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                                                                EXHIBIT 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 333-16887), Form S-3 (File
No. 333-13911), and Form S-8 (File No. 333-14179), of our report dated February
28, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedules of Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. as of December 31, 1996
and 1995, and for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for the period from
August 16, 1995 to December 31, 1995, and the period January 1, 1995 to August
15, 1995, and for the year ended December 31, 1994 for Sunstone Initial Hotels
(the "Predecessor"), and of our report dated February 28, 1997, on our audit of
the financial statements of Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc. (the Lessee), which
reports are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                        /s/   COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
                                        -----------------------------------
                                              COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


San Francisco, California
March 20, 1997