I have finally found a way to bring reviews and comments about Mara House and our Salahadeen Restaurant together within my own website. Sadly, I have been unable to find many about the Salahadeen because it has been open only to Mara House guests for some years now and Tripadvisor has deleted the reviews. The reviews here are gathered from sources such as Tripadvisor, Google Maps, guest blogs, letters from guests etc etc. I hope they give you a feeling for what Mara House and ourselves are all about. Enjoy – Mara
NOTE 8 Oct 2023. – you will find the latest guest comments for now at the end of the Mara House Page here
459 entries.
We were taken care of from the moment we arrived at the airport through our departure after 10 days in Egypt. I can't say enough about the accommodation, food, tour guides, tour managers and the quality of our itinerary. We saw the best of the best and the timing was designed to minimize waits. Just one example was arriving at the great pyramids in Giza before the tour busses arrived so that we were actually the only ones in the great pyramid at the time. Mara usually has more guests but as it turned out we were the only ones on our tour. I am willing to bet that any other tour company would have cancelled us. Because every guide, driver, tour coordinator we had was Egyptian, we feel we had a more authentic experience than we would have with a North American Company. Egypt itself was awesome, and even better with Mara and her fabulous local staff.
Traveled as couple Sept 2019. Reviewed on Tripadvisor May 2020. Booked the Egypt 9 Nights Package
Traveled as couple Sept 2019. Reviewed on Tripadvisor May 2020. Booked the Egypt 9 Nights Package
Being a solo traveler to a country such as Egypt can be a little daunting. Thankfully I found Mara House early in the planning stages of my trip. I found Mara's blog posts invaluable - I read them all, some of them several times! I ended up booking the 9 night Egypt tour with an extra night in Cairo so I could add on a day trip to Alexandria.
I didn't actually have much communication with Mara herself - in fact I only got my actual itinerary when I emailed Mara the day before I left on my trip to ask for it, and she wasn't in Luxor when I arrived. However all her guides were fabulous! Ahmed was in constant contact making sure my trip was running smoothly. Nothing was too much trouble for him. A BIG thanks to Ahmed for letting me borrow his USB charger for my phone while I was in Cairo!!
Suzie and our driver in Cairo were both incredible. Thank you for taking us to eat at local places, I enjoyed the koshari immensely 🙂 Driving around Garbage city was a fun experience for me!
Mohamed took us to Alexandria for the day and was a terrific guide. So full of knowledge and very easy to get along with.
Once arriving at Mara House in Luxor, Amr took great care of us and fed us until I was fit to burst! The food was sensational - I only wish I could've eaten more. Mara House itself is just like staying in someones home. The suite I had was massive, with my own balcony, sitting room and extra large bedroom. I appreciated the suburban location so I could get a real feel for the way regular Egyptians live, however I did miss being able to easily take a stroll along the Nile - it's a good 20-30 minute walk to the river so wasn't very convenient to take an evening wander. I also missed small things such as having instant hot water and amenities such as shampoo etc available in the room.
Mohamed was our guide for our entire time in Luxor and on the cruise. You couldn't ask for a better person to accompany you on the tour. Full of interesting facts and stories. I don't think there was one question I had that he didn't know the answer for. I felt very lucky to have him during my time there!
I had such an amazing time in Egypt I'm already planning my return, this time bringing a bunch of my family members with me! I will definitely be booking with Mara House again! Thank you for making my trip to Egypt so special.
Reviewed on Google Maps 6 March 2020 - booked Egypt Holidays 9 Nights Package
I didn't actually have much communication with Mara herself - in fact I only got my actual itinerary when I emailed Mara the day before I left on my trip to ask for it, and she wasn't in Luxor when I arrived. However all her guides were fabulous! Ahmed was in constant contact making sure my trip was running smoothly. Nothing was too much trouble for him. A BIG thanks to Ahmed for letting me borrow his USB charger for my phone while I was in Cairo!!
Suzie and our driver in Cairo were both incredible. Thank you for taking us to eat at local places, I enjoyed the koshari immensely 🙂 Driving around Garbage city was a fun experience for me!
Mohamed took us to Alexandria for the day and was a terrific guide. So full of knowledge and very easy to get along with.
Once arriving at Mara House in Luxor, Amr took great care of us and fed us until I was fit to burst! The food was sensational - I only wish I could've eaten more. Mara House itself is just like staying in someones home. The suite I had was massive, with my own balcony, sitting room and extra large bedroom. I appreciated the suburban location so I could get a real feel for the way regular Egyptians live, however I did miss being able to easily take a stroll along the Nile - it's a good 20-30 minute walk to the river so wasn't very convenient to take an evening wander. I also missed small things such as having instant hot water and amenities such as shampoo etc available in the room.
Mohamed was our guide for our entire time in Luxor and on the cruise. You couldn't ask for a better person to accompany you on the tour. Full of interesting facts and stories. I don't think there was one question I had that he didn't know the answer for. I felt very lucky to have him during my time there!
I had such an amazing time in Egypt I'm already planning my return, this time bringing a bunch of my family members with me! I will definitely be booking with Mara House again! Thank you for making my trip to Egypt so special.
Reviewed on Google Maps 6 March 2020 - booked Egypt Holidays 9 Nights Package
I’ve wanted to visit Egypt since before I can remember, but everyone I’ve known who’s been there has told me that due to the hassle from the touts and the difficulties of getting around Cairo and the country, you really need to take a guided tour. I’ve always traveled on my own, and I’d never been part of a tour group for longer than a day trip, so that worried me. But last year I got serious about going, and while researching, stumbled across Mara House, which turned out to have the best itinerary of any tour I’d found. And after contacting Mara, I was amazed to find out it also had the best price, and her blog had answers to every question I had about traveling in Egypt, and many I didn’t know I had.
So this month I took the 9-night Egypt tour package, and also did the optional tours of Coptic Cairo, the day trip to Alexandria, and Abu Simbel. And the whole experience was even better than I’d dreamed, seeing everything I ever wanted to see with guides whose stories and explanations made everything more memorable. My thanks to Ayman who smoothed my arrival in Cairo; Suzy who took us to Coptic Cairo, Giza, and the Egyptian Museum; Mohammed who took us to Alexandria; and Mohammed who guided us around Luxor, on the cruise, and to Abu Simbel. Mara House in Luxor is beautiful—I especially enjoyed the rooftop terrace--and Amr was not only an excellent host who answered every request but was also responsible for the incredible meals.
Special thanks to Ahmed, who not only guided the Medieval Cairo tour, but checked in with us every day in Cairo by phone or in person to make sure everything was going well. Then on my final day, I got to be a test subject as Ahmed did a trial run of the new Royal Cairo tour, which I can heartily recommend. We began at Manial Palace on the island of Roda for a history of the Egyptian royal family. Next we went to the City of the Dead to see two astonishing tombs; one neglected, full of graves, and haunting; the other still beautifully maintained thanks to continual upkeep paid for by a royal abroad who intends to be buried there. We ended up with more royal tombs in the mosques of Sultan Hassan and al-Rifai, which are worth seeing on their own, and since they’re right across from Saladin’s Citadel, Ahmed offered to take me there as well, where I got a last view over Cairo to the pyramids.
I also want to mention the wonderful staff and service at the Steinberger El Tahrir, and aboard the MS Concerto, as well as the friendly drivers. I can’t thank Mara and her colleagues enough, and will be recommending Mara House tours to everyone who wants to explore Egypt.
Traveled solo. Reviewed on TripAdvisor 29 Feb 2020 - Egypt Holidays Package - 9 nights
So this month I took the 9-night Egypt tour package, and also did the optional tours of Coptic Cairo, the day trip to Alexandria, and Abu Simbel. And the whole experience was even better than I’d dreamed, seeing everything I ever wanted to see with guides whose stories and explanations made everything more memorable. My thanks to Ayman who smoothed my arrival in Cairo; Suzy who took us to Coptic Cairo, Giza, and the Egyptian Museum; Mohammed who took us to Alexandria; and Mohammed who guided us around Luxor, on the cruise, and to Abu Simbel. Mara House in Luxor is beautiful—I especially enjoyed the rooftop terrace--and Amr was not only an excellent host who answered every request but was also responsible for the incredible meals.
Special thanks to Ahmed, who not only guided the Medieval Cairo tour, but checked in with us every day in Cairo by phone or in person to make sure everything was going well. Then on my final day, I got to be a test subject as Ahmed did a trial run of the new Royal Cairo tour, which I can heartily recommend. We began at Manial Palace on the island of Roda for a history of the Egyptian royal family. Next we went to the City of the Dead to see two astonishing tombs; one neglected, full of graves, and haunting; the other still beautifully maintained thanks to continual upkeep paid for by a royal abroad who intends to be buried there. We ended up with more royal tombs in the mosques of Sultan Hassan and al-Rifai, which are worth seeing on their own, and since they’re right across from Saladin’s Citadel, Ahmed offered to take me there as well, where I got a last view over Cairo to the pyramids.
I also want to mention the wonderful staff and service at the Steinberger El Tahrir, and aboard the MS Concerto, as well as the friendly drivers. I can’t thank Mara and her colleagues enough, and will be recommending Mara House tours to everyone who wants to explore Egypt.
Traveled solo. Reviewed on TripAdvisor 29 Feb 2020 - Egypt Holidays Package - 9 nights
We spent a fantastic 4 days with our 4 children ( 4, 8, 10 and 12 years) exploring Luxor and its surroundings. Mara has a great set up and we had a very spacious 3 bed apartment for the duration. Each day was action packed with great day trips to Luxor's East Bank Temples, its West Bank tombs, including the Valley of the Kings, and a day trip the temples at Dendera and Abydos. All rounded off with a Felucca trip on the Nile.
If you are looking to avoid a standard hotel experience, Mara House is the place for you. Hats off to Amr for the great care and attention he gave us.
Bottom line is the kids' loved staying at Mara House,and they are very hard to please. Highly recommended and a great change of pace.
Ireland will have a direct flight from Dublin to Cairo from June 2020, so why not use it to come to Luxor and stay at this charming holiday option!
Reviewed on TripAdvisor 23 Feb 2020. Luxor Holidays 3 Nights Package
If you are looking to avoid a standard hotel experience, Mara House is the place for you. Hats off to Amr for the great care and attention he gave us.
Bottom line is the kids' loved staying at Mara House,and they are very hard to please. Highly recommended and a great change of pace.
Ireland will have a direct flight from Dublin to Cairo from June 2020, so why not use it to come to Luxor and stay at this charming holiday option!
Reviewed on TripAdvisor 23 Feb 2020. Luxor Holidays 3 Nights Package
If you are interested in more than the usual tour offerings to Egypt, do not look past Mara. She organises excellent tours out of Cairo as well as Luxor where Mara House is located. We did the Gayer Anderson House and Medieval Cairo walking tour. It wasn’t easy to find a tour that visited the former, and our guide Ahmed brought the stories of this amazing house to life. If you have an interest in Islamic architecture and art this gem of a house museum is truly a ‘must see’. All our guides organised through Mara were knowledgeable, with added inclusions built in such as the Solar Boat at Giza and Mummy room at the Egyptian Museum. Her tours might not be the cheapest but we found them to be excellent value for the standard of guiding provided.
Booking directly with Mara was easy, all replies were prompt and I found her blog to be an excellent resource for planning our first trip to Egypt. Mara House itself is in a residential part of Luxor but getting into town was easily arranged with taxis. Yes, the road outside is unpaved, yes it is in a local street with all the colour and noise that goes with it (bring ear plugs for the morning call to prayer) – however the welcome from Amr and the team is warm and genuine. Our room was large and spotlessly clean. The roof top garden would be a pleasant in the winter sun although we did not have time to use it.
If you are an independently minded traveller, looking for something outside of the usual tour offerings, I would not hesitate in recommending Mara and her capable team. We were very well looked after for our first trip to this amazing country.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor 22 Feb 2020 Cairo Holidays 3 Nights and Luxor Holidays 3 Nights packages
Booking directly with Mara was easy, all replies were prompt and I found her blog to be an excellent resource for planning our first trip to Egypt. Mara House itself is in a residential part of Luxor but getting into town was easily arranged with taxis. Yes, the road outside is unpaved, yes it is in a local street with all the colour and noise that goes with it (bring ear plugs for the morning call to prayer) – however the welcome from Amr and the team is warm and genuine. Our room was large and spotlessly clean. The roof top garden would be a pleasant in the winter sun although we did not have time to use it.
If you are an independently minded traveller, looking for something outside of the usual tour offerings, I would not hesitate in recommending Mara and her capable team. We were very well looked after for our first trip to this amazing country.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor 22 Feb 2020 Cairo Holidays 3 Nights and Luxor Holidays 3 Nights packages
I contacted Mara early on in my planning to return to Egypt to explore the Upper Nile having already done Cairo. Mara was great to work with and I enjoyed finalizing arrangements with her for my travels there and stay at Mara House.
I bought a full package of room and meals plus touring for 4 days. Mara House is great. My apartment was beautiful and the food served for all meals was excellent. The tours were well arranged with driver and guide. While some of the travel was long over land, it provided an opportunity to see real life in Egypt along the way, as did staying at Mara House in the city of Luxor.
Her staff, led by Amr, were always welcoming, helpful and very friendly. I would not hesitate to stay again and I would strongly encourage anyone to make a stay here as part of their Upper Nile experience.
The photos shown on the website for Mara House are accurate. There is no elevator, so you may want to consider that in terms of which floor you may be placed. But the staff will handle all your luggage. The roof top terrace is a lovey place to share a drink and conversation in the evening.
Traveled solo - reviewed on TripAdvisor 14 Feb 2020 - Booked Luxor Holidays 3 nights package plus extra tours/nights
I bought a full package of room and meals plus touring for 4 days. Mara House is great. My apartment was beautiful and the food served for all meals was excellent. The tours were well arranged with driver and guide. While some of the travel was long over land, it provided an opportunity to see real life in Egypt along the way, as did staying at Mara House in the city of Luxor.
Her staff, led by Amr, were always welcoming, helpful and very friendly. I would not hesitate to stay again and I would strongly encourage anyone to make a stay here as part of their Upper Nile experience.
The photos shown on the website for Mara House are accurate. There is no elevator, so you may want to consider that in terms of which floor you may be placed. But the staff will handle all your luggage. The roof top terrace is a lovey place to share a drink and conversation in the evening.
Traveled solo - reviewed on TripAdvisor 14 Feb 2020 - Booked Luxor Holidays 3 nights package plus extra tours/nights
Me and my son were in Egypt Jan 5th to 19th for a liveaboard diving trip in Red Sea on "Emperor Echo". On arrival to Cairo we were met by Ahmed tour guide, and spent 3 days doing tours with him. He was a great knowledgeable and intelligent guide. Flight to Luxor, and overnight stay in Mara House. In a morning 6 hours car ride to Marsa Alam. 7 days liveaboard diving. Met by Mara's driver and transferred back to Luxor. Spent 3 nights in amazing HOUSE ( one has to see it to understand and appreciate the beauty of it!). We lived in 2 bedroom apartment. Housekeeper Amr was the nicest person we met on our trip. His cooking skills were amazing. Tour guide Mohamed showed us all the best of Luxor Temples for 3 days. All above accomodations were done before via emails conversations with Mara personally. She gave us plenty of valuable tips on whatever to expect on during the whole trip. Mara's website is also very informative. I am and my son Martin are very happy we arranged all above activities with "Mara's House". Greatly recommended!
Reviewed on TripAdvisor 5 Feb 2020. Cairo package and Luxor Package
Reviewed on TripAdvisor 5 Feb 2020. Cairo package and Luxor Package
Comfortable and spotlessly clean guesthouse. Delicious Egyptian breakfast provided and an evening dinner of Egyptian food offered on one night - beautifully cooked by Amr. All arrangements were seamless for our airport collection by Ahmed and expert guiding by Mohammed visiting some of the area's outstanding sites - places that we just wouldn't have got to if we had been on our own. It was a relief not having to think about all the admin and hassle that could have been involved, allowing us to see so many wonderful treasures in a short period of time. Thank you!
We can’t thank Mara (for arranging) and Mo (for guiding) enough. We wanted to see a lot and we had a limited amount of time. Mo was so thorough and patient with us. He was such a wealth of knowledge and really made these ancient sites come to life. We would absolutely recommend any tour Mara is offering and would also highly recommend Mo as your guide. Thank you so much for making our time in Luxor so memorable!
Booked Tours in Luxor and Tours in Cairo
Booked Tours in Luxor and Tours in Cairo
EXCEPTIONAL TOUR FROM LUXOR
After planning for so long my Egypt trip I contacted Mara House and planned the itinerary for our group of three. I knew all the key points I wanted to visit in the West Bank, and the surrounding area such as Abydos, Abu Simbel, etc. and left the details to Mara. I did say that I wanted to be "all Eypted-out" and I was not disappointed. Our guide, Mohamed, through our 4 days is a wonderfully trusted, serious, and amiable person who knows just about everything and everyone. At one point I thought...I could skip some of the smaller sites in the West Bank to make more time in the bigger sites....but I am so happy I continued with Mo's suggestions for the Workers & Nobles tombs...smaller but i found them quite beautiful and tender.
When you don't know the language or the places or much else you always feel a little lost but with Mohamed & the drivers from Mara House, we just always felt in good hands as we zipped back and forth fulfilling a life's dream.
I just need to go back soon to continue!
Tony, USA traveled as family. Reviewed on TripAdvisor 20 Jan 2020 Booked Tours in Luxor
After planning for so long my Egypt trip I contacted Mara House and planned the itinerary for our group of three. I knew all the key points I wanted to visit in the West Bank, and the surrounding area such as Abydos, Abu Simbel, etc. and left the details to Mara. I did say that I wanted to be "all Eypted-out" and I was not disappointed. Our guide, Mohamed, through our 4 days is a wonderfully trusted, serious, and amiable person who knows just about everything and everyone. At one point I thought...I could skip some of the smaller sites in the West Bank to make more time in the bigger sites....but I am so happy I continued with Mo's suggestions for the Workers & Nobles tombs...smaller but i found them quite beautiful and tender.
When you don't know the language or the places or much else you always feel a little lost but with Mohamed & the drivers from Mara House, we just always felt in good hands as we zipped back and forth fulfilling a life's dream.
I just need to go back soon to continue!
Tony, USA traveled as family. Reviewed on TripAdvisor 20 Jan 2020 Booked Tours in Luxor