I’ve finally gathered reviews and comments about Mara House and our Salahadeen Restaurant here on my own website. There aren’t many for Salahadeen, as it’s been open only to Mara House guests for years and TripAdvisor has since removed those reviews. These come from TripAdvisor, Google Maps, guest blogs, letters, and other kind words shared over time. Some are missing, as I hadn’t realized TripAdvisor began deleting reviews from tour guests who did their tours with us but who didn’t stay at Mara House. I hope these words give you a true sense of who we are and what Mara House is all about. Enjoy, Mara
471 entries.
We (three people) have just spent 8 days in Cairo and Alexandria, organised for us by Mara. Everything worked well, from the pick-up at Cairo airport in the middle of the night, to our return there at the end of our trip.
We had a driver, minibus and guide for the whole time. Our driver, Imed, was pleasant and helpful and always punctual. Mohamed Hedar, our guide, was excellent. We learned a lot from him, he was good company, and he really went the extra mile to show us anything he thought might be interesting.
We took all of Mara’s Cairo tours plus a number of special requests of our own.
The overnight in Alexandria was well worth doing. There is a lot to see there, and we were glad that we had not just taken a day trip from Cairo.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Egypt and certainly plan to return. We shall not hesitate to ask Mara to organise our next trip.
Travelled Nov 2018 - UK. Tours in Cairo - reviewed on google maps
We had a driver, minibus and guide for the whole time. Our driver, Imed, was pleasant and helpful and always punctual. Mohamed Hedar, our guide, was excellent. We learned a lot from him, he was good company, and he really went the extra mile to show us anything he thought might be interesting.
We took all of Mara’s Cairo tours plus a number of special requests of our own.
The overnight in Alexandria was well worth doing. There is a lot to see there, and we were glad that we had not just taken a day trip from Cairo.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Egypt and certainly plan to return. We shall not hesitate to ask Mara to organise our next trip.
Travelled Nov 2018 - UK. Tours in Cairo - reviewed on google maps
If you would like to be well taken care of while touring the sites of Luxor, Mara House will take care of both your stay and your touring. House manager Amr was amazing, seeing to every day's itinerary and arranging horse carriages, Nile river trips and even cooking delicious meals.
The crew of guides and drivers employed by Mara will take great care of you whether exploring urban Luxor or taking a long day trip to Abydos.
The room was spacious, clean, quiet and the AC was good (important in September when it gets really hot).
Travelled solo Sept 2018 USA. - Luxor Holiday 3 night package - reviewed on google maps
The crew of guides and drivers employed by Mara will take great care of you whether exploring urban Luxor or taking a long day trip to Abydos.
The room was spacious, clean, quiet and the AC was good (important in September when it gets really hot).
Travelled solo Sept 2018 USA. - Luxor Holiday 3 night package - reviewed on google maps
5 stars just isn't enough for Mara House! An absolutely beautiful house with amazing decor situated in a cute Egyptian street which will give you a good feel of local life as well.
Mara organized a trip to the Temples which were spectacular, the finest in Egypt. The trip was stress free and the guide was brilliant explaining everything.
The room was very specious and spotless clean. The staff were excellent & always on hand to help! And the feast.. WOW! Thanks a million Mara & the staff at Mara House for an unforgettable stay.
Traveled solo - Co. Kerry, Ireland - Nov 2018 - reviewed on Google Maps
Mara organized a trip to the Temples which were spectacular, the finest in Egypt. The trip was stress free and the guide was brilliant explaining everything.
The room was very specious and spotless clean. The staff were excellent & always on hand to help! And the feast.. WOW! Thanks a million Mara & the staff at Mara House for an unforgettable stay.
Traveled solo - Co. Kerry, Ireland - Nov 2018 - reviewed on Google Maps
Egypt/Luxor/Aswan trip Oct 3rd-Oct14th 2018
We spent 11 days last month with Mara Tour and her excellent staff (Ahmed, Mohamad from Cairo and Mohamad from Luxor). Thanks for the team for all excellent information and keep us all safe all the time, especially Ahmed who was on call at all times.
We learnt a lot about the ancient history of Egypt up all the way to Islamic, Christian era and modern times. We will definitely come back when they have more tombs/pyramid opens for tour! Great job guys!
Jacky H Traveled as couple. USA. Mara's Group Trip Oct. 2018. Reviewed on Google Maps 5 Nov 2018
We spent 11 days last month with Mara Tour and her excellent staff (Ahmed, Mohamad from Cairo and Mohamad from Luxor). Thanks for the team for all excellent information and keep us all safe all the time, especially Ahmed who was on call at all times.
We learnt a lot about the ancient history of Egypt up all the way to Islamic, Christian era and modern times. We will definitely come back when they have more tombs/pyramid opens for tour! Great job guys!
Jacky H Traveled as couple. USA. Mara's Group Trip Oct. 2018. Reviewed on Google Maps 5 Nov 2018
Five Star. Egypt it could be argued is patriarchal. Mara, in a magical way, is well networked and has earned respect. The people that were part of her team were professional, well educated, groomed, polite. The trip for me was surreal, in that the culture was foreign, the ancient architecture interesting. I had booked with Mara 6 months previous and did not know what to expect leaving details in her expertise, I finish with thoughts of satisfaction.
Ted, Canada, Oct 18-28 2018. Travelled solo, 9 Night Egypt Holiday. Review Ted emailed to Mara 3 Nov 2018
Ted, Canada, Oct 18-28 2018. Travelled solo, 9 Night Egypt Holiday. Review Ted emailed to Mara 3 Nov 2018
Dear Mara,
M and I have just returned from our trip to Egypt and Jordan. I wanted to write to express our sincere thanks to you and let you know that your tour was one of the highlights of our visit.. Fatima was a delight; knowledgeable, informative, accommodating and helpful. We know we were privileged to have such a special and unique experience. Thank you, and Fatima for making this possible.
Wishing you, Fatima, and everyone in your organization our very best! Tours in Cairo
C & M, USA
Excerpt from email received from M & C on 28 Oct 2018
M and I have just returned from our trip to Egypt and Jordan. I wanted to write to express our sincere thanks to you and let you know that your tour was one of the highlights of our visit.. Fatima was a delight; knowledgeable, informative, accommodating and helpful. We know we were privileged to have such a special and unique experience. Thank you, and Fatima for making this possible.
Wishing you, Fatima, and everyone in your organization our very best! Tours in Cairo
C & M, USA
Excerpt from email received from M & C on 28 Oct 2018
Outstanding Tour of Egypt
Just back from the October Small Group tour by Mara House, in a word outstanding. As an experienced independent traveler had some concerns about doing a group tour however our group of 12, plus Ahmed (tour manager) and accompanying Egyptologists, helped make the trip.
The tour covered all the major sites and more, providing an insight into the life of past and present Egyptians. While we saw pyramids and the tombs of kings we also saw tombs of the nobles and common workers. We covered both Islamic and christian Cairo. Favorites being Saladin's Citadel and the church the holy family hid out in for 3 months.
At times it felt like we were VIP guests, getting access to sites either first (inside the great pyramid) or almost the only visitors to an area. A great tour run by great people.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor - Travelled as a couple - Mara's Group Trip October 2018. Deleted by TripAdvisor on 25/10/2018
Just back from the October Small Group tour by Mara House, in a word outstanding. As an experienced independent traveler had some concerns about doing a group tour however our group of 12, plus Ahmed (tour manager) and accompanying Egyptologists, helped make the trip.
The tour covered all the major sites and more, providing an insight into the life of past and present Egyptians. While we saw pyramids and the tombs of kings we also saw tombs of the nobles and common workers. We covered both Islamic and christian Cairo. Favorites being Saladin's Citadel and the church the holy family hid out in for 3 months.
At times it felt like we were VIP guests, getting access to sites either first (inside the great pyramid) or almost the only visitors to an area. A great tour run by great people.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor - Travelled as a couple - Mara's Group Trip October 2018. Deleted by TripAdvisor on 25/10/2018
THE ONLY WAY TO SEE EGYPT!
I have always wanted to go to Egypt. By accident I ran across Mara House while looking for another trip elsewhere. This was the best accident I have ever had! Unbelievable!
My first concern was safety. Mara put my mind at ease right away and told me it was very safe. Right she was - I NEVER once felt unsafe or the least bit uneasy. The Egyptian people are so wonderful. They are friendly and always willing to help no matter what you need. A nice place to eat, directions, or just crossing the street.
My husband and I went on an 11 day tour - This is a small group tour which started in Cairo, went to Luxor, then Aswan with a Nile cruise.
Ahmed was our tour guide/manager. He was amazing!!! Ahmed met us at the airport with a smile on his face which never left for the entire 11 days. He took us to the Steigenberger Hotel in Cairo and made sure we were checked in and our luggage was in our room.
The next day we started our amazing/unforgettable adventure. We did it all 🙂 Valley of the Kings- King Tut's Tomb, Seti Tomb; Giza - went into the great pyramid up to the King's chamber and had a camel ride, saw an ancient boat, and the sphinx.. Valley of the Queens - Nefertari Tomb ... Cairo - Sufi dance, Garbage City, Cave Church, Abdeen Palace, City of the Dead... Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan - Philae, Nubian Village, held crocodiles, went into a classroom for kindergarten; what adorable children. We saw countless temples and tombs - We went to Antiquities Museum which was amazing.
I could go on for hours talking about how wonderful this trip was and everywhere we went; but it was Mara's guide, Ahmad who made it special. We were never out of Ahmed's sight. He went out of his way to make sure our trip was something special and unforgettable - he succeeded!
There are also two Egyptologists - Mohammad and Mohammad (Mo). They had so much information on each place we visited. Both were amazing and so sweet. The three of them really made you feel like you were family. It was like you knew them for years after meeting them.
Bob and I were so comfortable at all times. I could really go on for hours telling you about how wonderful this trip is - but you have to experience it to really appreciate how great this trip can be. Don't wait - Egypt is ready for tourists and going with this tour group is the only way to go.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor - travelled as couple - Mara's Group Trip October 2018. Deleted by TripAdvisor 25.10.2018
I have always wanted to go to Egypt. By accident I ran across Mara House while looking for another trip elsewhere. This was the best accident I have ever had! Unbelievable!
My first concern was safety. Mara put my mind at ease right away and told me it was very safe. Right she was - I NEVER once felt unsafe or the least bit uneasy. The Egyptian people are so wonderful. They are friendly and always willing to help no matter what you need. A nice place to eat, directions, or just crossing the street.
My husband and I went on an 11 day tour - This is a small group tour which started in Cairo, went to Luxor, then Aswan with a Nile cruise.
Ahmed was our tour guide/manager. He was amazing!!! Ahmed met us at the airport with a smile on his face which never left for the entire 11 days. He took us to the Steigenberger Hotel in Cairo and made sure we were checked in and our luggage was in our room.
The next day we started our amazing/unforgettable adventure. We did it all 🙂 Valley of the Kings- King Tut's Tomb, Seti Tomb; Giza - went into the great pyramid up to the King's chamber and had a camel ride, saw an ancient boat, and the sphinx.. Valley of the Queens - Nefertari Tomb ... Cairo - Sufi dance, Garbage City, Cave Church, Abdeen Palace, City of the Dead... Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan - Philae, Nubian Village, held crocodiles, went into a classroom for kindergarten; what adorable children. We saw countless temples and tombs - We went to Antiquities Museum which was amazing.
I could go on for hours talking about how wonderful this trip was and everywhere we went; but it was Mara's guide, Ahmad who made it special. We were never out of Ahmed's sight. He went out of his way to make sure our trip was something special and unforgettable - he succeeded!
There are also two Egyptologists - Mohammad and Mohammad (Mo). They had so much information on each place we visited. Both were amazing and so sweet. The three of them really made you feel like you were family. It was like you knew them for years after meeting them.
Bob and I were so comfortable at all times. I could really go on for hours telling you about how wonderful this trip is - but you have to experience it to really appreciate how great this trip can be. Don't wait - Egypt is ready for tourists and going with this tour group is the only way to go.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor - travelled as couple - Mara's Group Trip October 2018. Deleted by TripAdvisor 25.10.2018
Amazing Egypt Tour for 11 days
As a first time solo traveller, I must admit I was extremely nervous, but knowing I was being part of a group helped make me at ease.
The Tour manager Ahmed was absolutely wonderful, no job was to small, his multitasking abilities are exceptional.
The 2 Tour Guides whose names are both Mohammed were in my opinion fantastic, and the knowledge they have is unbelievable. I can honestly say I think I have input overload.
To be in a group for the tour was also by far the best way to see and explore Egypt's beautiful and fascinating history. It was just so breathtakingly stunning.
Thank you very much for putting on these tours, I am truly grateful. I now have wonderful memories of a country that's been on my bucket list my whole life.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor - Traveled solo. October 2018 - 11 nights Mara's Group Tour. Deleted by TripAdvisor 25.10.2018
As a first time solo traveller, I must admit I was extremely nervous, but knowing I was being part of a group helped make me at ease.
The Tour manager Ahmed was absolutely wonderful, no job was to small, his multitasking abilities are exceptional.
The 2 Tour Guides whose names are both Mohammed were in my opinion fantastic, and the knowledge they have is unbelievable. I can honestly say I think I have input overload.
To be in a group for the tour was also by far the best way to see and explore Egypt's beautiful and fascinating history. It was just so breathtakingly stunning.
Thank you very much for putting on these tours, I am truly grateful. I now have wonderful memories of a country that's been on my bucket list my whole life.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor - Traveled solo. October 2018 - 11 nights Mara's Group Tour. Deleted by TripAdvisor 25.10.2018
Great value, fantastic staff.
We recently completed a large group trip. Our group Manager Ahmed is very organized and super easy to communicate with. Both Egyptologists Mohammad A. and Mohammad H. were very knowledgeable and always willing to answer our questions and appeared to really enjoy their work. We had excellent drivers and saw so many more sites then expected and more then were promised. This trip is great for history buffs and the value you get for money spent is amazing. Egyptian culture, particularly the tipping and shopping were hard to get used to but Ahmed was very patient with us and gave us guidance whenever needed.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor - Traveled as a couple October 2018 - 11 Nights - Mara's Group Trip. Deleted by TripAdvisor 25.10.2018
We recently completed a large group trip. Our group Manager Ahmed is very organized and super easy to communicate with. Both Egyptologists Mohammad A. and Mohammad H. were very knowledgeable and always willing to answer our questions and appeared to really enjoy their work. We had excellent drivers and saw so many more sites then expected and more then were promised. This trip is great for history buffs and the value you get for money spent is amazing. Egyptian culture, particularly the tipping and shopping were hard to get used to but Ahmed was very patient with us and gave us guidance whenever needed.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor - Traveled as a couple October 2018 - 11 Nights - Mara's Group Trip. Deleted by TripAdvisor 25.10.2018
See More
- Mara House Luxor – your home away from home
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Photos of Our Suites – Take a look at the rooms you’ll call home.
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Mara House Guest Gallery – Faces and memories from over the years.
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Salahadeen Restaurant & Feast – The story behind our restaurant and its exclusive menu.
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(Coming Soon: Photo Journal of Mara House – from the first brick to today.)