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.
As close as possible to Egyptian life
"First of all I'd like to thank Mara for keeping us updated re events in Egypt. If it wasn't for her updates we would've missed on the most beautiful experience! We absolutely loved our stay and Luxor was the place where we started feeling truly relaxed and safe. It all can be attributed to the setup, location and staff of Mara House.
At first we were disappointed to come to Luxor to find out that Mara herself was in Ireland, but this disappointment lasted only a few minutes. The guys who were in charge of the hotel, Azez and Amr, were incredibly helpful, thoughtful, professional, polite, friendly. I guess you can see that we liked them 🙂 Also Mara has a very detail guide to the city, customs, etc that was invaluable to us. So her absence wasn't a problem after all.
The rooms are so tastefully decorated in the Egyptian manner, they are spacious, immaculately clean and comfortable. The showers were clean and spacious too, we read that some people didn't like the setup (wet rooms), but as we knew what to expect it was no issue at all.
I am a light sleeper, so mullahs were waking me up with their prayer calls, but otherwise it was nice and quiet.
We loved that the house is in the midst of an Egyptian suburb, we chose to walk to the center and back every day and enjoyed the interactions with the local people. We even ventured into eating from streets stalls, etc, it was a great experience that we would've missed if we stayed elsewhere.
We took advantage of tours that Mara facilitates. Enjoyed the trip to Abydos and Dendara. Also saw a sunrise from a hot air balloon.
We are extremely happy with the stay, not only we enjoyed Luxor, but we became totally relaxed and started enjoying our trip to the full extend. Thanks Mara, Azez and Amr"
"First of all I'd like to thank Mara for keeping us updated re events in Egypt. If it wasn't for her updates we would've missed on the most beautiful experience! We absolutely loved our stay and Luxor was the place where we started feeling truly relaxed and safe. It all can be attributed to the setup, location and staff of Mara House.
At first we were disappointed to come to Luxor to find out that Mara herself was in Ireland, but this disappointment lasted only a few minutes. The guys who were in charge of the hotel, Azez and Amr, were incredibly helpful, thoughtful, professional, polite, friendly. I guess you can see that we liked them 🙂 Also Mara has a very detail guide to the city, customs, etc that was invaluable to us. So her absence wasn't a problem after all.
The rooms are so tastefully decorated in the Egyptian manner, they are spacious, immaculately clean and comfortable. The showers were clean and spacious too, we read that some people didn't like the setup (wet rooms), but as we knew what to expect it was no issue at all.
I am a light sleeper, so mullahs were waking me up with their prayer calls, but otherwise it was nice and quiet.
We loved that the house is in the midst of an Egyptian suburb, we chose to walk to the center and back every day and enjoyed the interactions with the local people. We even ventured into eating from streets stalls, etc, it was a great experience that we would've missed if we stayed elsewhere.
We took advantage of tours that Mara facilitates. Enjoyed the trip to Abydos and Dendara. Also saw a sunrise from a hot air balloon.
We are extremely happy with the stay, not only we enjoyed Luxor, but we became totally relaxed and started enjoying our trip to the full extend. Thanks Mara, Azez and Amr"
a change from faceless hotels
"This is a small and very welcoming hotel in a very down to earth part of luxor - a working class area with no other tourists around - the people around were very friendly and there are several interesting workshops and other local businesses. The hotel staff are very helpful and efficient and the owner Mara is exceptionally helpful.
It is a fair walk to local restaurants - luxor temple is 10-15 minutes on foot - but despite this I was very happy with the location given the total lack of touts and hassle and the pleasant rooms."
"This is a small and very welcoming hotel in a very down to earth part of luxor - a working class area with no other tourists around - the people around were very friendly and there are several interesting workshops and other local businesses. The hotel staff are very helpful and efficient and the owner Mara is exceptionally helpful.
It is a fair walk to local restaurants - luxor temple is 10-15 minutes on foot - but despite this I was very happy with the location given the total lack of touts and hassle and the pleasant rooms."
Unique experience in Luxor
"We stayed at Mara House in January, 2011 with our two sons. Mara was able to provide us with the local knowledge that enabled us to maximise our visit. She always had time to talk to us and share her extensive knowledge of the region. Her staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful.
Located over the railway line and away from the Nile, it is about a 10 minute walk to central Luxor. Once you get your bearings, it is easy to find. You are living away from the majority of tourists and you have a clear sense of living among the locals. We recommend Mara's taxi services, which were charged at a fixed price. We would highly recommend Mara House. As a family, we thoroughly enjoyed our Luxor experience."
"We stayed at Mara House in January, 2011 with our two sons. Mara was able to provide us with the local knowledge that enabled us to maximise our visit. She always had time to talk to us and share her extensive knowledge of the region. Her staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful.
Located over the railway line and away from the Nile, it is about a 10 minute walk to central Luxor. Once you get your bearings, it is easy to find. You are living away from the majority of tourists and you have a clear sense of living among the locals. We recommend Mara's taxi services, which were charged at a fixed price. We would highly recommend Mara House. As a family, we thoroughly enjoyed our Luxor experience."
Home away from home in Luxor, or even the whole Egypt
"Stay at Mara house with Mara was absolutely awesome!!! It was located in a residential area, so you got see a slice of local life. and very good location, 10 minutes walking distance to train station.
Mara who runs Mara house was absolutely fantastic. It's her that actually gave us the awesome stay in luxor. She provided her guests detailed information regarding direction. And she trained her staff very well.
The room was spacious and charming, with middle eastern decor. And I love the sofabed that you could read book in a comfy way. Unfortunately she closed her restaurant but we were fortunately enough to try her cooking. It was the best meal I had in Egypt!!! The mutton soup and onion soup were soOooo delicious, just love them so much!!! However, breakfast was quite simple.
And we also visit abydos and dendera as per suggested by Mara. The experience was priceless. A knowledgable Egyptologist with very beautiful temple.
And on the last night, we forgot that we asked Mara to organise a taxi for us to train station and we actually had another. Yet, she still didn't blame us.
Anyway, there are only 8-10 rooms available, so if you want to stay here, book it quick before it get booked out. And you'll definitely get a unique but absolutely awesome stay!!! And Mara, a big hug to you!!! We miss your hospitality and you!!!"
"Stay at Mara house with Mara was absolutely awesome!!! It was located in a residential area, so you got see a slice of local life. and very good location, 10 minutes walking distance to train station.
Mara who runs Mara house was absolutely fantastic. It's her that actually gave us the awesome stay in luxor. She provided her guests detailed information regarding direction. And she trained her staff very well.
The room was spacious and charming, with middle eastern decor. And I love the sofabed that you could read book in a comfy way. Unfortunately she closed her restaurant but we were fortunately enough to try her cooking. It was the best meal I had in Egypt!!! The mutton soup and onion soup were soOooo delicious, just love them so much!!! However, breakfast was quite simple.
And we also visit abydos and dendera as per suggested by Mara. The experience was priceless. A knowledgable Egyptologist with very beautiful temple.
And on the last night, we forgot that we asked Mara to organise a taxi for us to train station and we actually had another. Yet, she still didn't blame us.
Anyway, there are only 8-10 rooms available, so if you want to stay here, book it quick before it get booked out. And you'll definitely get a unique but absolutely awesome stay!!! And Mara, a big hug to you!!! We miss your hospitality and you!!!"
Best hotel in luxor
"Mara house was an amazing find for my wife and I, we both thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. We took tours to Abydos & Dendra as well as the west bank, on both occasions the tour guide was excellent as well as the tour bus and lunches. The staff were very attentive and friendly and the room was spacious, tastefully decorated and meticulously clean. I would recommend this hotel to anyone planning a trip to Luxor. Staying at Mara house made our trip even more special."
"Mara house was an amazing find for my wife and I, we both thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. We took tours to Abydos & Dendra as well as the west bank, on both occasions the tour guide was excellent as well as the tour bus and lunches. The staff were very attentive and friendly and the room was spacious, tastefully decorated and meticulously clean. I would recommend this hotel to anyone planning a trip to Luxor. Staying at Mara house made our trip even more special."
Superb hotel with an excellent host
"We travelled through Egypt as part of our honeymoon. This is the first time I have ever written on this website and was moved to do so by my experience at Mara House. The hotel was beautifully furbished and immaculately kept. The rooms are big, spacious and traditionally furnished. Breakfast was good and was delivered to the room. Nothing was too much trouble. Mara offered help in organising our trips and recommended bars/restaurants to visit. All in all, we loved every minute and would recommend the hotel to anyone."
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"We travelled through Egypt as part of our honeymoon. This is the first time I have ever written on this website and was moved to do so by my experience at Mara House. The hotel was beautifully furbished and immaculately kept. The rooms are big, spacious and traditionally furnished. Breakfast was good and was delivered to the room. Nothing was too much trouble. Mara offered help in organising our trips and recommended bars/restaurants to visit. All in all, we loved every minute and would recommend the hotel to anyone."
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Amazing experience at Mara House
"Luxor was empty at the time of our stay, but I have a feeling that treating the customers as welcome guests is standard at Mara House. The staff was incredibly friendly and was very attentive to our every need. Incredibly helpful with transport around Luxor, though it is only about a 10 minute walk to the Nile. The rooms are clean and very tastefully decorated. The water is hot and the pressure is excellent. Free tea and coffee is pretty standard in most lodging in Egypt but I never get sick of it. The tours arranged through Mara House were informative and comfortable, as well as reasonably priced. I would highly recommend Mara House to anyone traveling to the area. We had a wonderful time in and around Luxor. The lack of tourists made us feel as though we were at Disney World and had the opportunity to skip to the front of every line. Don't be worried about visiting Egypt - this is the perfect time!"
"Luxor was empty at the time of our stay, but I have a feeling that treating the customers as welcome guests is standard at Mara House. The staff was incredibly friendly and was very attentive to our every need. Incredibly helpful with transport around Luxor, though it is only about a 10 minute walk to the Nile. The rooms are clean and very tastefully decorated. The water is hot and the pressure is excellent. Free tea and coffee is pretty standard in most lodging in Egypt but I never get sick of it. The tours arranged through Mara House were informative and comfortable, as well as reasonably priced. I would highly recommend Mara House to anyone traveling to the area. We had a wonderful time in and around Luxor. The lack of tourists made us feel as though we were at Disney World and had the opportunity to skip to the front of every line. Don't be worried about visiting Egypt - this is the perfect time!"
Great room and helpful staff
"We travelled to Egypt in such a special perild (Jan 30 - Feb 7, 2011). We're happy to be Mara's only guest during our stay in Luxor. Due to the travel alert, all the guests cancelled their bookings except us.
We have a rather luxury room with two bed rooms and a spacious living room with dining and cooking area. The room is very clean and we love the towel with apple smell. The room is especially good for those who travel with kids and big families.
Mara and her staff are very helpful during our stay in Luxor. Abydos and Dendara temple are the most impressive tempel for our trip. Thanks to Mara who recommend them and arrange the trip for us. Mara also provids many useful travel tips in Egypt which is very helpful during sightseeing and bargain with locals.
Although the hotel locates a little bit far away from the center of Luxor, it is in a local neighbourhood. You can enjoy local children say hello and shake hands with you when going into / out the hotel. It takes about 15 - 20 minutes walk to the Luxor temple across the Luxor train station. I should say walking in the city can help us enjoy the city more. We really enjoy friendly Egyptians who are always smile and happy to say hello to us.
We love Egypt and will surely come back again. Mara House will be our first choice when we come back."
"We travelled to Egypt in such a special perild (Jan 30 - Feb 7, 2011). We're happy to be Mara's only guest during our stay in Luxor. Due to the travel alert, all the guests cancelled their bookings except us.
We have a rather luxury room with two bed rooms and a spacious living room with dining and cooking area. The room is very clean and we love the towel with apple smell. The room is especially good for those who travel with kids and big families.
Mara and her staff are very helpful during our stay in Luxor. Abydos and Dendara temple are the most impressive tempel for our trip. Thanks to Mara who recommend them and arrange the trip for us. Mara also provids many useful travel tips in Egypt which is very helpful during sightseeing and bargain with locals.
Although the hotel locates a little bit far away from the center of Luxor, it is in a local neighbourhood. You can enjoy local children say hello and shake hands with you when going into / out the hotel. It takes about 15 - 20 minutes walk to the Luxor temple across the Luxor train station. I should say walking in the city can help us enjoy the city more. We really enjoy friendly Egyptians who are always smile and happy to say hello to us.
We love Egypt and will surely come back again. Mara House will be our first choice when we come back."
Caring, helpful, and knowledgeable Mara
"My father and I stayed at Mara at during the worst time in recent Egypt history: the beginning of the popular revolt against the Mubarak regime. The streets were not always safe but Mara was able to recommend the best activities for us during our stay. With her contacts, she knew when the best time for sightseeing was, and when was the best time to go to town to enjoy the souk and sample local cuisine. Her staff is very kind, friendly and exceptionally for Egypt: very efficient.
Our trip was cut short due to political unrest but my father and I already plan our trip back. Mara House will be our first choice when we will be back in Luxor."
"My father and I stayed at Mara at during the worst time in recent Egypt history: the beginning of the popular revolt against the Mubarak regime. The streets were not always safe but Mara was able to recommend the best activities for us during our stay. With her contacts, she knew when the best time for sightseeing was, and when was the best time to go to town to enjoy the souk and sample local cuisine. Her staff is very kind, friendly and exceptionally for Egypt: very efficient.
Our trip was cut short due to political unrest but my father and I already plan our trip back. Mara House will be our first choice when we will be back in Luxor."
The best bet for the Independent Traveller in Luxor
"Mara's House is a great choice in Luxor. My husband and I just returned from a 21 day holiday in Egypt (during the riots too). I would unhesitatingly recommend Mara's House. We found Luxor to be one of the most expensive cities in Egypt, and Mara's is a great value.
The rooms are spotless and large, and tastefully decorated. The location is unexpectedly convenient, even though it is on the "backside" of the train station and city center. This is a good thing, too, as Luxor is one of the most intense tourist sites in Egypt.
Mara's pricing is consistently fair, and her staff and Egyptologists very good. You could probably haggle a better deal somewhere, but you also might get surprised by some fee or whatever that wasn't included. Plus Mara has a no tip policy til checkout. It's a real relief for the independent traveller to enjoy a reprieve from the constant tips and haggling!
As to Egypt as tourist destination generally, given the recent riots: Go as soon as you can!! We just left this past Friday February 4, and can honestly say we were treated wonderfully, and experienced ABSOLUTELY NO HOSTILITY whatsoever. This is not surprising though, as tourism has been a major Egyptian industry for 2500 years!
I wish Egyptians the best of luck in their political struggles BUT speaking strictly as a tourist: Words cannot describe the luck of a lifetime to have had Blue Lagoon, St. Catherine's Monastery and Mt. Sinai all to ourselves. Go, go as soon as you can to experience this beautiful country in relative solitude...."
"Mara's House is a great choice in Luxor. My husband and I just returned from a 21 day holiday in Egypt (during the riots too). I would unhesitatingly recommend Mara's House. We found Luxor to be one of the most expensive cities in Egypt, and Mara's is a great value.
The rooms are spotless and large, and tastefully decorated. The location is unexpectedly convenient, even though it is on the "backside" of the train station and city center. This is a good thing, too, as Luxor is one of the most intense tourist sites in Egypt.
Mara's pricing is consistently fair, and her staff and Egyptologists very good. You could probably haggle a better deal somewhere, but you also might get surprised by some fee or whatever that wasn't included. Plus Mara has a no tip policy til checkout. It's a real relief for the independent traveller to enjoy a reprieve from the constant tips and haggling!
As to Egypt as tourist destination generally, given the recent riots: Go as soon as you can!! We just left this past Friday February 4, and can honestly say we were treated wonderfully, and experienced ABSOLUTELY NO HOSTILITY whatsoever. This is not surprising though, as tourism has been a major Egyptian industry for 2500 years!
I wish Egyptians the best of luck in their political struggles BUT speaking strictly as a tourist: Words cannot describe the luck of a lifetime to have had Blue Lagoon, St. Catherine's Monastery and Mt. Sinai all to ourselves. Go, go as soon as you can to experience this beautiful country in relative solitude...."
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.)