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.
What a treasure in Luxor
"Martin and I stayed for 2 nights at Mara House in early October. We also took Mara's recommendation and took the trips to Abydos & Dedendra as well as West Bank.
From room booking to trip organisation, Mara has been attentive, flexible and thoughtful in giving us all types of advices. She was there greeting us when we arrived, and we had pleasant evening chats during our stay. She created a very comfortable and personal style of lodging and made sure we felt very welcomed during our stay. Both trips are well-organised and the tour guide extremely informative.
We enjoyed our stay very much and can't recommend this hotel more. We will definitely go back again and stay with Mara again, when the tombs of Seti I, Ramses II and Nafertari open in the future :)"
"Martin and I stayed for 2 nights at Mara House in early October. We also took Mara's recommendation and took the trips to Abydos & Dedendra as well as West Bank.
From room booking to trip organisation, Mara has been attentive, flexible and thoughtful in giving us all types of advices. She was there greeting us when we arrived, and we had pleasant evening chats during our stay. She created a very comfortable and personal style of lodging and made sure we felt very welcomed during our stay. Both trips are well-organised and the tour guide extremely informative.
We enjoyed our stay very much and can't recommend this hotel more. We will definitely go back again and stay with Mara again, when the tombs of Seti I, Ramses II and Nafertari open in the future :)"
We booked this hotel based on Tripadvisor feedback. If you are going to Luxor so should you. Great place and great owner
"We booked this hotel after reading lots of reviews on Tripadvisor - and they were all pretty much right. The suites are very roomy and comfortable, air conditioning in bedroom was good.
And the minibar was a delight - the first time I have ever bought things in this way and not felt ripped off.
Plenty to eat for breakfast - and very varied, changed each day. We would suggest eating in your room rather than the roof. More relaxing and less flies.
Sadly Mara's restaurant wasn't open (she hopes to open in January once she has a licence), but she did cook one night. If you get a chance to eat an egyptian meal - grab it. we did, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Some earlier feedback has commented on the location. Best thing we can suggest is look at a map before you book. Its about 10 minutes walk behind the station - through an shopping, residential, working area. Fascinating, and always safe. We coped in over 40 degree heat, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and talking to the children all of whom wanted to say hello.
The staff ('Mara's boys') were always smiling, always helpful, and always attentive. If you stay there, they deserve a large tip when you leave!
And finally Mara. Earlier reviews made her sound larger than life, and perhaps she was a little. We'll leave her to explain her love of egypt and egyptology to you - suffice to say that she was there to greet us warmly when we arrived, answered all our questions, was full of useful information, and always had a cup of tea to offer you when you arrived back at the hotel. On her advice we booked the Abydos and Dendara trip, and a car/driver for the day to see the Valley of the Kings and other West Bank sites. Both good value - no hastle, no unnecessary stops at the driver's cousin's shop etc.
All those earlier reviews were pretty accurate. we can't all be wrong. If you are going to Luxor stay at the Mara House - if we go again, we will."
"We booked this hotel after reading lots of reviews on Tripadvisor - and they were all pretty much right. The suites are very roomy and comfortable, air conditioning in bedroom was good.
And the minibar was a delight - the first time I have ever bought things in this way and not felt ripped off.
Plenty to eat for breakfast - and very varied, changed each day. We would suggest eating in your room rather than the roof. More relaxing and less flies.
Sadly Mara's restaurant wasn't open (she hopes to open in January once she has a licence), but she did cook one night. If you get a chance to eat an egyptian meal - grab it. we did, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Some earlier feedback has commented on the location. Best thing we can suggest is look at a map before you book. Its about 10 minutes walk behind the station - through an shopping, residential, working area. Fascinating, and always safe. We coped in over 40 degree heat, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and talking to the children all of whom wanted to say hello.
The staff ('Mara's boys') were always smiling, always helpful, and always attentive. If you stay there, they deserve a large tip when you leave!
And finally Mara. Earlier reviews made her sound larger than life, and perhaps she was a little. We'll leave her to explain her love of egypt and egyptology to you - suffice to say that she was there to greet us warmly when we arrived, answered all our questions, was full of useful information, and always had a cup of tea to offer you when you arrived back at the hotel. On her advice we booked the Abydos and Dendara trip, and a car/driver for the day to see the Valley of the Kings and other West Bank sites. Both good value - no hastle, no unnecessary stops at the driver's cousin's shop etc.
All those earlier reviews were pretty accurate. we can't all be wrong. If you are going to Luxor stay at the Mara House - if we go again, we will."
Great spot, extremely welcoming. Mara is a star
"The hotel is spotlessly clean and very nicely furnished, but the real benefit of staying here is the wonderful welcome from Mara and her priceless insights into making the most of your trip to Luxor. I did the West Bank and Abyndos & Dendara tours from the hotel and they were both well worth the money - great guide and driver. And if they are doing dinner when you stay, definitely book yourself in - excellent Egyptian meal, best food I had in the country."
"The hotel is spotlessly clean and very nicely furnished, but the real benefit of staying here is the wonderful welcome from Mara and her priceless insights into making the most of your trip to Luxor. I did the West Bank and Abyndos & Dendara tours from the hotel and they were both well worth the money - great guide and driver. And if they are doing dinner when you stay, definitely book yourself in - excellent Egyptian meal, best food I had in the country."
Mara can customize your visit to Luxor as good if not better than any tour operator
"From the minute we walked in the door we were made feel extremely welcome. Mara had a welcome package which detailed the going rates for different activities and also how much to tip which was extremely helpful. If you want she can plan your stay making sure you see all the essential sights in and around Luxor. Couldn't rate her help and organization highly enough."
"From the minute we walked in the door we were made feel extremely welcome. Mara had a welcome package which detailed the going rates for different activities and also how much to tip which was extremely helpful. If you want she can plan your stay making sure you see all the essential sights in and around Luxor. Couldn't rate her help and organization highly enough."
Clean, Safe, Great Service & Great Value
"Mara herself makes her inn quite welcoming. In an unfamiliar city it's always a plus when the staff goes out of their way to make your stay comfortable and convenient.
Mara House is in a quiet part of town, which in Luxor is a rarity. A quick walk to the train station, Luxor Temple, restaurants & tea shops - it's like being in the middle of town without all the hassle.
As far as the rooms are concerned, they are all quite large and spotless. Powerful A/C and a comfortable bed in a nicely decorated room. Really no complaints. The room rate was enough to have me designate this spot as a 10/10."
"Mara herself makes her inn quite welcoming. In an unfamiliar city it's always a plus when the staff goes out of their way to make your stay comfortable and convenient.
Mara House is in a quiet part of town, which in Luxor is a rarity. A quick walk to the train station, Luxor Temple, restaurants & tea shops - it's like being in the middle of town without all the hassle.
As far as the rooms are concerned, they are all quite large and spotless. Powerful A/C and a comfortable bed in a nicely decorated room. Really no complaints. The room rate was enough to have me designate this spot as a 10/10."
a pleasant change from big hotels
"Mara's House is a bit off the beaten track but makes a pleasant change from big corporate hotel chains . Each room is actually a mini appartment- living room and separate bedroom - with tasteful simple decorations in keeping with Egypt. A small kitchenette and big fridge are also handy. The one thing not really up with the rest is the shower room/toilet which is basic to say the least and is on Mara's to do list!
The main benefit of staying with Mara, apart from the more personalised feel, is that she has a good network of contacts so tours , taxis and things like that can be arranged with confidence. Also, she sells beer , water and snacks at their Egyptian prices rather than the ludicrous multiples of the bigger hotels.
Mara , being of Irish origin, is also able to have long discussions with you about the wonders of Egypt and their links with other parts of Western Europe - good over a nice cup of mint tea or a beer."
"Mara's House is a bit off the beaten track but makes a pleasant change from big corporate hotel chains . Each room is actually a mini appartment- living room and separate bedroom - with tasteful simple decorations in keeping with Egypt. A small kitchenette and big fridge are also handy. The one thing not really up with the rest is the shower room/toilet which is basic to say the least and is on Mara's to do list!
The main benefit of staying with Mara, apart from the more personalised feel, is that she has a good network of contacts so tours , taxis and things like that can be arranged with confidence. Also, she sells beer , water and snacks at their Egyptian prices rather than the ludicrous multiples of the bigger hotels.
Mara , being of Irish origin, is also able to have long discussions with you about the wonders of Egypt and their links with other parts of Western Europe - good over a nice cup of mint tea or a beer."
Lovely host, fantastic service, small and quiet, off the beaten path.
"Mara House is a wonderful find in Luxor, and Mara herself is a gem. It's a simple B&B off the beaten path in a "suburb" of the main town. If you are looking for a big hotel with restaurants, night clubs, etc then move on...this place is not for you.
There are only about nine rooms there, all wonderfully appointed in Egyptian style. My wife and I travelled there for 2 days in July with our 5 and 2 year old boys. We stayed in a suite with a common living room, kitchen, and bathroom. We had two bedrooms, each of which was air conditioned (the main room is not). The fridge is stocked with water, beer, wine, and treats. Breakfast was served each day in our room and was simple and wonderful (fresh breads, yogurt, juice, coffee, fruit). More than enough to get you through to the afternoon. The restaurant was not open during our stay so I cannot comment on it (although I wish I could say that I had one of Mara's home cooked meals because they are supposed to be wonderful).
It is off the beaten path somewhat which may be intimidating for some people. However, with Mara's directions and guidance we had no problems whatsoever. We felt very safe with our kids walking to and from Mara's place day and night. Mara also will arrange any tours that you want. We had her arrange hotel transport, and a daily driver to see the sights. While you can certainly do it a little cheaper than her charge, we did it for convenience mostly because we were travelling with our little ones. And the guides that we got were great.
Mara herself is a treat! She will do everything she can to make your stay enjoyable. She makes you feel very welcome, and after a very short time you feel much more like you're visiting an old friend rather than just staying in a hotel. I would recommend Mara House Luxor unreservedly to any and all travellers!
By the way, try to avoid Luxor in July, especially with kids...it is really, really hot!"
"Mara House is a wonderful find in Luxor, and Mara herself is a gem. It's a simple B&B off the beaten path in a "suburb" of the main town. If you are looking for a big hotel with restaurants, night clubs, etc then move on...this place is not for you.
There are only about nine rooms there, all wonderfully appointed in Egyptian style. My wife and I travelled there for 2 days in July with our 5 and 2 year old boys. We stayed in a suite with a common living room, kitchen, and bathroom. We had two bedrooms, each of which was air conditioned (the main room is not). The fridge is stocked with water, beer, wine, and treats. Breakfast was served each day in our room and was simple and wonderful (fresh breads, yogurt, juice, coffee, fruit). More than enough to get you through to the afternoon. The restaurant was not open during our stay so I cannot comment on it (although I wish I could say that I had one of Mara's home cooked meals because they are supposed to be wonderful).
It is off the beaten path somewhat which may be intimidating for some people. However, with Mara's directions and guidance we had no problems whatsoever. We felt very safe with our kids walking to and from Mara's place day and night. Mara also will arrange any tours that you want. We had her arrange hotel transport, and a daily driver to see the sights. While you can certainly do it a little cheaper than her charge, we did it for convenience mostly because we were travelling with our little ones. And the guides that we got were great.
Mara herself is a treat! She will do everything she can to make your stay enjoyable. She makes you feel very welcome, and after a very short time you feel much more like you're visiting an old friend rather than just staying in a hotel. I would recommend Mara House Luxor unreservedly to any and all travellers!
By the way, try to avoid Luxor in July, especially with kids...it is really, really hot!"
Mara's House is without a doubt the best place to stay in Luxor
"Mara's house is one of the best places we have ever stayed in hour history of travels. Generally a place to stay is just that - a place to drop your gear and spend the night. Mara's House is very different - it was part of our experience. It is a unique place with a unique caretaker that really goes out of her way to make your visit memorable. Mara is part historian, part host, part chef, part tour guide and part trip plannner. If you really want to experience Egypt and Luxor in a way that is truly memorable, take our advice and stay at Mara's House - you will not be disappointed."
"Mara's house is one of the best places we have ever stayed in hour history of travels. Generally a place to stay is just that - a place to drop your gear and spend the night. Mara's House is very different - it was part of our experience. It is a unique place with a unique caretaker that really goes out of her way to make your visit memorable. Mara is part historian, part host, part chef, part tour guide and part trip plannner. If you really want to experience Egypt and Luxor in a way that is truly memorable, take our advice and stay at Mara's House - you will not be disappointed."
Mara's House what a Gem
"Mara’s House: we stayed for 3 days from the 17th until 19th October 2010 during which time we were treated to the up most care and hospitality by Mara and her staff who organised trips with an Egyptologist to the tombs etc, Mara’s house is a hidden gem within Luxor with spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated accommodation and thankfully a well stocked mini-bar, we were also treated to a special meal cooked by Mara’s chef and served in our room this was absolutely delicious honestly I can not recommend Mara’s enough."
My stay at Mara House Luxor
"I have just returned from an amazing holiday in Egypt. I stayed at Mara House in Luxor for two nights and I must say it was a wonderful place to stay (a home away from home). Mara and her staff were so helpful and accommodating she allowed us early check in, late check out, complimentary tea/coffee, loads of advice/guidance on how to get the best from our holiday.
If we needed a taxi it was called immediately (at no extra charge) all these little things made out holiday extra special. I could see that Mara House is not just another hotel in Luxor, It is a meeting place for travellers and advice centre and above all a sanctuary away from all the noise and madness which is part of Egypt.
Finally, I just can't wait to return and want to thank Mara and her staff for making our holiday a wonderful experience to treasure in the long winter ahead."
"I have just returned from an amazing holiday in Egypt. I stayed at Mara House in Luxor for two nights and I must say it was a wonderful place to stay (a home away from home). Mara and her staff were so helpful and accommodating she allowed us early check in, late check out, complimentary tea/coffee, loads of advice/guidance on how to get the best from our holiday.
If we needed a taxi it was called immediately (at no extra charge) all these little things made out holiday extra special. I could see that Mara House is not just another hotel in Luxor, It is a meeting place for travellers and advice centre and above all a sanctuary away from all the noise and madness which is part of Egypt.
Finally, I just can't wait to return and want to thank Mara and her staff for making our holiday a wonderful experience to treasure in the long winter ahead."
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.)