Marsam

The oldest guesthouse on the west bank of Luxor, Marsam, is set on a farm amidst lush gardens and is a lovely spot for breakfast or lunch. The menu varies daily, offering simple traditional fare. Most ingredients come from local markets and producers. All entrees come with housemade garlic olives, Egyptian bread, delicious salads, and desserts.

As you dine, soak up the storied history and the various iterations of the property, dating back to the late 19th Century. Most notable is that in the 1940s, Sheikh Ali Rassoul acquired the Marsam Guesthouse and transformed it into a renowned gathering spot for artists, earning it the nickname “Sheikh Ali’s Hotel,” during which time it became an academic hub for scholars and travelers interested in Egyptian culture and heritage.