Mara House Luxor: Where History and Hospitality Converge
Discover Mara House, an exclusive haven nestled away from the bustling tourist strip in the legendary city of Luxor, a mere 10-minute stroll away from the ruins of the renowned Luxor Temple. This hidden gem resides within a regular Egyptian neighborhood, where life moves along at it’s own unhurried pace.
Our Street and our Neighbours
Our street is named Salah al-Din as-Ayoubbi after the legendary Saladin of the Crusades. Almost every building in the street is home to an extended family unit of parents, children, their grandparents and in a few instances even great grandparents. The tradition is for a family to buy a piece of land and build each floor as they can afford it, every floor being a complete family apartment for one of the generations. The primary focus is on completing livable units and completing or decorating the exterior is the final focus. The street is relatively quiet in winter but in summer time it is teeming with children playing and neighbors mingling, taking advantage of the relative cool night weather until the early hours.
Street weddings and engagement parties are still the norm here. The nearby mosque can be annoying to some visitors but the early call to prayer is taken by most guests as part of the local cultural experience for which they choose to stay at Mara House.
Mara House: step across the threshold and enter a by-gone era
As the weighty iron doors of Mara House swing open, time itself seems to succumb to the enchanting allure of the past, ushering you gently into a bygone era. Stepping across the threshold, a treasure trove of history unfolds within the interior, revealing an eclectic blend of Middle Eastern furnishings, art, and decoration. Here, with a little imagination, you may immerse yourself in a symphony of history, as tales of ancient intrigue and romance seem to whisper through time.
Find yourself enchanted by the Muhammad Ali sitting room, an exquisite enclave adjacent to the entrance hall, paying homage to the illustrious lineage of Egypt’s rulers. Adorned with a unique collection of images and photographs, this room unveils the illustrious genealogy of Egypt’s Royal Rulers, spanning from the era of Turkish Sultans to the modern-day descendants of King Farouk, whose reign unexpectedly ended in 1952. Mara herself shares a profound connection to this royal lineage, entwined within her family tree through a series of ancestral and modern unions.
Mara House’s Exclusive Suite Accommodations
Within the walls of Mara House, the concept of “rooms” transcends the mundane definition of hotel accommodations. Here, guests get to experience a touch of grandeur from bygone eras before the majority of hotel suites were downgraded to mere bedrooms. Each suite at Mara House provides not only a bedroom and bathroom but also the indulgent luxury of a private sitting room with balcony. The Family Suites, a testament to cherished togetherness, offer the added splendor of two or three bedrooms, allowing families to bask in the comforts of home, unlike the customary hotel setups with separate chambers.
Mara House, a sanctuary where history breathes life into the present, beckons you on an extraordinary journey. Traverse the delicate balance between antiquity and modernity, as the ethereal allure of this timeless escape leaves you with unforgettable memories etched in your heart. Request a rate now from Mara and join the ranks of our esteemed circle of discerning guests and independent travelers, who relish the private ambience of this timeless retreat.
SALAHADEEN RESTAURANT: a culinary experience not to miss
Amr – the House Manager is also our amazing Chef.
The restaurant was the brainchild and work of my son, Stephen and his wife, Sara.
The popularity of the authentic “Salahadeen Feast” served in the charmingly elegant Mara House restaurant 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. Our culinary offerings embody the very soul of traditional, nourishing Egyptian cuisine, a cherished heritage lovingly passed down through the generations. The remarkable Chef, Amr, learned his culinary skills from a tender age, from his own mother. Today, the Feast stands as an exclusive indulgence, a cherished delight reserved solely for esteemed in-house guests.”
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. During winter, the newly built BBQ becomes a hot favorite, where guests can savor delightful meals outdoors even in the Egyptian winter.
Mara House welcomes a diverse range of guests:
- Independent travelers seeking a unique accommodation experience akin to an old-style private house rather than a standard hotel. Enjoy the luxury of spacious personal sleeping and living areas, distinct from the common spaces like the roof terrace, restaurant, and downstairs sitting room.
- Families yearning for a private sanctuary to unwind and converse at day’s end, free from the hassle of moving between separate hotel rooms. Mara House caters to families, ensuring a family-friendly and child-friendly environment.
- Adventurers hungry for fresh perspectives, seeking unique insights and off-the-beaten-path tales about historical and contemporary Egypt.
- Food enthusiasts craving nourishing, wholesome, and authentic home-cooked meals that reflect the rich traditions of Egyptian cuisine.
Mara House caters to these discerning travelers, offering an inviting haven where cherished memories are woven into the tapestry of a memorable Egyptian experience.
MARA HOUSE FOR PRIVATE EVENTS:
You can book the entire Mara House for a diverse array of private events, providing exclusive experiences for our esteemed guests:
- Individuals seeking utmost privacy by reserving the entire house, while exploring Egypt’s wonders incognito, accompanied by family or close friends. We can arrange properly trained security personnel to ensure your comfort and peace of mind. Experience a different facet of Egypt without the formality of black tie service, as we value and respect your privacy without compromising on exceptional service.
- Dreaming of a destination wedding that transcends the ordinary, an experience that exudes authenticity, spirituality, and a touch of magic? Look no further. Our offerings are enchanting yet tastefully curated, ensuring a special day that’s far from cheesy, but deeply rooted in the romance of Egypt through the ages. Amidst the marvels of ancient sites, your love story will find its timeless backdrop.
- Companies seeking to treat their valued employees to a unique and intimate team-building holiday experience will discover Mara House as the ideal setting. Our offerings are tailored to promote team building, encouraging meaningful connections, and providing ample space for getting to know each other better. The focus is on a rejuvenating and memorable escape, where shared experiences become lasting bonds.
- Celebrate family milestones and reunite with loved ones from different corners of the globe in an extraordinary holiday location that extends beyond sun, sea, and sand. Mara House offers a captivating backdrop for cherished family celebrations, ensuring a meaningful and unforgettable experience for all.
Mara House embraces the spirit of exclusivity and personalization, crafting private events that leave an indelible mark on the hearts of our cherished guests.
Mara House is only bookable via direct email to Mara.
You may see Mara House on some online booking engines, they do not have permission to do so and are not agents for Mara House – hence once you click on their links to book Mara House you are directed to a page which shows no availability and you are advised to book another similar property.
Book your accommodation now at Mara House – simply click here and send me a brief message telling me your preferred dates and how many people traveling. Feel free to ask me any questions also.
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“Friendliest Hotel in Luxor – more than just a bed!” by a guest
This is a great little place to stay and love the people – Aug 2017, Jimmie F, Prattville, Alabama.
Marie Vaughan really cares about her people and the people who stay with her. She has a blog that reflects all her happy customers. I plan to return again next year and spend time with her because she will take me anywhere that is safe to go and will help me to have a great time.
Traveled as couple. Reviewed on TripAdvisor Aug 2017.
June 28 to July 1, 2017.
Mara House and Ahmed made me feel very welcome. It’s a beautifully appointed hotel (more like someone’s home) and from the moment you are greeted at the door by Ahmed and his colleague Amr (I spelled his name incorrectly…my apologies) you feel welcome and safe.
Ahmed helped me in small ways (eg. got me toothpaste) and in more complicated ways eg. he lined up for 40 minutes at the train station to buy my train tickets to and from Cairo and Alexandria. He didn’t have to; I didn’t ask him to; but he volunteered to it which shows the quality of the man and level of customer care of Mara House.
My guide, Mohamed, was exceptional in his knowledge and willingness to share his country’s history and culture. The drivers I had were good. No problems at all.
I never did meet Mara, but my interactions with her via the Internet were always exceptionally professional.
If I was to ever return to Luxor I would not hesitate to use Mara House again…
Hospitality Personified
June 28 to July 1, 2017.
Mara House and Ahmed made me feel very welcome. It’s a beautifully appointed hotel
(more like someone’s home) and from the moment you are greeted at the door by Ahmed and his colleague Amr (I spelled his name incorrectly…my apologies) you feel welcome and safe.
Ahmed helped me in small ways (eg. got me toothpaste) and in more complicated ways eg. he lined up for 40 minutes at the train station to buy my train tickets to and from Cairo and Alexandria. He didn’t have to; I didn’t ask him to; but he volunteered to it which shows the quality of the man and level of customer care of Mara House.
My guide, Mohamed, was exceptional in his knowledge and willingness to share his country’s history and culture. The drivers I had were good. No problems at all.
I never did meet Mara, but my interactions with her via the Internet were always exceptionally professional.
If I was to ever return to Luxor I would not hesitate to use Mara House again…
Reviewed on TripAdvisor July 2017 – Luxor Holidays 3 night package
This was my first trip to Egypt and I was a little unsure what to expect. Mara House couldn’t have been a more perfect choice! The location in Luxor is fantastic – just a few minutes to the Nile, the temples, and the markets. The hotel is beautiful, with an open sitting area, large formal dining room, and large suites with a small in-suite kitchen and mini bar.
The staff are fantastic – honestly, the best group of people I’ve ever worked with through all my travels. The hotel manager, Ahmed, is warm and accommodating; every detail is worked and runs like clockwork. He is there if you need anything. The guide for Mara House – Mo – is so knowledgeable about both modern and antiquities Egypt and answered every question I had. He provides information about each one of the stops on the tour, so you get more than just snapshots on your trip. All of the drivers for Mara House are fantastic and will get you anywhere you want to go.
The itinerary Mara House has worked for the “3 Day Luxor Package” is perfect. You see enough sites without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. And with Mo’s help, you’ll understand the significance of each stop in the itinerary.
Overall, an incredible experience from start to finish. I would absolutely recommend Mara House to anyone, whether it’s your first trip to Egypt or your 20th.
Thank you to Mara and the staff at Mara House!
Well we are back from our trip in April and sort of settled down.
Fantastic trip organised by the Mara House team in Cairo and Luxor. Australian family of 4 with 2 boys under 12. Fantastic tours in Cairo and Luxor.
We toured in April and were kept fully up to date and directions for pick ups from airports and how to get through them as well.
Mara House was fantastic. My wife was eyeing off the furniture. Great location and great staff. Tour guides were fantastic, Fatima made our Cairo trip excellent.
Thanks guys it was the best trip we have ever done and would like to come back sooner rather than later. Cannot recommend Mara Tours enough.
We had the pleasure of staying 3 nights at Mara house in March, 2017. From airport pick-up to airport drop off,things went perfectly! Mohammed was wonderful and a great host. The food at breakfast was plentiful. The accommodations were more than adequate and the A/C worked! All the tours were lovely as well. They arranged a great dinner at a local restaurant which was delicious! We did a sunset cruise, a day in Dendera and the Valley of the Kings. One day I was too sick to join my husband and stayed back in the house. After a rest, Moh’d took me to the local museum in the horse carriage, got me some medications and kept me company. It was terrific! A wonderful respite from the usual hotels….You won’t be sorry if you stay with Mara!
Great Experience
The idea of going to Egypt scares a lot of people these days, but Mara house provided a wonderful and safe experience at a reasonable price. Mara house is a boutique hotel in Luxor that caters to foreigners and acts as a travel agent, booking trusted private drivers and guides for the duration of your stay. They also provide information on how to navigate Egyptian social interactions on your own.
Our experience: the accommodations were second to none (in Egypt), the staff was fantastic, and the trip went very smoothly. We didn’t love our guides in Luxor, but we’ve seen much worse, and my guess is that they were actually the best available. We did, however, LOVE Ahmed Dahab, our guide in Cairo (ironically, this was the first time Mara house had used him). I actually taught high school world history, so my questions tend to be advanced, and Ahmed was very able to understand the precise nature of my questions and respond to them very intelligently (he had a master’s in Egyptology). I highly recommend Mara house and Ahmed to anyone.
Travelled as couple – May 2017 – Used the Egypt Holidays 9 nights package
Absolutely Brilliant
We were hesitant about going to Egypt however Mara put all our doubts aside. Her organisation was brilliant. The guides, Communication, accommodation, food and transport exceeded our expectations. We are now in the middle of a four month middle East and Europe holiday and by far Egypt has been the very best. These people could not do enough for us and we really appreciated the extra care and concern they showed to give us a great time. I cannot recommend this organisation more highly. This is a great team that works together to give you an excellent holiday. We felt safe in Egypt the entire time. You are in good hands with Mara house
Reviewed on TripAdvisor May 2017. Couple – Luxor Holidays package and Tours in Cairo
I had a wonderful time in February 2017 with Mohamed and Fatima. I enjoyed the Pyramids of course, but also 2 tours of different areas of Cairo. The Ramses Hilton hotel was spectacular, and Fatima and Mohamed and their drivers were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I guess what makes them so excellent compared to other tours I have done is that they made me feel they were excited to be my tour guide. They had great enthusiasm and I felt very comfortable under their guidance. I have already recommended the tours to other travelers.
We saw and did everything that we wanted to see and do in Egypt with Mara and her wonderful team of guides, house hosts and drivers. We felt safe, comfortable, well cared for and well-informed the whole trip. Mara House in Luxor is fun, interesting, elegant and comfortable. The food and service is excellent. Mara was v. helpful in arranging an extra day for us to go to go to Abu Simbal on top of the 9 day itinerary which was excellent. Everyone went over and above to treat us well – it was great that you all round. They are a lovely team providing excellent customer service. The Egyptians are fantastic people, full of life and wonder. What a country! We had a ripper beaudie time from beginning to end and we thank you all very much.
I was originally a little concerned about the price of this hotel compared to others in the area. However, I decided to book because I felt my husband would appreciate the tour package for his birthday since he and Mara share a love of Abydos and Dendera. We found it was all worth it because that the team behind Mara House is absolutely fantastic, and their care and efforts are what make the place special. The real value is ultimately not in the location, or even in the hotel itself (although it is lovely), but in the tour packages they provide and the team that works to make the experiences memorable.
We got their 3-day Luxor package, and also booked through them for some Cairo tours. I cannot sing enough praises about the outstanding tour guides that Mara House provided for us. Hamdy, Fatima, and Mohamed were so knowledgeable and fun and were happy to talk about all topics, not just ancient Egypt. We learned so much from them.
Ahmed and Amr, the staff of the hotel, went to great lengths to make us comfortable. Ahmed rebooked a tour for us extremely last minute and was on top of every detail, and Amr even got my husband a delicious birthday cake on our last evening.
Ending note: If you are looking for a more relaxed vacation (like with a pool), to care for your budget, or for a traditional “high end” hotel experience, perhaps look at other options. But if you want some seriously good touring and a more intimate introduction to Egypt and it’s culture, book this hotel. The team will make it a great experience.
Great tour packages
Like some previous reviewers, I was originally a little concerned about the price of this hotel compared to others in the area. However, I decided to book because I felt my husband would appreciate the tour package for his birthday since he and Mara share a love of Abydos and Dendera. We found it was all worth it because that the team behind Mara House is absolutely fantastic, and their care and efforts are what make the place special. The real value is ultimately not in the location, or even in the hotel itself (although it is lovely), but in the tour packages they provide and the team that works to make the experiences memorable.
We got their 3-day Luxor package, and also booked through them for some Cairo tours. I cannot sing enough praises about the outstanding tour guides that Mara House provided for us. Hamdy, Fatima, and Mohamed were so knowledgeable and fun and were happy to talk about all topics, not just ancient Egypt. We learned so much from them.
Ahmed and Amr, the staff of the hotel, went to great lengths to make us comfortable. Ahmed rebooked a tour for us extremely last minute and was on top of every detail, and Amr even got my husband a delicious birthday cake on our last evening.
Ending note: If you are looking for a more relaxed vacation (like with a pool), to care for your budget, or for a traditional “high end” hotel experience, perhaps look at other options. But if you want some seriously good touring and a more intimate introduction to Egypt and it’s culture, book this hotel. The team will make it a great experience.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor March 2017 – couple. Luxor Holidays package and Tours in Cairo
I traveled to Egypt solo mid to end of January 2017. I was new to Egypt and wanted my vacation to be nothing short of vacation but also wanted to get the most out of one trip. I was looking for something that’d require very little thinking on my end and where I’d be taken care of with trust in caps. In other words, I was looking for the best of all worlds. Lo and behold, there was EGYPT with MARA. From day zero to flying back home, I felt like I was an Egyptian princess. Mara and her handpicked staff were on top of their game and my itinerary flawless. I came back wanting more and excited to get all of my friends to visit. To highlight, my time in Luxor was a double thumbs up. The property, staff, service, and food at Mara House are expressions of love, and you also get to go to Dendera. The temple you visit there is a treat and treasure – My favorite. Thank you for your hospitality!
Mara House Tours
We did four consecutive days of tours with Mohamed as our guide, all arranged by Mara: Luxor and Karnak temples; the West Bank; Abydos and Dendara and Aswan. These all went very smoothly indeed. Mohamed was an excellent and very knowledgeable guide who exceeded all our expectations. He is obviously very familiar with all of the sites and this enabled us to see far more than we could have seen on our own. He was particularly helpful in allowing us to select tombs to be visited on the West Bank. When we mentioned we would like to try a felucca trip, he immediately arranged this for us. We would not hesitate to use Mohamed again on any future visit to Egypt and our thanks to Mara for setting this up.
I doubted the stay before but when i decided to take the 3 nights package to relieve my planning headache, it was the best decision ever made in Egypt. well planned and i need not worry about anything, even to the extent of getting a train ticket with help of ahmad. Mara house shows me there are genuine locals who are welcoming and proud to talk about their culture and history. I will come back!!!
A fantastic, real Egyptian experience – 30 Dec 2016.,
By staying at Mara House, my family experienced a real Egyptian hotel/apartment. The rooms are very spacious and the decor is full of authentic rugs, lamps and furniture. The staff are very helpful and friendly and the food is amazingly good (make sure you book a dinner because the chef is 5 star trained). Our tours of Luxor were well organised and reasonably priced. Highly recommended
Reviewed on TripAdvisor Dec 2016. Traveled with family Cairo Holidays Package and Luxor Holidays Package
Unexpected Luxury
My wife and I stayed at Mara’s House for an extended vacation and were very pleased with the accommodations. The stairs were a bit challenging but the rooms were very good. The food and service were outstanding. The staff very accommodating. This is an oasis in a typical Luxor neighborhood. We were even visited by camels!
More than I could have ever hoped for!
Mara House was simply amazing! The hotel was stunning and the rooms were just as beautiful. The staff was great. They went above and beyond to make me feel welcomed and comfortable during my stay. The food was amazing. I was hoping to get as much authentic Egyptian cuisine as posible during my stay and I was not disappointed in the least. Overall my stay at Mara House was a dream and I highly recommend anyone traveling to Egypt to stay at Mara House, you will not be disappointed.
Reviewed on TripAdvisor Dec 2016. Traveled with friend with Mara House Group Tours package
We stayed at Mara House for 5 days in November 2016. It was the best hotel we had while in Egypt. Why? From the moment Mara’s staff picked us up at the airport to the moment we checked out, we felt as if they really cared about us. They knew us on a first name basis and always greeted us as we were coming and going. We really liked that Mara House was in a neighborhood where we could go walking every night and enjoy the Egyptian culture. The perk of it being in a more residential area is that you can walk the streets without the hassle of all the touts. We had many people approach us on the local streets to welcome us to Luxor and they genuinely wanted to talk to us, not sell us something. The room was clean, big, decorated well, and had good air conditioning. Mara arranged all our tours in Luxor and for our trip to Aswan. We also had her arrange our tours in Cairo. We are very independent travelers who do a lot of research before we travel and are not a big fan of tours…but, in Egypt I recommend having guides. They are inexpensive compared to other countries and they can help with the cultural & language differences.
Superb Experience!
If you’re going to Luxor, it’s worth spending a couple of days at Mara House. You’ll feel like you’re at home among friends! Never felt so safe traveling abroad – if you want to discover the mysteries of Egypt without the pileup of tourists, this is the time to go!
Reviewed on TripAdvisor Nov 2016 Traveled Solo. Luxor Holidays 3 night package