While experts' eyes may be on the sea trials of the Varyag, another vessel has been making waves in the Chinese media.

Like the Varyag, the Kiev is a former Soviet aircraft carrier. Like the Varyag – supposedly bought to serve as a floating casino – its buyers said they wanted to turn it into a leisure facility.

The difference is that the Kiev is indeed welcoming guests, proudly billed as China's first aircraft carrier hotel.

Owners of the Binhai Aircraft Park believe China's burgeoning naval power will drum up customer interest.

"Previously, China didn't have aircraft carriers. People find them mysterious and are curious about them. Even though China's first aircraft carrier has now gone on sea trials, it will be quite hard for the public to ever visit it," said marketing manager Liu Chang. "I guess people can come here to fulfil their curiosity."

Prices to stay in one of the five lavish presidential suites have yet to be set, but designers appear to have shunned standard naval decor in favour of something more luxurious. Pictures of one show a vast white circular bed, silver lamé drapes and a cowskin rug.

The South China Morning Post reported that its owners had spent almost 100m yuan (£9.6m) on renovations – still rather less than the cost of refitting the Varyag.