This city-state-sized resort right on the beach is a mix of luxury and gaudy kitsch. Done in a 17th-century-French style, the huge hotel and hot spring spa (which looks like a chateau) made us shake our heads in wonder. But it's the off-season deals that really make this place sp… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

We'll be straight up here: the Civil Aviation Hotel is attractive because its rooms are dirt cheap and it's located in the very heart of Haikou, making it wonderfully convenient. Inside, the hotel service is pretty efficient even though when we stayed, only one woman spoke Englis… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

On the edge of the Dongjiao Yelin coconut plantation and the South China Sea, the Prima is a wonderfully laid-back beachside resort that is totally unpretentious. It's primarily a Chinese place, but in the low season especially (May to October) you'll have the idyllic beach and t… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Smack bang in the middle of the Yalong Bay strip, the brand new Mangrove Tree Resort offers lots of style and most of the five-star amenities for less than what you might pay at the bigger-name resorts. Visually, it's quite impressive and you immediately feel that this is, indeed… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

If you're a stickler for service, and getting your Pina Colada in good time is more important than sleeping in the most stylish rooms, then the Marriott might be for you. Staff here are about the best trained of any in the big resorts, compensating for the relatively uninspiring … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

You won't be surprised to hear that the Ocean Bay Golf Club's 25 rooms tend to attract golfers. What is less well known is that the stunning headland jutting into the South China Sea on which the course is set is also the place to find the best waves and some of the most inspirin… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

In its role as home to the Miss World contest from 2003 to 2005, this 511-room resort put Sanya on the map for many people outside China. And it is a very nice hotel, with a wonderful beachfront location and all the five-star facilities you'd expect. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

In arguably the best position on Dadonghai beach, the South China has been entertaining visitors since 1992. And while it's not quite as sharp as it was when Jiang Zemin stayed back in 1993, it is a fair bit cheaper. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The smart new Wuzhishan Holiday Inn has nothing at all to do with the international hotel chain, but it does offer some stylish mid-range rooms at a budget price. Located just across the river from the main part of town, they have expansive views of the town and surrounding hills… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This old government-run place was until recently the best lodging in Wuzhishan. The Holiday Inn has taken that crown, but this 'resort' still takes the cake when it comes to character - it's a truly memorable experience. Full Lonely Planet Review ›