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
472 entries.
Excellent lodgings - great counterpoint to the average Luxor tourist bustle
"Booked a 3 day stay at Mara House based on prior recommendations here on TripAdvisor and am pleased to highly recommend to others. Mara is an excellent host and along with providing great accommodations will also help you make the most of your time in the Luxor area, especially if you have limited time as we did. This was my first visit to Luxor in 20+ years when we used to visit while living in Cairo. Mara's tours (check her website) are a great value; the tour guides she works with are Egyptologists and provide interesting insight. The walk from Mara house into the center of town is a great experience in and of itself."
Mara House is the best way to truly experience Luxor.
"Forget staying at a big hotel where you are just a room number. If you're looking to really experience and learn about Luxor, Mara House is the place to stay. The b&b is clean with big Egyptian-inspired rooms and an off-the-map location that is far from the crowds, lights, and sea of tourists populating the chain hotels along the Nile. Mara makes you feel welcome and is a great guide to the city and has wonderful insight. Take one of the day tours offered through Mara House to the West Bank or ancient temples."
"Forget staying at a big hotel where you are just a room number. If you're looking to really experience and learn about Luxor, Mara House is the place to stay. The b&b is clean with big Egyptian-inspired rooms and an off-the-map location that is far from the crowds, lights, and sea of tourists populating the chain hotels along the Nile. Mara makes you feel welcome and is a great guide to the city and has wonderful insight. Take one of the day tours offered through Mara House to the West Bank or ancient temples."
Great innkeeper--recommending to other friends
"The hotel is a gem--reasonably priced--nicely decorated--safe--and comes with "Mara"--who knows exactly what you need to know to make the most of your stay in Luxor. The hotel is tucked away in a neighborhood near the train station. We were able to walk to some of the sights--but cabs are also readily available at train station or on call to the hotel. Be sure to let Mara know when you plan to arrive--she will arrange for a cab to pick you up--watch out for unscrupulous taxis at the airport/ferry/etc. We had a very large suite--including a nice mini-bar with reasonably priced items including beer and wine..."
"The hotel is a gem--reasonably priced--nicely decorated--safe--and comes with "Mara"--who knows exactly what you need to know to make the most of your stay in Luxor. The hotel is tucked away in a neighborhood near the train station. We were able to walk to some of the sights--but cabs are also readily available at train station or on call to the hotel. Be sure to let Mara know when you plan to arrive--she will arrange for a cab to pick you up--watch out for unscrupulous taxis at the airport/ferry/etc. We had a very large suite--including a nice mini-bar with reasonably priced items including beer and wine..."
Wish you had a Mara House everywhere you travelled
"Maras house was absolutely the best. Most reviews say that and I cant really add more to the accolades. Mara is a wonderful, honest person and is not greedy. The tours she arranges are very reasonably priced and the egyptologist she hires are wonderful people with good knowledge on the subject. I had arranged for a private egyptologist/driver while in Cairo and based on the costs I paid, I know for sure Mara's house is 15-20% cheaper than the norm.
We stayed for 4 days with Mara's house and were very comfortable. Let me add a few sentences to prep the average visitor on what to expect - this is a casa (guest house) and not a hotel - so dont expect bell captains, room services, wake-up calls, salons, spas, tvs with 200 channels and such. You dont have them here and you dont pay for it either. What you get instead is a palatial suite with neat decor that leaves you refreshed. Mara spends lot of time with her guests and indulges them with enriching conversations.
Some things to be aware of - Maras house doesnt have elevator.... but she takes care to meet any special needs of the clients. So be assured if you can't ascend 3 stories, Mara will likely put you in the 1st floor apt than on the 3rd floor one.
Like any apartment unit, the hot water comes of a small heater built into the bathroom of the unit. if You are a group of 4, please allow enough time for bathing so the 3rd and 4th person dont end up taking cold shower.
Break fast is simple but adequate enough to break the fast. If you relish having breakfasts, I am sure you will find enough restaurants near by.
Lastly Salahdeen is a gem of a restaurant.. only thing is you need reservations (1-2 days in advance) as Mara only arranges dinner if she gets enough reservations. So if you are like us wanting a second chance at Salahadeen, then speak out right after the first try. Its worth every penny you pay."
"Maras house was absolutely the best. Most reviews say that and I cant really add more to the accolades. Mara is a wonderful, honest person and is not greedy. The tours she arranges are very reasonably priced and the egyptologist she hires are wonderful people with good knowledge on the subject. I had arranged for a private egyptologist/driver while in Cairo and based on the costs I paid, I know for sure Mara's house is 15-20% cheaper than the norm.
We stayed for 4 days with Mara's house and were very comfortable. Let me add a few sentences to prep the average visitor on what to expect - this is a casa (guest house) and not a hotel - so dont expect bell captains, room services, wake-up calls, salons, spas, tvs with 200 channels and such. You dont have them here and you dont pay for it either. What you get instead is a palatial suite with neat decor that leaves you refreshed. Mara spends lot of time with her guests and indulges them with enriching conversations.
Some things to be aware of - Maras house doesnt have elevator.... but she takes care to meet any special needs of the clients. So be assured if you can't ascend 3 stories, Mara will likely put you in the 1st floor apt than on the 3rd floor one.
Like any apartment unit, the hot water comes of a small heater built into the bathroom of the unit. if You are a group of 4, please allow enough time for bathing so the 3rd and 4th person dont end up taking cold shower.
Break fast is simple but adequate enough to break the fast. If you relish having breakfasts, I am sure you will find enough restaurants near by.
Lastly Salahdeen is a gem of a restaurant.. only thing is you need reservations (1-2 days in advance) as Mara only arranges dinner if she gets enough reservations. So if you are like us wanting a second chance at Salahadeen, then speak out right after the first try. Its worth every penny you pay."
Mara House and Mara Were Absolutely Wonderful!
"Having visited Egypt for the first time two years ago as part of a tour group, we were a bit apprehensive about coming back with another couple all on our own. Thank goodness we found Mara and Mara House on the TripAdvisor website. Mara House deserves its number one
TripAdvisor ranking.
From the moment we arrived, Mara made us feel safe and secure, and we had an absolutely wonderful week in Luxor. I can’t recommend Mara House highly enough. It is beautifully decorated, and Mara and Stephen and Sarah and all the staff were just wonderful.
Mara House is spotlessly clean. The rooms are actually suites. We had a large sitting room that had a kitchen area with a sink and a well-stocked small refrigerator. Breakfast was brought to us each morning. Our large bedroom was lovely, and our bed was more comfortable than our own at home!
On the top floor there is a rooftop terrace with many plants and lounges for relaxing. The ground floor has a lounge and full bar on one side, where hotel guests often chat and have drinks before dinner, and on the other side is the magnificent Salahadeen Restaurant.
The evening dinners at Mara’s Salahadeen Restaurant were feasts indeed, with the meal consisting of two delicious soups, followed by a dozen or so different Egyptian dishes that were absolutely amazing in their delicacy and tastefulness. The dinner ends with a delightful Egyptian desert served with hibiscus tea. The ambience of the restaurant was outstanding with its beautiful décor, fountain in the center, and the excellent service and food.
Mara is indeed to be congratulated for having the number one ranked hotel in Luxor on the TripAdvisor website, especially as Mara House has only been open for a few years. After staying in Mara House I understand why. Having traveled all over the world in my profession as a university professor and scientist, I must say that Mara House is one of the nicest, most pleasant hotels that I have ever known. I give Mara and Mara House my highest praise."
"Having visited Egypt for the first time two years ago as part of a tour group, we were a bit apprehensive about coming back with another couple all on our own. Thank goodness we found Mara and Mara House on the TripAdvisor website. Mara House deserves its number one
TripAdvisor ranking.
From the moment we arrived, Mara made us feel safe and secure, and we had an absolutely wonderful week in Luxor. I can’t recommend Mara House highly enough. It is beautifully decorated, and Mara and Stephen and Sarah and all the staff were just wonderful.
Mara House is spotlessly clean. The rooms are actually suites. We had a large sitting room that had a kitchen area with a sink and a well-stocked small refrigerator. Breakfast was brought to us each morning. Our large bedroom was lovely, and our bed was more comfortable than our own at home!
On the top floor there is a rooftop terrace with many plants and lounges for relaxing. The ground floor has a lounge and full bar on one side, where hotel guests often chat and have drinks before dinner, and on the other side is the magnificent Salahadeen Restaurant.
The evening dinners at Mara’s Salahadeen Restaurant were feasts indeed, with the meal consisting of two delicious soups, followed by a dozen or so different Egyptian dishes that were absolutely amazing in their delicacy and tastefulness. The dinner ends with a delightful Egyptian desert served with hibiscus tea. The ambience of the restaurant was outstanding with its beautiful décor, fountain in the center, and the excellent service and food.
Mara is indeed to be congratulated for having the number one ranked hotel in Luxor on the TripAdvisor website, especially as Mara House has only been open for a few years. After staying in Mara House I understand why. Having traveled all over the world in my profession as a university professor and scientist, I must say that Mara House is one of the nicest, most pleasant hotels that I have ever known. I give Mara and Mara House my highest praise."
Great hospitality, guidance, and service
"Mara and her family make visiting Luxor and its environs safe, comfortable, and fun for those people who have aversions to large tours. Our experience far exceeded our expectations, which were hopeful but uncertain at best. Having been to Egypt before with a tour, we were a bit anxious about venturing forth on our own. Under Mara's direction we had the time of our lives exploring the West Bank, East Bank and Abydos/Dendara. The drivers and guides she secured for us were gracious and kind, and we always felt safe and well taken care of. The accomodations were spacious, clean and lovely. A huge breakfast was served in our room each day, and we were thrilled to dine five nights at their exceptional restaurant. Our first impression of the neighborhood was a bit off-putting, but after getting to know it we felt comfortable and pleased to find this gem in the heart of Luxor. Our friends walked EVERYWHERE and found the neighbors to be friendly and kind. We loved our stay at Mara House and hope to return in the future. We were there for seven days and hope to stay longer on our next visit."
like home...
"friendly, helpful, warm, comfortable and with a superb restaurant"
"friendly, helpful, warm, comfortable and with a superb restaurant"
Ideal if you're doing Luxor "outside the bubble"
"This place would be a bargain even without Mara, but with her it's a steal. She knows the sites from Abydos to Aswan and can steer you straight on how best to see them, and make all the arrangements. The place is a little tough to find, so arrange pickup with her from the airport. Once you're there, she'll tell you how to get to and from "downtown". It's a 10 minute (safe) walk. The only downside is the 5am wakeup from the loudspeakers up the street."
"This place would be a bargain even without Mara, but with her it's a steal. She knows the sites from Abydos to Aswan and can steer you straight on how best to see them, and make all the arrangements. The place is a little tough to find, so arrange pickup with her from the airport. Once you're there, she'll tell you how to get to and from "downtown". It's a 10 minute (safe) walk. The only downside is the 5am wakeup from the loudspeakers up the street."
Mara House your home in Luxor
"I recently returned from touring Egypt and Jordon. While in Luxor we stayed at Mara House.If you are looking for a western hotel this is not the place for you to stay.If you want to experiance Luxor in a clean,comfortable,and safe environment you should check it out.Mara and her family are always available for advise and recommendations.The guests rooms are all large apartments.Our room had 3 bedrooms,terrace,living room and dining room.I had read in prior reviews about concerns with the shower which is in the center of the bathroom.In my opinion it is a none issue.There is a beautiful rooftop garden,and a living room where guest gather to share their Luxor experiances.The neighbor that Mara House is located in at first seems a little scary.It is safe,the neighbors are friendly,and it should not be a concern."
"I recently returned from touring Egypt and Jordon. While in Luxor we stayed at Mara House.If you are looking for a western hotel this is not the place for you to stay.If you want to experiance Luxor in a clean,comfortable,and safe environment you should check it out.Mara and her family are always available for advise and recommendations.The guests rooms are all large apartments.Our room had 3 bedrooms,terrace,living room and dining room.I had read in prior reviews about concerns with the shower which is in the center of the bathroom.In my opinion it is a none issue.There is a beautiful rooftop garden,and a living room where guest gather to share their Luxor experiances.The neighbor that Mara House is located in at first seems a little scary.It is safe,the neighbors are friendly,and it should not be a concern."
Cool hotel with a great owner
"While from the outside, it doesn't look like much, Mara took a random building in a poorer area and built a beautiful hotel. The rooms are huge and comfortable, with porch and kitchenette. The lobby is well done with a good selection of books. The free Wi-Fi works well. However, the biggest plus is Mara herself. She is an amazing owner with so much good advice about tours, taxis, restaurants, and everything else. She ensures that guests get a great experience and don't get ripped-off. She eschews the Baksheesh culture in the hotel - a huge relief for travelers."
"While from the outside, it doesn't look like much, Mara took a random building in a poorer area and built a beautiful hotel. The rooms are huge and comfortable, with porch and kitchenette. The lobby is well done with a good selection of books. The free Wi-Fi works well. However, the biggest plus is Mara herself. She is an amazing owner with so much good advice about tours, taxis, restaurants, and everything else. She ensures that guests get a great experience and don't get ripped-off. She eschews the Baksheesh culture in the hotel - a huge relief for travelers."
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.)