Yes! it is I from 'the other side' ... I was also wondering if you was the same BJC
We are going Good Friday for a 60th... but to Bali. Co-indecently there are a few forumites from other sites there at the same time and so I am looking forward to catching up with them again.
Then October to Phuket to the Busakorn Wing, Holiday Inn. I'm very partial to that hotel and Phuket. You should wander in for a sqizz for next time.
We have stayed at the Merlin Beach in a deluxe room about 18 months after it opened. The first room they gave us was behind the children's slide and all we could see from the patio was a concrete mass so we rejected that. Another room was also rejected because of the smell of 'fust' I noticed they had portable blue lights on, just guessing this might help eradicate the smell.
Anyway, we excepted the 3rd room which was lovely. We had also enquired about the direct pool rooms and one became available and even though we were perfectly happy where we were... we moved and it was lovely, but smaller than the deluxe. If I were to go again I'd just go deluxe.
Have a great time and hope to hear all about it on your return.
Cheers Geri