Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Note 1.     Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements represent the consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). The Company is one of the world’s largest hotel and leisure companies. The Company’s principal business is hotels and leisure, which is comprised of a worldwide hospitality network of 1,089 full-service hotels, vacation ownership resorts and residential developments primarily serving two markets: luxury and upscale. The principal operations of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc. (“SVO”) include the development and operation of vacation ownership resorts; and marketing, selling and financing vacation ownership interests (“VOIs”) in the resorts.

The consolidated financial statements include assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Company and all of its controlled subsidiaries and partnerships. In consolidating, all material intercompany transactions are eliminated. We have evaluated all subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were filed.

In accordance with the guidance for noncontrolling interests in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation, references in this report to our earnings per share, net income, and shareholders’ equity attributable to Starwood’s common shareholders do not include amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests.