Where to Stay in Honiara. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

Guesthouses/Basic Lodges:
Simple rooms, shared or private bathrooms. Many are for families-run, personal and budget-friendly. Interaction with locals is possible.
Mid-range Hotels:
Air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, on-site restaurants, sometimes a small pool.
Luxury Hotels/Resorts:
Full services, swimming pools, multiple dining options, a higher level of comfort.
Distinctive Local Lodging:
Homestays in villages outside Honiara provide cultural immersion. Arrangements often through local guides.

Rental and Outdoor Options

Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options:
Limited availability through platforms like Airbnb, mainly within Honiara. Good for longer stays or self-catering.
Staying outdoors:
Organized camping or outdoor accommodation for tourists is not widely available or formally structured in Honiara.
Visitor Choice:
Most visitors opt for established guesthouses or hotels.
Considerations:
Homestays less structured for independent booking. Arrangements typically through a local guide.

Neighborhood Guide

Honiara's neighborhoods have different characters, influencing convenience, ambiance, and access to attractions.

Central Honiara

Benefits

Proximity to fundamental services.
Convenient access to public transport.
Walking distance to some attractions.
Trade and administrative heart.

Drawbacks

Can be busy and noisy.
Generally less scenic.
Traffic is often heavy.
Caution needed walking alone at night.

Mendana Avenue

Benefits

Many hotels are located here.
Offers coastal views from certain properties.
Access to large hotels.
Nearby restaurants.

Drawbacks

Experiences significant traffic noise.
Still a city area.
Less secluded atmosphere.
Not a quiet retreat.

Kukum/East Honiara

Benefits

Generally quieter in some sections.
Glimpse into local residential life.
Mix of residential and commercial zones.
More authentic local feel.

Drawbacks

Further from main tourist attractions.
Reliance on public transport or taxis to reach city center.
Less tourist infrastructure.
Fewer immediate dining options.

Proximity and Ambiance Summary

Accessibility:

Central Honiara and the Mendana Avenue area provide access to attractions, dining, and public transportation hubs.

Noise and Ambiance:

Central areas of Honiara are bustling and could be noisy, reflecting the city's commercial activity. Areas farther from the center, especially residential zones in East Honiara or near Henderson, are generally quieter.

Booking Strategies

Booking in advance is recommended, especially for higher-luxury hotels and during Honiara's peak dry season (June-September), when demand is higher.

Advance Booking & Platforms

Booking in advance for higher-high-end accommodations, especially June-September.
Booking.com lists several hotels in Honiara.
Direct booking through hotel websites or by contacting them via email is a common and reliable method.
Guesthouses: booking a few days ahead or upon arrival often works, notably in the off-season.

Negotiation & Policies

Smaller guesthouses might be open to slight negotiation, especially for extended stays or during low season.
Hotel rates in Honiara are generally fixed.
Deposit and cancellation terms are not the same significantly by establishment.
Always check policies before confirming to understand any fees or deadlines.

Seasonal Price Considerations

High Season Prices:

Accommodation prices generally rise in the dry period (June-September).
Higher tourist numbers during this period.

Low Season Opportunities:

You may find better deals during the wet season (November-April).
Demand decreases during the wet season.

Planning Tip

Review Before Booking:

Look at new reviews to get a current sense of the property's condition and service levels.

Direct Inquiries:

Consider contacting properties directly for any special requests or inquiries about local experiences.

Be Flexible:

Flexibility with travel dates might result in better rates.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some specific accommodation recommendations in Honiara, categorized by budget and features.

Luxury & Mid-Range Options

Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel

Price Range: 1500+ SBD/night

Pool, multiple restaurants, waterfront.
Full service.
Central Honiara, Mendana Ave.
Caters to business travelers and high-end tourists.

Heritage Park Hotel Honiara

Price Range: 1200-1800 SBD/night

Pool, restaurant, modern amenities.
Ocean views.
Central Honiara, Mendana Ave.
Good for families.

Mid-Range & Budget Options

King Solomon Hotel

Price Range: 900-1500 SBD/night

Pool, restaurant, historical significance.
Central Honiara, Mendana Ave.
A property with a story.
Good balance of amenities.

Honiara Hotel

Price Range: 500-800 SBD/night

Simple rooms, restaurant.
Budget-friendly.
East Honiara, short taxi to center.
Suitable for solo travelers.

Traveler Focus: Family & Solo

Family-Friendly Options:
Hotels with swimming pools, like Heritage Park Hotel or Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel, for recreational options on-site.
Solo Traveler Recommendations:
Guesthouses or boutique hotels like Honiara Lodging offer a balance of affordability and comfort. Opportunities for meeting people with other travelers.
Chester Residental Lodge:
Price Range: 400-700 SBD/night. Guesthouse style, basic amenities, quiet. Henderson area, near airport.
Henderson Area:
Convenient for early morning departures or late-night arrivals. A long way from city center for sightseeing.

Extended Stay & Cultural Stays

Long-Stay Accommodations:
Some hotels may offer discounted rates for longer stays; inquire directly. Vacation rentals, when feasible, provide more space and self-kitchen facilities.
Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance:
The King Solomon Hotel has historical connections to Honiara’s past, offering guests a stay in a property with a story.
Local Interaction:
Guesthouses offer a chance to connect with residents.
Limited Availability:
Organized camping not widely available. Homestays less structured for independent booking.