Hotel Mara House - Luxor

9.3

It was beautiful, and more like an apartment than a hotel room - perfect for relaxing with a cold beer after a long, hot day.

9.3

We stayed 4 nights at Mara's whilst visiting Luxor & around. What to say unless that it was a very nice experience? On the plus side, you'll find spacious, welcoming rooms with balcony, perfect atmosphere & Egyptian decoration with much taste, and an extraordinary local food restaurant you've got to try. At last, Mara and her staff are extremely nice and helpful making your stay as perfect as possible. On the down side, location is to say the least not convenient and kind of crappy at first glance, though it'll grow on you and you'll appreciate not living in Luxor downtown in the midst of all the other westerners in 5 star hotels. Location is part of the authenticity of Mara house place. Like it or hate it. Second, included breakfast is somewhat repetitive day after day. Variety would be nice.

7.7

We enjoyed our stay at Mara house. BUT, you can find other hotels "de charme" in a nicer sourrounding for a better price.

7.1

Arriving in Luxor by night, it has been very confortable for us after our trip to have been picked up at the airport, warmly welcomed at Mara House, and to have a place booked at the Salahadeen restaurant. Excellent dinner, nice and large bedroom, warm contact and good advises from Mara with regards to places to visit, way to reach them, etc... Quiet place The only drawbacks are regarding hotel surroundings: the location a bit far away from Luxor center, at the opposite the mosque too close to the hotel which perturbates the quietness of the room

10

Mara made our stay so enjoyable!

9.6

I really enjoyed my stay at Mara House and would recommend it to others interested in staying someplace besides a resort/chain hotel. The people I met at, and to/from, the hotel were the best part of the stay.

8.4

Mara House is a petit destination in itself. I won't spoil the surprise. We arrived near midnight and got a complimentary hotel pick- up in a huge van. This alone gives it 10 upon 10 in my book, and comfortable beds adds on the points. Mara is a lovely woman who's personality is infused within the hotel. And just when you think that's all, the place spoils you with an atmospheric bar and a restaurant that serves a set Egyptian menu twice or three times a week. If you want to be in the centre of things then this isn't the place for you, but you have a traveller's curiousity of people behind the places, then you've struck gold and after a day of tombs, Mara House is a great place to chill back to.

9.6

My son and I only stayed at Mara House one night but I realized I'd planned our holiday all wrong. Instead of booking a week in Cairo at a 3 star hotel, with 2 days in the south, we should have stayed with Mara and taken a brief train trip to Cairo! By the time we got there we were so tired of things being dirty and broken, even on First Class trains, crazy bureaucracy, haggling for everything without knowing the going rate, and giving baksheesh for unwanted minor services. Mara's was a breath of fresh air and a safe haven, since the Irish proprietor, Mara, knows what European and N.American travelers really need. If you want a Nile-view and mini-toiletries, forget Mara House. It doesn’t pretend to be 5 star. The furnishings are Egypt-inspired minimalist, though sometimes with a contrast between beautiful mother-of-pearl inlaid chairs and plastic bedside tables. But the overall effect is interesting and comfortable (though I'd have liked a rug beside my bed instead of cold tiles.) The priority is to get the important things right, such as scrupulous cleanliness everywhere, your own apartment with kitchenette, fridge, living room and balcony, big comfortable beds, good hot showers (though a wet room may be unfamiliar), clean soft towels, a good breakfast, a comfortable bar and friendly staff. But the most important thing about Mara House is Mara. She's a warm, welcoming, honest and generous lady. I noticed her kindness to a family with a disabled child. And she's a mine of information - through the info pack given on arrival (like how much taxi journeys should cost and tipping) and because she’s always willing to share her many years experience in Egypt. Mara House is a bit off the beaten track but you get a free transfer from the station or airport, so you needn't struggle to find it, and you can walk to the temple. It's excellent value for money and I'd recommend it to anyone.

5.4

very nice house , manager , rooms, BUT, far from all, 15 mn walk till the railway station, in very dusty and bumpy streets, taxis won't go there except for tremendous price , poor light in the street in the evening and very dirty places near the station.Nice furniture and balcony but no view , just in front of the room, a building in construction........ what a pity........we change after three nights.