Working your way through Honiara, you may think that this chaotic capital city has little to offer in terms of accommodation, but off of a small side street of a central roundabout is an international standard hotel. Heritage Park Hotel is named for its rich roots dating back to the 1950s when British governors resided here (in the reception building which is the original residence). In 2005 after the troubles, the country was on a path of recovery and needed to create an offering to tap into the tourism industry. Thus the modern 4 star Heritage Park Hotel was born.

Visiting for a day on my Pacifying the Pacific trip, I was surprised to find the high quality of the hotel given the humble surroundings. Tucked away behind some buildings is the entrance to the hotel. The reception quickly processed my check-in and I headed to my room. Walking through the building, I noticed the colonial style of the original building and how the modern buildings maintained some of the design notes. Through the restaurant was the courtyard with a bright lawn and healthy palms.

My room was on the top floor of a far building facing the sea. My executive room had all the modern comforts like a queen sized bed, flat screen TV, wifi, and the best part, a balcony overlooking the bay. The minimalist bathroom with a shower was stylish. Of course the room had air conditioning which was very appreciated with the intense heat.

The hotel has several dining options. GG’s Restaurant serves European and Asian cuisine with fresh local ingredients while The Terrace Restaurant is the primary restaurant for a buffet breakfast served on… you guessed it, the terrace. The mornings are cool and the open air set up is very refreshing.

At the pool is the Splash Bar & Grill where you can order some fancy cocktails or a snack as you lounge.

Besides the large pool facing the sea, you have a beautiful garden around the property. A short stroll from the hotel will take you to the National Museum or a souvenir market. Scuba diving is also a popular activity which can be booked at the front desk.

Being in the business center, the hotel is a prime location for meetings and events which are often held in one of the meeting rooms or common areas in the courtyard. There was a pretty fantastic party at the pool on my first evening!

The reception staff are very professional and make an effort to give a personalized service. They helpfully planned my tour around the city and also called taxis which were plentiful and arrived quickly.

Though I only stayed a single day spending most of my time exploring Honiara, I can see why this hotel is a favorite for tourists. I didn’t even get a chance to lounge by the pool, so I’ll have to come back one day.

Contact
Heritage Park Hotel
Address: Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Telephone: +677 24007
Email: info@heritageparkhotel.com.sb
Website: http://www.heritageparkhotel.com.sb