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.
Stay Here, yes really, stay here. Like finding a goldmine!!'
"I loved staying here. Mara, Sara & Steve - fantastic. Wonderful, helpful, knowledgeable on the area, tours, culture - invaluable advice on how to approach Egypt and its culture. So glad I decided to come here. Mara House is a lovely hotel of apartments that more than suffice and has a lovely restaurant that offers traditional Egyptian cuisine. All the staff were wonderful and it was really welcoming and relaxed.
I didn't want a tourist hotel, I much prefer staying places where I can be a bit away from that side of things and see more local life. This did it. 5-10 minute walk from the back of Luxor train station, another short walk to Luxor temple & the Nile. All the locals round the hotel were friendly and would say hello when they saw you.
Mara is a diamond and her tours well planned - go to Abydos & Dendera. Her advice on everything was most welcome, and she will keep you in line in her wonderful Irish way!!
I almost decided to come back her after Cairo but glad we stayed on the West bank as it offered another perspective but will definitely be coming back to Mara house when next make it to Egypt.
i recommend this to anyone going to Egypt for the first time and anyone who hasn't stayed there before and anyone who has stayed there before will likely stay there again."
"I loved staying here. Mara, Sara & Steve - fantastic. Wonderful, helpful, knowledgeable on the area, tours, culture - invaluable advice on how to approach Egypt and its culture. So glad I decided to come here. Mara House is a lovely hotel of apartments that more than suffice and has a lovely restaurant that offers traditional Egyptian cuisine. All the staff were wonderful and it was really welcoming and relaxed.
I didn't want a tourist hotel, I much prefer staying places where I can be a bit away from that side of things and see more local life. This did it. 5-10 minute walk from the back of Luxor train station, another short walk to Luxor temple & the Nile. All the locals round the hotel were friendly and would say hello when they saw you.
Mara is a diamond and her tours well planned - go to Abydos & Dendera. Her advice on everything was most welcome, and she will keep you in line in her wonderful Irish way!!
I almost decided to come back her after Cairo but glad we stayed on the West bank as it offered another perspective but will definitely be coming back to Mara house when next make it to Egypt.
i recommend this to anyone going to Egypt for the first time and anyone who hasn't stayed there before and anyone who has stayed there before will likely stay there again."
A Magical Hotel in Luxor
"I never had hotel management have such a genuine care in the guests.
It was the full package that you experience staying in Mara House. The staff are full of knowledge of Egyptian Culture and Luxor itself and are more than helpful and willing to help you organise your day with advice of where to go and what to see..also with the opportunity to take oragnised tours with efficient knowledgable local tour guides and Egyptologists.
The rooms are outstanding, the space, we were astonished with the amount of room we had and were delighted. It was an apartment not a hotel room, the detail of quality is seen through out the hotel.
But it gets even more satisfying with the restaurant. The restaurant was my most favourite experience in the hotel, with a hand made fountain in the middle which sets a beautiful atmosphere. The food served was a great variety of local Egyptain recipies served an a huge platter on your table and every bite I had I was telling them to give my compliments to the chef.
The location is perefectly situated away from the Hassle of hagglers and taxi offers. but close enough to walk 5 mins into the centre of the town. I would highly recommend Mara House to everyone who is considering to visit Luxor."
"I never had hotel management have such a genuine care in the guests.
It was the full package that you experience staying in Mara House. The staff are full of knowledge of Egyptian Culture and Luxor itself and are more than helpful and willing to help you organise your day with advice of where to go and what to see..also with the opportunity to take oragnised tours with efficient knowledgable local tour guides and Egyptologists.
The rooms are outstanding, the space, we were astonished with the amount of room we had and were delighted. It was an apartment not a hotel room, the detail of quality is seen through out the hotel.
But it gets even more satisfying with the restaurant. The restaurant was my most favourite experience in the hotel, with a hand made fountain in the middle which sets a beautiful atmosphere. The food served was a great variety of local Egyptain recipies served an a huge platter on your table and every bite I had I was telling them to give my compliments to the chef.
The location is perefectly situated away from the Hassle of hagglers and taxi offers. but close enough to walk 5 mins into the centre of the town. I would highly recommend Mara House to everyone who is considering to visit Luxor."
Mara's House is FABULOUS!!
"A wonderful, wonderful stay! Mara, Sara, Steve and their team provide an experience not to be missed! The warmth, kindness and caring are obviously genuine and reflect in every conversation and every detail. They are so knowlegable and make excellent recommendations. The food is amazing. The decor is beautiful and the ambience so relaxing. I would love to return!!"
"A wonderful, wonderful stay! Mara, Sara, Steve and their team provide an experience not to be missed! The warmth, kindness and caring are obviously genuine and reflect in every conversation and every detail. They are so knowlegable and make excellent recommendations. The food is amazing. The decor is beautiful and the ambience so relaxing. I would love to return!!"
Excellent place to stay in Luxor - Home from home
"We stayed here for two nights with young children. It was one the best places I have ever stayed. The accommodation is charming, clean and excellent value for money. The staff really looked after us and provided a much personalised service. If you are looking for a homely, charming and friendly place to stay in Luxor then Mara house is for you."
"We stayed here for two nights with young children. It was one the best places I have ever stayed. The accommodation is charming, clean and excellent value for money. The staff really looked after us and provided a much personalised service. If you are looking for a homely, charming and friendly place to stay in Luxor then Mara house is for you."
Helpful and Thorough Mara
"We had tried to stay with Mara but in the end could not get the flights right. So instead just had the day around Luxor and asked Mara to find us a private tour with a guide for a day. After she tried to talk us out of the expense, we talked and came up with a tour plan and made the arrangements.
Mara supplied a great guide who met us at the airport in the morning and, even though we were not guests, she personally called him through the day to check on progress (it was an ambitious itinerary.)
It was great attention to everything and the price was comparatively reasonable. For a full long day tour - (9.30 to 7.30pm) we paid approx $120 for van and driver to take us round. Entrance was on top but it was great as we were not made to stop at Papyrus places and Alabaster outlets, just zoomed round Pharonic and Greco-Roman history."
"We had tried to stay with Mara but in the end could not get the flights right. So instead just had the day around Luxor and asked Mara to find us a private tour with a guide for a day. After she tried to talk us out of the expense, we talked and came up with a tour plan and made the arrangements.
Mara supplied a great guide who met us at the airport in the morning and, even though we were not guests, she personally called him through the day to check on progress (it was an ambitious itinerary.)
It was great attention to everything and the price was comparatively reasonable. For a full long day tour - (9.30 to 7.30pm) we paid approx $120 for van and driver to take us round. Entrance was on top but it was great as we were not made to stop at Papyrus places and Alabaster outlets, just zoomed round Pharonic and Greco-Roman history."
Absolutely Perfect
"All the other reviews have said it already, but I really could not ask for anything more. Staying at Mara housr really felt like being in a five-star boutique hotel, but also was very home-like and comforting .
Thanks again Mara, Sara and Steve we had an amazing visit :)"
"All the other reviews have said it already, but I really could not ask for anything more. Staying at Mara housr really felt like being in a five-star boutique hotel, but also was very home-like and comforting .
Thanks again Mara, Sara and Steve we had an amazing visit :)"
fabulous place to stay
"Staying at Mara house was a fabulous experience, made all the better by Mara herself, who is a wonderful host. The Restaurant proved to be an amazing experience both culinary and cultural. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms were very clean and large with an egytptian feel without being tacky. The location alows you to feel like you are living in Luxor rather than being a tourist. Mara was a wealth of information on everything egyptian and was able to help advice and bookings, average prices which allows you bargain/buy with greater confidence."
"Staying at Mara house was a fabulous experience, made all the better by Mara herself, who is a wonderful host. The Restaurant proved to be an amazing experience both culinary and cultural. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms were very clean and large with an egytptian feel without being tacky. The location alows you to feel like you are living in Luxor rather than being a tourist. Mara was a wealth of information on everything egyptian and was able to help advice and bookings, average prices which allows you bargain/buy with greater confidence."
Best bet for independent travellers in Luxor
"Mara house is an excellent new choice in Luxor for independent travellers / tourists with or without families. I stayed here in February this year with a senior and an infant in tow and we all thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The summary of this new little hotel’s qualities can be stated as cleanliness, character, courteousness and value.
Mara house is a pleasant apartment hotel located on the East Bank of the Nile in Luxor. In guide-book language, the atmosphere is “low-key and friendly.” The décor is edging toward a “boutique” flavour and the overall impression is of a well-run, tasteful family operation. Rooms are clean and functional. Ours included a spacious sitting area. There is a comfortable and shaded rooftop sitting area and a cool bar on the ground floor. The restaurant is pleasant, the food is good and there are plans to expand the menu. It should be noted that the rooms were designed to be apartments and are configured differently. Contacting Mara with details of your specific needs is highly recommended.
Situated in a popular and gritty area on the east side of the tracks in Luxor, the hotel is within easy walking distance to the train station, local restaurants and Luxor Temple. The neighbourhood is a mix of Coptic and Muslim families. Although some visitors may shun the location, other more sure-footed travellers may find the locale positively inspiring. Farmers’ fields are in view from the balconies while the street leading to the train station takes you past a 24 hour bakery, a butcher shop, and internet “cafes”.
However, the most endearing feature of the hotel is surely the friendly and accommodating staff. Mara herself has a deep passion for Egyptian history and has excellent knowledge of the sites in and around Luxor. She can capably arrange very convenient and comfortable transportation and assistance with day trips directly from the hotel.
Although no cooking is possible in each flat, it is possible to self-cater with a combination of take-out and produce. Evenings are comfortably spent skimming guide books about local monuments over hot or cold drinks in the bar. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than Mara House in Luxor.
My family was well looked-after during our stay. Thank you, Mara House."
"Mara house is an excellent new choice in Luxor for independent travellers / tourists with or without families. I stayed here in February this year with a senior and an infant in tow and we all thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The summary of this new little hotel’s qualities can be stated as cleanliness, character, courteousness and value.
Mara house is a pleasant apartment hotel located on the East Bank of the Nile in Luxor. In guide-book language, the atmosphere is “low-key and friendly.” The décor is edging toward a “boutique” flavour and the overall impression is of a well-run, tasteful family operation. Rooms are clean and functional. Ours included a spacious sitting area. There is a comfortable and shaded rooftop sitting area and a cool bar on the ground floor. The restaurant is pleasant, the food is good and there are plans to expand the menu. It should be noted that the rooms were designed to be apartments and are configured differently. Contacting Mara with details of your specific needs is highly recommended.
Situated in a popular and gritty area on the east side of the tracks in Luxor, the hotel is within easy walking distance to the train station, local restaurants and Luxor Temple. The neighbourhood is a mix of Coptic and Muslim families. Although some visitors may shun the location, other more sure-footed travellers may find the locale positively inspiring. Farmers’ fields are in view from the balconies while the street leading to the train station takes you past a 24 hour bakery, a butcher shop, and internet “cafes”.
However, the most endearing feature of the hotel is surely the friendly and accommodating staff. Mara herself has a deep passion for Egyptian history and has excellent knowledge of the sites in and around Luxor. She can capably arrange very convenient and comfortable transportation and assistance with day trips directly from the hotel.
Although no cooking is possible in each flat, it is possible to self-cater with a combination of take-out and produce. Evenings are comfortably spent skimming guide books about local monuments over hot or cold drinks in the bar. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than Mara House in Luxor.
My family was well looked-after during our stay. Thank you, Mara House."
Add our review to the list titled - 'Perfect'
"This looks to be getting quiet repeitive, but for good reason. Mara's House is amazing! We can not understate how refreshing it was to deal with an organised, friendly, honest person in Egypt. Mara made our stay very enjoyable with her great and spacious rooms, great bar and amazing restaurant. Unfortunately we only had one night, but we certainly enjoyed it.
We had problems with the Luxor ATM's which turned out to be an electronic problem not the 'Luxor ATM Scam' Mara told us about, which is what we all initally feared. She happily took all our details and siad for us to get in touch with her if any deductions showed up on our account a week or two later, if so she said she would go in and fight the bank for us, even though by that stage we would be no where near Luxor.
The quality and cleanliness of everything in the House surpasses anything else in Egypt and is certainly up to Western standards, thus making it exceptional value. The only thing would have been to have a little heater in our room during the winter months. However, you will enjoy this place, the neighbourhood and its sanctuary from the madness that is Egypt. Just don't do what we did and only stay for 1 night.
Thanks Mara!!
James and Olivia"
"This looks to be getting quiet repeitive, but for good reason. Mara's House is amazing! We can not understate how refreshing it was to deal with an organised, friendly, honest person in Egypt. Mara made our stay very enjoyable with her great and spacious rooms, great bar and amazing restaurant. Unfortunately we only had one night, but we certainly enjoyed it.
We had problems with the Luxor ATM's which turned out to be an electronic problem not the 'Luxor ATM Scam' Mara told us about, which is what we all initally feared. She happily took all our details and siad for us to get in touch with her if any deductions showed up on our account a week or two later, if so she said she would go in and fight the bank for us, even though by that stage we would be no where near Luxor.
The quality and cleanliness of everything in the House surpasses anything else in Egypt and is certainly up to Western standards, thus making it exceptional value. The only thing would have been to have a little heater in our room during the winter months. However, you will enjoy this place, the neighbourhood and its sanctuary from the madness that is Egypt. Just don't do what we did and only stay for 1 night.
Thanks Mara!!
James and Olivia"
A hidden gem
"Just like the other reviews, it is a home away from home. Mara and the staff (including her son and daughter-in-law (I assume!)) were most helpful. My partner got the tummy bug and she sent out one of her guys to get the remedy from the pharamcy so i didn't even have to go out myself. She is a nurse/travel guide/hotel receptionist and more all rolled into one. She even had a go at the hot air balloon company for giving us grief that we were late (when we were infact on time) just because they couldn't find the hotel (even though I told my guide to tell them the day before, but of course they 'forgot') and she sorted them out and we were offered constant apologies. Their feast was fab, we just had the 3course version as my partner didn't have an appetite, but he still managed to finish the yummy soup. The rooms were clean and spacious and really comfortable. You might need to get used to the open shower in the bathroom though, its not an enclosed cubicle so the floor gets kind of wet everywhere. It is an easy walk to the center where the souk is which is also where you can see Luxor temple.If we can find it, you can!! We'll definitely come here again, who knows next time it will be twice as big with all the business she gets!"
"Just like the other reviews, it is a home away from home. Mara and the staff (including her son and daughter-in-law (I assume!)) were most helpful. My partner got the tummy bug and she sent out one of her guys to get the remedy from the pharamcy so i didn't even have to go out myself. She is a nurse/travel guide/hotel receptionist and more all rolled into one. She even had a go at the hot air balloon company for giving us grief that we were late (when we were infact on time) just because they couldn't find the hotel (even though I told my guide to tell them the day before, but of course they 'forgot') and she sorted them out and we were offered constant apologies. Their feast was fab, we just had the 3course version as my partner didn't have an appetite, but he still managed to finish the yummy soup. The rooms were clean and spacious and really comfortable. You might need to get used to the open shower in the bathroom though, its not an enclosed cubicle so the floor gets kind of wet everywhere. It is an easy walk to the center where the souk is which is also where you can see Luxor temple.If we can find it, you can!! We'll definitely come here again, who knows next time it will be twice as big with all the business she gets!"
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.)