Merdelong Hotel Phatthalung — the central little hotel you can walk to straight off the train
If you arrive in Phatthalung by train and want somewhere you can simply walk to, Merdelong Hotel is a tidy, budget-friendly choice right in the centre. It is a small hotel in the Khuha Sawan area, about 400m from Phatthalung train station. The 38 air-conditioned rooms are described in many reviews as clean, fairly new, with soft, comfortable beds. There's free Wi-Fi and free parking, and convenience stores, the fresh market and a night market are all within a short walk. Overall score 8.6 from real reviews, from approx. ฿700/night.
The clearest selling point of Merdelong Hotel is its location — right in the centre of Phatthalung, in the Khuha Sawan area, about 400m from the train station, an easy walk with your luggage. That makes it a great fit for anyone arriving by train who doesn't want to bother arranging onward transport into town. Convenience stores, the municipal fresh market and a night market are all close by, so finding dinner or an early breakfast is no trouble.
The hotel has 38 air-conditioned rooms in all, ranging from Standard Twin and Deluxe King to Deluxe Twin and a Suite. Reviews tend to agree that the rooms are fairly new, clean, and the beds and mattresses are soft and comfortable, with everything you need for a short stay — TV, fridge and bathroom toiletries. The rooms are a sensible size; not large or fancy, but neat and good value rather than flashy.
"Clean room, soft bed, the hotel is fairly new and close to the train station. You can walk to the night market and there's plenty to eat around the hotel. Reasonably priced."
What guests praise most often is the cleanliness of the rooms, how soft the beds are, and a location within walking distance of food. Several reviews call the staff friendly and helpful, and reception is open 24 hours. There's free Wi-Fi and free parking for anyone driving in. It is a small, simply run hotel with no fuss — easy check-in and check-out — which suits a one- or two-night stop along the way.
To be honest, Merdelong is a budget property without the facilities of a larger hotel. There's no swimming pool, no gym, and no in-house breakfast, so you'll head out for food (of which there is plenty nearby). A few reviews mention a musty smell in the lift or some corridors. If you're sensitive to odours or expect a full-service hotel, set your expectations to match the price first.
Something else to know: a central location means the surroundings feel more town than nature. If your trip is mainly about Thale Noi, Pak Pra or Hat Lampam, this hotel sits some distance from those spots and you'll need to drive out. But if you use Phatthalung as a base and drive around — or arrive by train — having a central spot near the station and the food is genuinely handy.
In short, Merdelong Hotel suits anyone who wants a clean, central Phatthalung base with soft beds, close to the train station and food, at a light price. It isn't luxurious, but it does the job of a budget city hotel well and represents good value. If you want a larger hotel with a pool and breakfast, look at The Centris or Dusit Princess instead — but for a comfortable night near the station, this delivers on a friendly budget.
A tip from following the reviews: if you come by train, the hotel is only about 400m from the station and walkable — no need to arrange transport. In the evening, walk to the nearby night market for filling, cheap local food. And if you'd rather avoid any musty corridor smell, ask for a room on a well-ventilated floor when you book or check in.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Central location, about 400m walk to the train station
- ✓ Clean rooms, soft beds, fairly new hotel
- ✓ Food, night market and convenience stores all around
- ✓ Free Wi-Fi and parking, 24-hour reception
- ! No swimming pool or gym
- ! No in-house breakfast — you head out for food
- ! Some reviews mention a musty smell in the lift or corridors
- ✓ Rooms a good size, clean and fair value
- ✓ Close to the train station, fresh market and night market
- ✓ Friendly, helpful staff
- ✓ Budget price, good for a one- or two-night stop
- ! Budget hotel — facilities aren't as full as a larger property
- ! Some distance from Thale Noi, Pak Pra and Hat Lampam
- ! A musty smell in some corridors at times
- 💡If you want a pool, gym or in-house breakfast — this is a budget hotel without them → look at The Centris or Dusit Princess, the larger central hotels, instead.
- 💡If your main goal is Thale Noi, Pak Pra or Hat Lampam — the hotel is central and some way from those spots → pick a stay around Pak Pra–Thale Noi or Hat Lampam that's closer to the water.
- 💡If you're sensitive to smells — some reviews mention a musty smell in the lift or corridors → ask for a room on a well-ventilated floor when booking or checking in.