Solomon Islands - Unrest/Danger?

I am planning a trip for X-mass/NY and noticed a few western countries have issued travel advisories recently regarding unrest, violence, demonstrations, etc. My initial reaction is that these reports are alarmist/exaggerated and that normal travel precautions are sufficient. Can someone provide a bit of flavor on the real situation?

Also, any suggestions about new accommodations of note (mid range to high end) would be helpful.

I haven't been there, but according to a guy I met at Nadi airport one month ago who was there days before, you'll see soldiers everywhere in the cities.

I was in Honiara during the "troubles," and after the peace accord was signed, and was in no danger either time. The soldiers are the RAMSI troops brought in from Australia and around the Pacific to help maintain law and order, which sort of broke down after the peace agreement was signed several years ago. That was when there was a lot of property theft, but not much street crime, and anyway, visitors were not the targets at any time. Most of the RAMSI troops are concentrated in Honiara, where the troubles began. The other islands were not involved.

I don't know about street crime in Honiara at this time, I haven't been back for a few years, but I suspect it is as safe as it ever was, and that was safe, irrespective of travel advisories. My friends in Honiara were in more "danger" than I was, if I can use that word, because they are from the island that eventually perpetrated the coup, even though they took no part in any of the fighting or subsequent takeover.

Ozziegiraffe will have a better overview of the situation there at this time, but as for myself, I wouldn't hesitate to go out there again at this time.

I would agree that most of the travel advisories are alarmist. Ozziegiraffe will also have a good idea about accommodation as I stay with local friends and haven't used a hotel there since 1991.

The Solomon is as safe as any other country. Yes there are soldiers there but they are there to teach the SI's law and order and they are doing a good job.

10 % of the population in Honiara is Australian or New Zealanders.

There is theft as in any poor country but if youa re smart nothing will happen. Don't get drunk, alone at night ..the usual rules really etc but its fine. I have spent a total of 5 months there over the last 2 years and apart from some pickpocket attenpts at the market nothing has happened.

If there is a demonstration go somewhere else. Its safer than most places these days.

Its not volatile now. Go and have a good time there.

user123, I've just returned to Australia after spending most of this year over there as a single white female, and I felt perfectly safe at all times.

I agree with sharon's comment about not getting drunk alone at night.

I haven't stayed in hotel accommodation in Honiara, but off the top of my head I've heard very good things about Mendana's newly renovated rooms (high end), and people seem to either love or hate their stay at Raintree (mid range).

This thread safety in SI may give you a picture of what things have been like in Honiara since RAMSI came.
In fact, in the last year, Australia at least have lowered their warning, as things are much calmer than ever since Sogovare was defeated for the PM position a year or so ago.
There are new hotels being built in Honiara, but none open yet. A friend now working in Isabel had to stay at the Pacific Casino Hotel recently, and was not impressed.
I haven't been in the new Mendana rooms, but most Australians prefer the King Solomon in Honiara.