A platinum five-star classification has been created for outstanding five-star hotels.

To June, Guangdong had 1,121 star hotels including 34 five-stars, both topping the national figures.

According to a new policy of the National Tourism Administration, once classification is approved, a hotel has the right to use the classification for five years, with annual inspections, instead of for the life of the hotel.

Guangzhou has more than 200 hotels classified from one star to five stars, and 64 will be reexamined.

The new standards have reduced the number of dining rooms required for hotels with one to three stars, but stipulate more comfort be provided by hotels with four to five stars.

A platinum five-star hotel should be in busy downtown areas with five-star classification for at least two years.

It should have an architectural theme and a unique exterior appearance. Interior decoration should be in line with the history, culture and environment of the region where it is located. There should be magnificent floors only for administrative guests. There are also requirements on bars, Western-style restaurants, international fame, annual income and the size of rooms.

Shenzhen's Crowne Plaza Hotel could meet the standards but it had not applied yet, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily said, citing insiders.

New signs were issued Friday to more than 790 star hotels in Guangdong.

These hotels had been classified after 1999 and did not need reexamination.

| China Travel Update |