Merlin Beach Resort is less than 10 minutes by tuktuk or car to Patong. It cost 200 baht last October. There are plenty of private cars out the front of the Merlin which act as taxis and will take you into town. You can just jump in a tuktuk to return but make sure you agree on the price before you get in. There are taxis outside the airport to take you to the hotel and they are reasonably priced, about $20 AUD from memory. Just go to the taxi rank on the right outside the terminal doors and pay the airport taxi tax, just a few dollars and you will be directed to the next taxi available. This is cheaper and quicker than getting transport from inside the terminal. The Merlin does provide a free shuttle bus into Patong and Phuket Town but the times are not always suitable especially in the night. You can hire the private cars to take you on day trips but the prices are sometimes a bit high. If you want the name of a driver we used last time just let me know. He charged about $35 AUD for an 8-9 hour day and was very reliable and pleasant. He will take you anywhere you want and will wait for as long as you want. We always gave him a good tip but he certainly didn't expect it and a couple of times tried to give the tip back. The Merlin is a lovely hotel but try to get an ocean facing room on the beach, not facing the pool as you get more noise in those rooms. Stock up in town for drinks as you cannot get a really cold beer at the Merlin !! If you need any more info on the Merlin let me know. We will be there in October for 12 nights but are thinking of staying at the Katathani at Kata for 10 nights first as the beach looks really nice there and the beach at the Merlin is not one that you would want to swim in as there are way too many rocks. Hope you have a great time.
Regards
Michelle