies for THB50. These were great for the kids. It also sells beer, coke, other drinks and fresh fruit - fresh coconut was good. As Australians we were amazed at the sun-baking going on all day. Some people can't get enough sun.

The pools were great too. Curvey and shallow at Mail end, with extra lap pool and toddler pool, at the other wing a deep relaxing pool with floating lilos with knee-deep cormer for the kids.

The Spa - I thought the prices were expensive and only had a half hour foot masage outside on the terrace near the beach for THB750. It was great. I thought the Tamarind Skin Exfoliation (55 mins) for THB2260 sounded good but could find the time.

Room Service was good to use for the kids. Fisherman fingers (real fish) and fries (B240), Mini hamburger with egg (B240) , Spaghetti (B240), Fried rice with chicken and egg (B240) and ice-cream (B150), fresh fuit (B170) and chocolate mouse (B150). Where is Jamie Oliver?
We had Thai one night - not a wide a selection as the restaurant and spiced down for western palates but good when needed.

The only let down was the kids food. Sushi rolls or really simple sandwiches would be great options for very small children. Also maybe offering lunch in the Penguin Club for a fee would be a good service.

5 mornings out of 7 the wind blew hard and people didn't use the beach or pools. By noon it had died and the days and evenings were superb.

For Australians reading - we flew Jetstar direct to Phuket from Sydney- and it wasn't as bad as I expected. Mostly an Asian flight crew, who were fantastic with the kids, they gave out headsets for free, showed free entertainment, the food ws OK and you could buy drinks whenever you needed. The bassinet takes babies to 11kgs and easily fit my 13 month boy.

This is the second year we stay here for vacation. It´s simply a fantastic hotel. Almost everything is perfect.
We choose the Seaview De Luxe rooms and they are in mint condition.
There is only one problem, and it is all the smokers that stay in the hotel. Smoke is everywhere, breakfast, beach, bar, pool etc. The russians seems to smoke at lot and all of them. Very nice people otherwise.
We definitely go back next winter!

My husband and I stayed here after staying in the marriott in bangkok and we were worried it would not leave up to that hotel.
When we arrived everything went so smoothley check in the rooms the pool is huge . There are lots of activitys you can take part in if you want or you can just relax by the private beach.
we stayed at the Kata Thani last year and the le meridean was so much better and cheaper so I would deffentley come back here.