[photopress:Hainan.jpg,full,alignright]The number of stars that a hotel should have is very arbitary — except in China. In theory, there is always an official body which uses standard criteria for classifying hotels, but in many there is none. There have been attempts at unifying the classification system so that it becomes an internationally recognized and reliable standard but large differences still exist in the quality of the accommodation and the food within one category of hotel, sometimes even in the same country.
At least in theory, the term five star hotel means the ultimate luxury and, probably, expense. But many hotels now claim six stars and the Burj al-Arab in Dubai refers to itself as ‘the world’s first seven-star hotel.’ (The prices reflect that. The cost of staying in a suite begins at $1,000 per night and increases to over $15,000 a night. The Royal Suite costs $28,000 a night.)
China is different as it has a national standard which comes under the National Tourism Star-Grade Hotel Assessment Commission and hotels are regularly reassessed. (Perhaps not regularly enough but that will change as tourism increases.) At the moment 79 star-grade Hainan hotels that have had their qualification for five years are being examined. Those that do not conform to the standard will be downgraded or have their stars revoked.
It is important that Hainan sort out its accommodation standards for this island is one of China’s ideal tourist destinations. Its neighboring countries are Philippines towards the east, Malaysia and Brunei towards the south, Indonesia (Natuna Islands) towards the southwest, and Vietnam towards the west.
It has a mild climate and a favorable environment and is said to be conducive to long life. Sanya is famous for its tropical beach landscapes. Tianya Haijiao and Dadonghai are two well known beaches. As a tourist destination it is, as yet, practically undeveloped compared to similar Asian destinations. This will change.
Source: Travel China Guide