<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>508</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>567</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>157</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>6</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0010 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/BalanceSheet</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0015 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0020 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0030 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/StatementOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0040 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0045 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0050 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/CashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1010 - Disclosure - Organization and Description of Business</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusiness</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Description of Business</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1030 - Disclosure - Investment in Hotel Properties</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentInHotelProperties</Role>
      <ShortName>Investment in Hotel Properties</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1040 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1050 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVentures</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1060 - Disclosure - Interest Rate Derivative Agreements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInterestRateDerivativeAgreements</Role>
      <ShortName>Interest Rate Derivative Agreements</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1070 - Disclosure - Other Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureOtherAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Assets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1080 - Disclosure - Notes Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureNotesPayable</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1090 - Disclosure - Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureOtherCurrentLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1110 - Disclosure - Series C Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSeriesCCumulativeConvertibleRedeemablePreferredStock</Role>
      <ShortName>Series C Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1120 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1130 - Disclosure - Long-Term Incentive Plan</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureLongTermIncentivePlan</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Incentive Plan</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1140 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1150 - Disclosure - Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyOperatingResults</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1160 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1170 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureScheduleIIValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1180 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE III-REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureScheduleIIIRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE III-REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3010 - Disclosure - Organization and Description of Business (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Description of Business (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3030 - Disclosure - Investment in Hotel Properties (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentInHotelPropertiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Investment in Hotel Properties (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3040 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3070 - Disclosure - Other Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureOtherAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3080 - Disclosure - Notes Payable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureNotesPayableTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3090 - Disclosure - Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureOtherCurrentLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3120 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3130 - Disclosure - Long-Term Incentive Plan (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureLongTermIncentivePlanTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Incentive Plan (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3140 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3150 - Disclosure - Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyOperatingResultsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4010 - Disclosure - Organization and Description of Business (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Description of Business (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4021 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4022 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4023 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4024 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4025 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails6</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4026 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails7</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4027 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 8)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails8</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 8)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4028 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 9)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails9</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 9)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4030 - Disclosure - Investment in Hotel Properties (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentInHotelPropertiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investment in Hotel Properties (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4031 - Disclosure - Investment in Hotel Properties (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentInHotelPropertiesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Investment in Hotel Properties (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4032 - Disclosure - Investment in Hotel Properties (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentInHotelPropertiesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Investment in Hotel Properties (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4033 - Disclosure - Investment in Hotel Properties (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentInHotelPropertiesDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Investment in Hotel Properties (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4040 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4041 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperationsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4050 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4060 - Disclosure - Interest Rate Derivative Agreements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureInterestRateDerivativeAgreementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Interest Rate Derivative Agreements (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4070 - Disclosure - Other Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureOtherAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Assets (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4080 - Disclosure - Notes Payable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureNotesPayableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4081 - Disclosure - Notes Payable (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureNotesPayableDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4090 - Disclosure - Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureOtherCurrentLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4101 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4110 - Disclosure - Series C Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSeriesCCumulativeConvertibleRedeemablePreferredStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Series C Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4120 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4121 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4130 - Disclosure - Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureLongTermIncentivePlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4140 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4150 - Disclosure - Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyOperatingResultsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4160 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4170 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureScheduleIIValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4180 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE III-REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureScheduleIIIRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE III-REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4181 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE III-REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.sunstonehotels.com/role/DisclosureScheduleIIIRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE III-REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element sho_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCredits had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element sho_DistributionsToNoncontrollingInterests had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1 had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DisposalGroupDeferredGainOnDisposal had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureAmountOfConsiderationReceived1 had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_NotesReduction had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PaymentsForDerivativeInstrumentInvestingActivities had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ProfitLoss had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_RevenueFromLeasedAndOwnedHotels had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4022 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4025 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4031 - Disclosure - Investment in Hotel Properties (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4040 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4050 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4060 - Disclosure - Interest Rate Derivative Agreements (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4070 - Disclosure - Other Assets (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4080 - Disclosure - Notes Payable (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4081 - Disclosure - Notes Payable (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4090 - Disclosure - Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4120 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4140 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4160 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4180 - Disclosure - SCHEDULE III-REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0010 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0015 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Apr. 30, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0020 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0030 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '1 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0045 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0050 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>sho-20131231.xml</File>
    <File>sho-20131231.xsd</File>
    <File>sho-20131231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>sho-20131231_def.xml</File>
    <File>sho-20131231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>sho-20131231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
