A computer generated image shows the planned seven-star Haikou Millennium Hotel. [Photo/hinews.cn]

Workers work at the construction site of the Hainan International Convention Center, located near the planned seven-star Haikou Millennium Hotel, in Haikou, south China's Hainan Island, file photo. [Photo/People.com.cn]

A seven-star hotel is expected to start construction in 2012 on southern China's Hainan Island with an estimated 2.8 billion yuan (US$408 million) to be invested in the project.

Website hinews.cn reported the planned Haikou Millennium Hotel will be built on an artificial island which will take up 50 mu (33.5 hectares), 300 meters from the coastline.

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The hotel will occupy at least 20 hectares, with plans to provide anywhere from 600 to 800 guest rooms. Four hectares will be used for entertainment facilities, international tax-free shopping centers, and office apartments. The height of the hotel has yet to be determined.

The hotel will also provide 24-hour housekeeper service reminiscent of early English aristocratic society.

The seven-star project is expected to be completed by 2015 and plans to be on a par with the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, thus far the only universally acknowledged seven-star hotel.