Mara House Luxor: Your Home Away From Home in the Heart of History
Welcome to Mara House, a charming boutique hotel in Luxor, Egypt, offering a unique blend of history and hospitality. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, yet just a 10-minute walk from the legendary Luxor Temple, our hidden gem is situated in an authentic Egyptian neighborhood where life unfolds at its own relaxed pace.
Our Street and Our Neighbors
Our street, Salah al-Din as-Ayoubbi, is a vibrant community named after the iconic Saladin of the Crusades. Here, you’ll find families living together under one roof, each generation adding a new floor to their home as they can afford it. While the street may be quiet in winter, it comes alive in summer with the laughter of children playing and neighbors gathering in the cool evening air.
Street weddings and engagement parties are a common sight, adding to the neighborhood’s charm. The nearby mosque’s early call to prayer is a part of the local experience, embraced by most of our guests.
Step Into a Bygone Era at Mara House
As you enter Mara House through our ornate iron doors, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Our decor is a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern furnishings, art, and history. The Muhammad Ali sitting room, just off the entrance hall, showcases the largest collection of images and photographs, on display in the world, that narrate the illustrious history of Egypt’s royal lineage, from Turkish Sultans to King Farouk. Imagine my surprise when I found that not only had I come to live in the street named after the legendary Saladin but that my family tree was also intertwined with the royal lineage of “Muhamed Ali the father of modern Egypt”.
Luxurious Suites at Mara House
Our suites redefine the hotel experience, offering more than just a room. Each suite includes a bedroom, bathroom, and a private sitting room with a balcony. Our Family Suites, with two or three bedrooms, provide the perfect setting for families to relax and feel at home.
Experience the unique charm of Mara House, where the past meets the present, and leave with unforgettable memories. Request a rate now via direct email to me; maraegypt@gmail.com and join our esteemed circle of guests.
Salahadeen Restaurant: A Culinary Delight
Our in-house restaurant, Salahadeen, is headed up by Amr, our talented House Manager and Chef. This restaurant, conceived by my son Stephen and his wife Sara, introduced the acclaimed “Salahadeen Feast”, which gracefully catapulted Mara House to the pinnacle of TripAdvisor’s rankings during its public opening, a position it held until it’s closure to the public due to the events of 2011. Today, the Feast stands as an exclusive indulgence, a cherished delight reserved solely for esteemed in-house guests.
Amr – the House Manager is also our amazing Chef.
The restaurant was the brainchild and work of my son, Stephen and his wife, Sara.
ROOF TERRACE:
At Mara House, the roof terrace is a serene oasis adorned with cacti and bougainvillea. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the night sky, after a day of sightseeing, as the clear skies offer an excellent opportunity for star-gazing. Our rooftop will be the perfect spot for a relaxing experience of the 2027 total eclipse.
Why Choose Mara House?
- Independent Travelers: Enjoy spacious, private living and sleeping areas in a home-like setting.
- Families: Relax in a family-friendly environment with suites designed for togetherness.
- Adventurers: Discover unique insights and stories about Egypt, both historical and contemporary.
- Food Enthusiasts: Relish wholesome, home-cooked Egyptian cuisine.
Mara House is perfect for a variety of private events:
- Exclusive Stays: Book the entire house for ultimate privacy and explore Egypt with family and friends.
- Destination Weddings: Create a magical, authentic wedding experience amid Egypt’s ancient wonders.
- Corporate Retreats: Treat your team to a unique bonding experience in a rejuvenating setting.
- Family Celebrations: Reunite with loved ones in a captivating location that goes beyond the usual sun, sea, and sand.
Mara House embraces the spirit of exclusivity and personalization, crafting private events that leave an indelible mark on the hearts of our cherished guests.
Book Your Stay
Ready to experience the charm and hospitality of Mara House? Email me at maraegypt@gmail.com with your preferred dates and the number of guests. Feel free to ask any questions. We look forward to welcoming you to our home!
Amazing secret hideaway in Luxor
An absolute charmer of a guest house in central Luxor, Maras presents a level of sophistication and style that’s usually well above my pay grade. Our suite (yes, suite – not just a room but an apartment) is a wall to wall mini museum of tapestry, carpets, classic furniture and local art, tastefully pulled together in a manner that makes you feel like a very honoured guest.
And that feeling continues when you engage with Mara, Amr and the team – the most genuinely helpful and supportive people I have met on any holiday, and always willing to go the extra mile for your happiness.
If you are reading this while planning a holiday – book it now. Suite 4 is a charmer, say yes when Mar offers you tea (the handmade biscuits were astounding), sign up for the feast and visit Abyssinian and Dendara too!
Travelled with family in Feb 2024. Reviewed on TripAdvisor and Google Maps
Thanks for an amazing stay!
Wow! An oasis! A charming little hotel more like a bend and breakfast. Spacious and comfortable rooms like a step back in time. Amr and Aylie take great care of you tending to your every need. The Salahadeen feast has to be experienced. So delicious! Mo is an amazing tour guide. Very knowledgeable, keeps you away from the crowds. Mara has great recommendations for tours. Highly recommend!!
Travelled as family in Nov 2023. Reviewed on Tripadvisor