<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                 ---------------



(Mark One)
[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934

                              For the quarter ended

                                  JUNE 30, 1997

                                       OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    ACT OF 1934

             For the transition period from             to
                                           -------------  --------------

                         Commission file number 0-26304


                         SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                              --------------------

           Maryland                                           52-1891908
(State or Other Jurisdiction of                            (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)                            Identification No.)

           115 Calle de Industrias, Suite 201, San Clemente, CA 92672
               (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

                                 (714) 361-3900
              (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
  required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
    1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
            filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X  No
                                                         ---   ---

As of August 13, 1997, there were 20,386,635 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

<PAGE>   2




                         SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.

                   JUNE 30, 1997 QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS




                         PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION


<TABLE>
ITEM 1.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<S>                                                                              <C>

   Introduction to the Financial Statements.....................................  3

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

   Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of June 30, 1997 
       and December 31, 1996....................................................  4

   Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months and Six Months
       Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996.............................................  5

   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended
       June 30, 1997 and 1996...................................................  6

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................  7



Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc. (the "Lessee")

   Statements of Financial Position as of June 30, 1997 and 
       December 31, 1996........................................................  9

   Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Six Months
       Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996............................................. 10

   Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996..... 11

   Notes to Financial Statements................................................ 12



ITEM 2.      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
             RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.............................................. 13



                          PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 4.      SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS................ 20

ITEM 5.      OTHER INFORMATION.................................................. 22

ITEM 6.      EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K................................... 27
</TABLE>


                                        2

<PAGE>   3




                                     PART I

                         SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.

                    INTRODUCTION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

           The consolidated financial statements included herein have been
prepared by Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the "Company"), without audit,
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Disclosures normally included in the notes to the financial statements prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted
pursuant to such rules and regulations. The Company believes that the
disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading when
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

           The financial information presented herein reflects all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim
periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.


                                        3

<PAGE>   4

                         SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 June  30,         December 31,
                                                   1997                1996
                                               ------------        ------------
<S>                                            <C>                 <C>
ASSETS:
Investment in hotel properties, net            $252,349,000        $152,937,000
Mortgage notes receivable                         2,850,000           2,850,000
Cash                                              1,189,000             142,000
Rent receivable-- Lessee                          3,904,000           2,360,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net            2,724,000           1,790,000
                                               ------------        ------------
                                               $263,016,000        $160,079,000
                                               ============        ============


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Revolving line of credit                       $ 18,800,000        $ 40,400,000
Mortgage notes payable                           22,649,000          19,651,000
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses       2,235,000           3,249,000
                                               ------------       -------------
                                                 43,684,000          63,300,000
                                               ------------       -------------
Minority interest                                24,521,000          15,978,000
                                               ------------       -------------


Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000
   authorized; 20,368,001 and 10,936,457 issued
   and outstanding as of June 30, 1997 and
   December 31, 1996, respectively                  203,000             109,000
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000
   authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
Additional paid-in capital                      195,494,000          80,700,000
Distributions in excess of earnings                (886,000)             (8,000)
                                               ------------        ------------ 
                                                194,811,000          80,801,000
                                               ------------        ------------
                                               $263,016,000        $160,079,000
                                               ============        ============
</TABLE>



   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                        4

<PAGE>   5

                         SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Three Months Ended        Six Months Ended
                                                                  June 30,                 June 30,
                                                          -----------------------  ------------------------
                                                            1997           1996      1997          1996
                                                          ----------   ----------  -----------   ----------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
REVENUES:
   Lease revenue                                          $7,775,000   $2,965,000  $15,347,000   $6,155,000
   Interest income                                           124,000       41,000      321,000       60,000
                                                          ----------   ----------  -----------   ----------
     Total revenues                                        7,899,000    3,006,000   15,668,000    6,215,000
                                                          ----------   ----------  -----------   ----------

EXPENSES:
   Real estate related depreciation and amortization       2,100,000      997,000    3,900,000    1,846,000
   Interest expense and amortization of financing costs      717,000      487,000    1,557,000      811,000
   Real estate, personal property taxes and insurance        684,000      313,000    1,360,000      566,000
   General and administrative                                269,000      128,000      801,000      281,000
                                                          ----------   ----------  -----------   ----------
          Total expenses                                   3,770,000    1,925,000    7,618,000    3,504,000
                                                          ----------   ----------  -----------   ----------

Income before minority interest                            4,129,000    1,081,000    8,050,000    2,711,000
Minority interest                                            450,000      204,000      953,000      497,000
                                                          ----------   ----------  -----------   ----------
NET INCOME                                                $3,679,000   $  877,000  $ 7,097,000   $2,214,000
                                                          ==========   ==========  ===========   ==========


NET INCOME PER SHARE                                           $0.20        $0.14        $0.43        $0.35
Weighted average number of shares                         18,793,000    6,322,000   16,505,000    6,322,000
</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

                                        5

<PAGE>   6




                         SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Six Months Ended
                                                                    June 30,
                                                          -----------------------------       
                                                               1997            1996
                                                          -------------   -------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net Income                                             $   7,097,000   $   2,214,000
   Adjustments to reconcile net income
          to net cash provided by operating activities:
     Minority interest                                          953,000         497,000
     Depreciation                                             3,900,000       1,846,000
      Amortization of financing costs                           173,000         114,000
       Changes in assets and liabilities:
          Rent receivable-Lessee                             (1,544,000)     (1,314,000)
          Prepaids and other assets, net                       (359,000)        493,000
          Accounts payable and accrued expenses              (1,014,000)     (1,225,000)
                                                          -------------   -------------

              Net cash provided by operating activities       9,206,000       2,625,000
                                                          -------------   -------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Acquisitions, improvements and additions
       to hotel properties                                  (86,805,000)    (35,577,000)
   Mortgage notes receivable                                                 (2,850,000)
   Sale and disposition of hotel properties                                   3,950,000
                                                          -------------   -------------
              Net cash used in investing activities         (86,805,000)    (34,477,000)
                                                          -------------   -------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Net proceeds from issuance of common stock               118,282,000
   Payment of deferred financing costs                         (748,000)
   Borrowings on revolving line of credit                    24,900,000      28,656,000
   Principal payments on revolving line of credit           (46,500,000)     (1,100,000)
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                                   3,018,000
   Principal payments on long-term debt                      (8,119,000)
   Dividends paid                                            (7,975,000)     (2,908,000)
   Partnership distributions paid                            (1,194,000)       (719,000)
                                                          -------------   -------------
              Net cash provided by financing activities      78,646,000      26,947,000
                                                          -------------   -------------

              Net change in cash                              1,047,000      (4,905,000)

   Cash, beginning of period                                    142,000       5,222,000
                                                          -------------   -------------
   Cash, end of period                                    $   1,189,000   $     317,000
                                                          =============   =============
</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                        6

<PAGE>   7
                         SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



1.  ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

           Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., a Maryland Corporation (the
"Company"), is a real estate investment trust ("REIT") that, through Sunstone
Hotel Investors, L.P. (the "Partnership"), owns mid-price and upscale hotels
primarily located in the western United States. As of June 30, 1997, the Company
owned an 88.8% combined limited and general partner interest in the Partnership,
through units of partnership interest ("Partnership Units") of the Partnership.

           On January 6, 1997, the Company completed a shelf offering for
4,000,000 shares of its common stock. Concurrently, 600,000 shares of common
stock were issued by the Company upon the full exercise of the underwriters'
over-allotment option. The offering price of the shares sold in the offering was
$13.00 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $59.8 million and
net proceeds (less underwriters' discount and offering costs) of approximately
$56.8 million.

           On March 31, 1997, the Company completed a shelf offering for 700,000
shares of its common stock. On April 28, 1997, 105,000 shares of common stock
were issued by the Company upon the full exercise of the underwriter's
over-allotment option. The offering price of the shares sold was $13.75 per
share, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $11.1 million and net
proceeds (less underwriter's discount and offering costs) of approximately $10.6
million.

           On May 6, 1997, the Company completed a shelf offering for 4,000,000
shares of common stock. The offering price of the shares sold was $13.375 per
share, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $53.5 million and net
proceeds (less underwriters' discount and offering costs) of approximately $51.4
million.

           At June 30, 1997, the Company owned 30 hotel properties located in
the Western United States, which are leased to Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc.
(the "Lessee") under operating leases (the "Percentage Leases") providing for
the payment of base and percentage rent. The Lessee is owned by Robert A. Alter,
Chairman of the Company (80%), and Charles L. Biederman, Director and Executive
Vice President of the Company (20%). The Lessee has entered into a management
agreement pursuant to which all of the Hotels are managed by Sunstone Hotel
Management, Inc. (the "Management Company"), of which Mr. Alter is the sole
shareholder.

Basis Of Presentation:

           For accounting purposes, the Company exercises unilateral control
over the Partnership; hence, the financial statements of the Company and the
Partnership are consolidated. All significant intercompany transactions and
balances have been eliminated.

NEWLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

           In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128 "Earnings Per
Share" and No. 129 "Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure." These
statements are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 1997. The
FASB also issued SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" and No. 131
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." These
statements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The
impact of the adoption of SFAS Nos. 128, 129, 130 and 131 will not have a
material effect on the Company's earnings per share amounts, financial
position or results of operations.

2.  NET INCOME PER SHARE AND PARTNERSHIP UNITS

           Net income per share is based on the weighted average number of
common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Outstanding
options are included as common equivalent shares using the treasury stock method
when the effect is dilutive. The weighted average number of shares used in
determining net income per share was 18,793,000 and 6,322,000 for the three
months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. At June 30, 1997, a total of
22,932,000 partnership units were issued and outstanding. The weighted average
number of units outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996
was 21,092,000 and 7,781,000, respectively.


                                        7

<PAGE>   8
3.  REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT

           On May 7, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with a
syndicate of national banks for an unsecured $100 million revolving line of
credit with interest at LIBOR plus 1.80% per annum to replace its $50 million
secured line of credit. The credit facility has a two year term with a one-year
extension option in favor of the Company and provides for a reduction in the
interest rate margin if the Company's debt securities are rated by a national
rating agency. The credit facility also requires that the Company provide
collateral if the Company fails to satisfy certain financial covenants

4.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS

           On July 17, 1997, the Company acquired the 102-room Best Western
Landmark Inn in Lynnwood, Washington for a purchase price of approximately $7.4
million in cash.

           On August 5, 1997, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire all the capital stock of Kahler Realty Corporation, a privately held
Minnesota corporation ("Kahler") for approximately $322 million from Westbrook
Real Estate Fund I, L.P. and Westbrook Real Estate Co-Investment Partnership I,
L.P., affiliates of Westbrook Partners, L.L.C., a real estate investment firm.
The acquisition of Kahler, which owns and operates 17 hotels with an aggregate
of 4,255 rooms, will almost double the number of hotel rooms in the Company's
portfolio from the current number. The transaction is expected to close during
the fourth quarter of 1997. The $322 million consideration to be paid at closing
will consist of approximately $95 million in cash, $25 million of newly issued
preferred stock and $32 million of newly issued common stock of the Company, and
the assumption of approximately $170 million of debt which, after closing, will
be kept in place, refinanced or retired. 

           On August 7, 1997, the Company acquired the leasehold interests in
the 175-room Holiday Inn Mission Valley Stadium in San Diego, California, and
the 130-suite Crystal Suites in Anaheim, California, for purchase prices of
approximately $9.1 million and $8.7 million in cash, respectively.



                                        8

<PAGE>   9

                         SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC.

                        STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        June 30,    December 31,
                                                          1997         1996
                                                      -----------   ------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>
ASSETS:

    Cash                                              $   891,000   $ 1,165,000
    Receivables, net                                    3,159,000     1,283,000
    Inventories                                           815,000       514,000
    Prepaid expenses and other assets                     313,000       134,000
                                                      -----------   -----------
                                                      $ 5,178,000   $ 3,096,000
                                                      ===========   ===========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT:

    Rent payable - REIT                               $ 3,904,000   $ 2,360,000
    Accounts payable, trade                             1,727,000     2,328,000
    Advanced deposits                                     152,000       276,000
    Sales taxes payable                                   757,000       224,000
    Accrued payroll                                       239,000       718,000
    Accrued vacation                                      273,000       163,000
     Accrued bonuses                                      409,000       176,000
    Due to affiliate                                      680,000       258,000
    Other accrued expenses                                664,000       501,000
                                                      -----------   -----------
                                                        8,805,000     7,004,000
                                                      -----------   -----------

    Stockholders' Deficit:

    Common stock, no par value, 100,000 authorized;
      125 issued and outstanding
    Stockholders' deficit                              (3,627,000)   (3,908,000)
                                                      -----------   -----------
                                                      $ 5,178,000   $ 3,096,000
                                                      ===========   ===========
</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                        9

<PAGE>   10


                         SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Three Months Ended                 Six Months Ended
                                                          June 30,                          June 30,
                                               -----------------------------      ----------------------------
                                                   1997             1996              1997            1996
                                               ------------     ------------      ------------    ------------
<S>                                            <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>
REVENUES:

    Room                                       $ 17,935,000     $  6,970,000      $ 34,501,000    $ 13,756,000
    Food and beverage                             1,469,000          426,000         2,744,000         658,000
    Other                                           999,000          398,000         2,002,000         716,000
                                               ------------     ------------      ------------    ------------
        Total revenues                           20,403,000        7,794,000        39,247,000      15,130,000
                                               ------------     ------------      ------------    ------------

EXPENSES:

    Room                                          4,077,000        1,753,000         7,735,000       3,450,000
    Food and beverage                             1,262,000          436,000         2,296,000         678,000
    Other                                           494,000          146,000           988,000         339,000
    General and administrative                    1,903,000          606,000         3,734,000       1,067,000
    Franchise costs                               1,325,000          264,000         2,557,000         456,000
    Advertising and promotion                     1,225,000          762,000         2,300,000       1,400,000
    Repairs and maintenance                         719,000          380,000         1,374,000         696,000
    Utilities                                       901,000          344,000         1,792,000         638,000
    Management fees                                 402,000          141,000           759,000         273,000
    Rent expense                                  7,775,000        2,965,000        15,347,000       6,155,000
                                               ------------     ------------      ------------    ------------
        Total expenses                           20,083,000        7,797,000        38,882,000      15,152,000
                                               ------------     ------------      ------------    ------------



NET INCOME (LOSS)                              $    320,000     $     (3,000)     $    365,000    $    (22,000)
                                               ============     ============      ============    ============
</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       10

<PAGE>   11
                         SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Six Months Ended
                                                                               June 30,
                                                                  -----------------------------
                                                                     1997               1996
                                                                  -----------        ----------
<S>                                                               <C>                <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
    Net income                                                    $   365,000        $  (22,000)
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
           (used in) provided by operating activities:
        Changes in assets and liabilities:
           Receivables, net                                        (1,137,000)         (362,000)
           Inventories                                               (301,000)           63,000
           Prepaid expenses and other assets                         (179,000)         (510,000)
           Rent payable - REIT                                      1,544,000         1,315,000
           Accounts payable, trade                                   (601,000)          473,000
           Advanced deposits                                         (124,000)         (140,000)
           Sales taxes payable                                        533,000             5,000
           Accrued payroll                                           (479,000)         (223,000)
           Accrued vacation                                           110,000            18,000
           Accrued bonuses                                            233,000
           Management and accounting fees payable                    (143,000)         (104,000)
           Other accrued expenses                                     (24,000)          613,000
                                                                  -----------        ----------
               Net cash (used in) provided by operating 
                   activities                                        (203,000)        1,126,000
                                                                  -----------        ----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Purchase of office furniture, fixtures and equipment              (71,000)         (863,000)
                                                                  -----------        ----------
               Net cash used in investing activities                  (71,000)         (863,000)
                                                                  -----------        ----------
               Net change in cash                                    (274,000)          263,000

Cash, beginning of period                                           1,165,000           800,000
                                                                  -----------        ----------
Cash, end of period                                               $   891,000        $1,063,000
                                                                  ===========        ==========
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       11

<PAGE>   12

                         SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC.

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                  -----------

1.  ORGANIZATION:

           Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc. (the "Lessee") was incorporated in
Colorado in October 1994 and commenced operations effective with the completion
of an initial public stock offering (the "Offering") by Sunstone Hotel
Investors, Inc. (the "REIT") on August 16, 1995. The Lessee leases hotel
properties primarily located in the Western United States from the REIT pursuant
to long term leases.

2.  ACCUMULATED DEFICIT:

           During 1995 and 1996, the Lessee has incurred cumulative losses of
$3.6 million net of $365,000 of net income for the six months ended June 30,
1997. Of this amount, approximately $1.5 million of the loss is attributable to
seven hotels that underwent substantial renovations during 1996. Such
renovations were made in conjunction with the Company's strategy of acquiring
hotels that can benefit from extensive improvements, reflagging and
repositioning resulting in higher potential revenue. In accordance with the
terms of the Percentage Leases, the Lessee is required to pay the full lease
payment even though a portion of the rooms are under renovation and not
available for rent to guests. During periods of renovation, the hotels generally
do not generate sufficient revenue to meet operating expenses, including lease
payments. Accordingly, the Lessee incurred substantial losses primarily due to
the terms of the Percentage Leases. Management believes that the related losses
represent costs that have a reasonable assurance of future economic benefit that
will be derived from improved operating performance of the renovated hotels
throughout the remaining periods of the respective leases. Additional losses in
prior periods not related to renovation are primarily attributable to the
transition to new management at acquired hotels, seasonal operations as
determined by the timing of acquisitions, the operating leverage of certain
Percentage Leases and market conditions in certain markets.

           The Lessee has remained current in its payments to the Company under
the terms of the Percentage Leases, and during 1997, management anticipates
generating net income and substantial positive operating cash flow, however,
there can be no assurance that improved operating expectations will be met.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 1997, the Lessee reported net
income of $320,000 and $365,000, respectively.

                                       12

<PAGE>   13

Forward-Looking Statements

           When used throughout this report, the words "believes", "anticipates"
and "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Such statements are subject to the many risks and uncertainties
which affect the Company's business, and actual results could differ materially
from those projected and forecasted. These uncertainties, which include
competition within the lodging industry, the balance between supply and demand
for the hotel rooms, the Company's continued ability to execute acquisitions and
renovations, the effect of economic conditions, and the availability of capital
to finance planned growth, are described but are not limited to those disclosed
in this report. These and other factors which could cause actual results to
differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are discussed
under the heading "Risk Factors". Given these uncertainties, readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The Company also
undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to
these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events
or circumstances.


ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
           RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

GENERAL

           Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. ("Sunstone" or the "Company") is a
REIT with an acquisition, renovation and repositioning strategy that currently
focuses its acquisition strategy primarily in the Western United States. The
Company brands its hotels with strong national franchises that are among the
most respected and widely recognized brand names in the lodging industry. The
majority of the Company's hotel portfolio consists of full service and upscale
extended stay properties (71% as of August 13, 1997) with the remainder of the
Company's portfolio consisting of mid-price limited service properties located
primarily in markets where significant barriers exist for new competitive
supply.

           Geographically, 61% of the Company's portfolio is located in the
Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon and Washington, where California's
much-improved economic fundamentals have given a boost to the hotel industry and
have caused domestic outmigration to subside. The balance of the Company's
portfolio is in the Mountain states, which according to the U.S. Census Bureau,
posted the fastest population growth in the country in 1995 and 1996.

           Sunstone is a self-administered REIT whose hotel operating strategy
emphasizes a commitment to increase market share at each of its hotels. The
Company is able to achieve this increase in market share through an expansion of
a strong base of direct sales and marketing with emphasis on repeat customers.
The Company is able to increase its customer base by providing a high level of
guest satisfaction, high-quality facilities and quality food and beverage
services through its program of subleasing its food and beverage operations to
national and regional restaurant chains.

           While national in scope, success in the hospitality industry is
measured by competition in local markets and is a street-corner-by-street-corner
business. The Company distinguishes itself from its competition in local hotel
markets by providing high levels of service and value to its guests, with
high-quality hotels combined with superior marketing practices. Based on data
provided by Smith Travel Research, the Company believes that its portfolio of
renovated and rebranded hotels consistently outperforms the industry's average
year-over-year growth in revenues by a significant margin.

           The lodging industry as a whole, and the mid-price and upscale
segments in particular, are benefiting from a favorable supply and demand
imbalance in the United States. Based on data provided by Smith Travel Research,
the Company believes that demand for rooms, as measured by annual domestic
occupied room nights, increased 3.3% and 3.4% in 1996 for the mid-price and
upscale segments, respectively. Future demand growth for these two segments is
forecasted by Smith Travel Research to be 2.2% per year through 1999 and revenue
growth for the entire hotel industry is forecasted to be 5.4%, 5.1% and 4.9% for
the years 1997, 1998 and 1999.

           Management believes that recent demand increases have resulted
primarily from an improved economic environment in the Company's markets and a
corresponding increase in business travel, as well as favorable demographic
factors. However, in spite of increased demand for rooms, the room supply growth
rate has generally

                                       13

<PAGE>   14

not kept pace with the growth in demand in most of the markets in which the
Company owns hotels. This supply and demand imbalance is significantly greater
in the Pacific Coast states where the Company currently emphasizes its
acquisition focus. Management believes that this lag in the supply growth rate
is attributable to many factors including the limited availability of attractive
building sites for hotels in the markets in which the Company operates, more
stringent requirements for obtaining financing for new hotel construction and
the availability of existing properties for sale at a significant discount to
their replacement cost. The Company expects this supply and demand imbalance,
particularly in the Western United States, to continue, which should result in
improved revenue per available room ("REVPAR") for its hotels, and consequently,
lease revenue to the Company in the near term.

           The Company's operating strategy is to increase REVPAR by increasing
average daily rate ("ADR") and occupancy. This strategy has been implemented by
replacing certain discounted group business with higher-rate group and transient
business and by selectively increasing room rates. The Company has been
successful in this strategy because of 1) the relatively high occupancy rates at
certain of its hotels, 2) the success of the Company's superior marketing
strategy implemented at each acquired hotel, and 3) the effects of repositioning
recently acquired hotels as high-quality properties with strong national
franchises through the Company's redevelopment and rebranding program. As a
result of the Company's operating strategy, on a comparable basis, REVPAR for
the 11 hotels owned by the Company that did not undergo renovation during the
second quarter of 1997 increased approximately 12.0% over the corresponding
quarter of 1996. The lodging industry as a whole reported 6.5% REVPAR increase
for the same period.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY

Comparison of the Quarter Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996

           For the second quarter ended June 30, 1997, net income increased 320%
to $3.7 million from $877,000, and on a per-share basis increased 42.9% to $0.20
per share from $0.14 per share for the corresponding quarter of 1996. Revenues
increased 163% to $7.9 million from $3.6 million for the second quarter of 
1997. The increase in revenues is substantially attributable to the execution 
of the Company's external growth strategy, as well as increases in REVPAR of 
both continuously owned and recently acquired hotels.

           External Growth. During the second quarter of 1997, the Company
acquired two hotels comprising 451 rooms for purchase prices aggregating
approximately $28.6 million resulting in $81.2 million of hotel acquisitions for
the six months ended June 30, 1997. These acquisitions, combined with the 10
hotels with 1,916 rooms acquired subsequent to the second quarter of 1996
through the first quarter of 1997 for purchase prices aggregating approximately
$111.7 million, contributed $3.2 million of the $4.9 million increase in
revenues. The Company's portfolio now contains a total of 33 hotels in the
Western United States. Through these acquisitions, as well as the development of
a 78-room Residence Inn in Highlands Ranch (Denver), Colorado, the Company has
increased the number of rooms in its portfolio since its IPO in August of 1995
by 281% to 5,071 to date.

           On August 5, 1997, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire all the capital stock of Kahler Realty Corporation, a privately held
Minnesota corporation ("Kahler") for approximately $322 million from Westbrook
Real Estate Fund I, L.P. and Westbrook Real Estate Co-Investment Partnership I,
L.P., affiliates of Westbrook Partners, L.L.C., a real estate investment firm.
The acquisition of Kahler, which owns and operates 17 hotels with an aggregate
of 4,255 rooms, will almost double the number of hotel rooms in the Company's
portfolio from the current number. The transaction is expected to close during
the fourth quarter of 1997. The $322 million consideration to be paid at closing
will consist of approximately $95 million in cash, $25 million of newly issued
preferred stock and $32 million of newly issued common stock of the Company, and
the assumption of approximately $170 million of debt which, after closing, will
be kept in place, refinanced or retired. 



                                       14

<PAGE>   15

           Internal Growth. The Company reported strong revenue growth for the
second quarter of 1997. Overall, the Company posted a 4.8% REVPAR increase for
the entire portfolio for the second quarter of 1997 as compared to the
corresponding quarter of 1996. Moreover, on a same-unit-sales basis, REVPAR for
the non-renovation hotels increased by 12.0% over the second quarter of 1996,
from $46.75 to $52.35. (During the second quarter of 1997, the nationwide
lodging industry REVPAR growth for the mid-price and upscale hotel segments, the
segments which are most representative of the Company's hotels, were 5.8% and
5.2%, respectively, according to Smith Travel Research.) The 12.0% increase in
REVPAR was driven by a 10.3% increase in ADR, from $62.92 to $69.42, while
occupancy increased by approximately one percentage point to 75.4%. The strong
performance of the Company's hotel portfolio in the second quarter of 1997 was
not only due to the results of the Company's recently redeveloped hotels, but
also due to the internal growth of a number of continuously owned hotels as
indicated in the following table.


       The Company's Leading REVPAR Performers for Second Quarter of 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       REVPAR
                                                            ----------------------------
               Hotel                              Rooms      1996       1997    % Change
               -----                              -----     ------     ------   --------
<S>                                                <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
Courtyard by Marriott - Fresno, California         116      $45.87     $52.96     15.4%
Hampton Inn - Arcadia, California                  131       39.92      45.65     14.4
Hawthorn Suites - Kent, Washington                 152       58.23      72.78     25.0
Holiday Inn - La Mirada, California                289       37.81      44.67     18.1
Ramada Inn - San Diego, California                 151       62.45      72.30     15.8
</TABLE>


           The Company also reported that the REVPAR increase for the seven
1996-renovation hotels, which were undergoing renovation in the second quarter
of 1996, was 35.4% over 1996, reflecting a 24.4% growth over the second quarter
of 1995 -- averaging 11.5% real REVPAR growth over the two-year period. 

           REVPAR for the eleven 1997-renovation hotels, which were undergoing
renovation during the second quarter of 1997, representing 41.2% of the
Company's room portfolio, decreased 12.3% compared to the corresponding
quarter of 1996.


                                       15

<PAGE>   16
           The following table summarizes average occupancy rate, ADR and REVPAR
on a same-unit-sales basis for the Company's hotels owned during the three and 
six months ended June 30, 1997.

                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Three Months Ended          Six Months Ended
                                         June 30,                   June 30,
                                  ----------------------       -------------------
                                   1997            1996         1997         1996
                                  ------          ------       ------       ------
<S>                               <C>             <C>          <S>          <S>
SAME-UNIT-SALES ANALYSIS
ALL HOTELS:
Occupancy                          66.5%            68.2%        67.4%        66.7%
ADR                               $65.99           $61.40       $67.74       $63.97
REVPAR                            $43.87           $41.88       $45.68       $42.67
REVPAR Growth                       4.8%                          7.1%

NON-RENOVATION HOTELS (1):
Occupancy                          75.4%            74.3%        73.1%        68.9%
ADR                               $69.42           $62.92       $68.92       $65.15
REVPAR                            $52.35           $46.75       $50.40       $44.90
REVPAR Growth                      12.0%                         12.3%

RENOVATION HOTELS (2):
Occupancy                          61.1%            64.5%        63.0%        65.0%
ADR                               $63.44           $60.35       $66.68       $63.02
REVPAR                            $38.77           $38.95       $42.00       $40.97
REVPAR Growth                      (0.5)%                         2.5%
</TABLE>

---------------------
(1)  Non-renovation hotels are those hotels that had minor or no expenditures 
     for renovation during the respective periods of 1996 and 1997.

(2)  Renovation hotels are those hotels that had significant expenditures for
     renovation or redevelopment during the respective periods of 1996 and 
     1997 and includes 11 hotels in the second quarter of 1997 and six hotels 
     in the second quarter of 1996.

           Interest expense and amortization of financing costs increased to
$717,000 from $487,000, and real estate and personal property taxes and
insurance increased to $684,000 from $313,000, for the second quarter of 1997
compared to the corresponding quarter of 1996. These increases are attributable
to the growth of the Company's hotel portfolio to 30 hotels in the second
quarter of 1997 compared to 18 hotels in the corresponding quarter of 1996. This
growth of the Company was initially financed with debt contributing to the
increase in interest expense. During the second quarter of 1997, the Company
recorded increased general and administrative expenses relating to due diligence
for hotels not acquired, certain annual shareholders' meeting costs and other
general and administrative costs. Additionally, effective January 1, 1997, the
Company increased the compensation of the President and added a chief financial
officer, corporate controller, cash manager and other administrative staff. As a
result, general and administrative expenses increased to $269,000 from $128,000
for the second quarter of 1997 and 1996, respectively.

RENOVATIONS AND REBRANDING

           During the second quarter of 1997, the Company continued to implement
its strategy of renovating, repositioning and rebranding its recently acquired
hotel assets. In April 1997, Sunstone rebranded the Radisson Suites Hotel in
Oxnard, California, as the fifth largest Residence Inn by Marriott in the U.S.,
and upgraded the franchise affiliation of the Craig, Colorado, Holiday Inn to a
Holiday Inn & Suites. In June 1997, the Company rebranded the Ramada Hotel in
Cypress, California, as a 180-room Courtyard by Marriott. The Company also
completed renovation upgrades on its Flagstaff, Arizona, property, which was
acquired in October 1996, as well as the Pueblo and Silverthorne, Colorado, and
Provo, Utah, properties, consistent with the Sunstone's plan of a regular
program of capital improvement which the Company believes is essential to
maintaining the competitiveness of its hotels and maximizing revenue growth. The
Residence Inn by Marriott in Oxnard is on track with an expected three-to-six
month ramp up in achieving projected REVPAR increases, and the Courtyard by
Marriott in Cypress achieved an 11.7 % REVPAR growth in the second quarter of
1997 -- while undergoing renovation -- over the second quarter of 1996. The
financial results of the Company's renovation, repositioning and rebranding
strategy demonstrates Sunstone's ability to create value at numerous hotels in
various markets. 

SEASONALITY AND DIVERSIFICATION

         The hotel industry is seasonal in nature and this seasonality is
typically geographically and market specific. The effects of seasonality may be
expected to cause significant quarterly fluctuations in the Company's Percentage
Lease revenues and may change depending upon the locations and markets of
additional hotels the Company acquires.

         The Company has implemented a business strategy of franchise and
geographic diversification. The following tables summarize certain information
for the Company's hotels with respect to franchise affiliations and distribution
of hotels throughout the Western United States as of and for the periods
indicated. 
                                       16
<PAGE>   17

                             FRANCHISE AFFILIATIONS
               (As of and For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1997)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Percentage                              Percentage of
Franchise System            Rooms         Of Rooms         Gross Revenues       Gross Revenues
----------------            ------       ----------        --------------       --------------
<S>                         <C>            <C>              <C>                      <C>
Holiday Inns                1,831           39.3%           $ 14,513,000              37.0%
Hampton Inns                1,064           22.8              10,407,000              26.5
Marriott - Courtyard
  and Residence Inn           787           16.9               7,950,000              20.3
Hawthorn Suites (1)           452            9.7               2,607,000               6.6
Comfort Suites                165            3.5               1,917,000               4.9
Doubletree Hotels             213            4.6               1,601,000               4.1
Independent                   151            3.2                 252,000               0.6
                            -----          -----            ------------             -----
                            4,663          100.0%           $ 39,247,000             100.0%
                            =====          =====            ============             =====
</TABLE>



(1) Includes the Sacramento, California, hotel which will be rebranded as a
    Hawthorn Suites upon completion of renovation which is expected to occur 
    in the fourth quarter of 1997.

                           GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSIFICATION
               (As of and For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1997)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Percentage                              Percentage of
Franchise System            Rooms         Of Rooms         Gross Revenues       Gross Revenues
----------------            ------       ----------        --------------       --------------
<S>                         <C>            <C>              <C>                      <C>
Arizona                       645           13.8%           $  6,505,000              16.6%
California                  2,099           45.0              16,004,000              40.8
Colorado                      753           16.1               7,736,000              19.7
New Mexico                    213            4.6               1,601,000               4.1
Oregon                        199            4.3               1,453,000               3.7
Utah                          229            4.9               1,667,000               4.2
Washington                    525           11.3               4,281,000              10.9
                            -----          -----            ------------             -----
Total                       4,663          100.0%           $ 39,247,000             100.0%
                            =====          =====            ============             =====
</TABLE>


                           GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSIFICATION
                            (As of August 13, 1997)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Percentage
State                       Rooms         Of Rooms
-----                       ------       ----------
<S>                         <C>              <C>
Arizona                       645           12.7%
California                  2,404           47.5
Colorado                      753           14.8
New Mexico                    213            4.2
Oregon                        199            3.9
Utah                          229            4.5
Washington                    628           12.4
                            -----          -----
Total                       5,071          100.0%
                            =====          =====
</TABLE>





                                       17

<PAGE>   18

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities

           The Company's operating activities provide the principal source of
cash to fund the Company's operating expenses, interest expense, recurring
capital expenditures and dividend payments. The Company anticipates that its
cash flow provided by operating activities to the Lessee will provide the
necessary funds on a short and long term basis to meet such operating cash
requirements. In the second quarter of 1997, the Company paid dividends and
distributions totaling $4.6 million representing $0.25 per share, or per
Partnership Unit, on a quarterly basis.

Cash Flows from Investing and Financing Activities

           The Company believes a regular program of capital improvements,
including replacement and refurbishment of furniture, fixtures and equipment at
its hotels, as well as the periodic renovation and redevelopment of certain of
its hotels, is essential to maintaining the competitiveness of the hotels and
maximizing revenue growth. The Company is also required under the Percentage
Leases to make available to the Lessee for the repair, replacement and
refurbishment of furniture, fixtures and equipment an amount equal to 4% of the
room revenue per quarter on a cumulative basis, provided that such amount may be
used for capital expenditures made by the Company with respect to the hotels.
The Company expects that this amount will be adequate to fund the required
repairs, replacements and refurbishment and to maintain its hotels in a
competitive condition.

           During the second quarter of 1997, the Company issued $4.5 million in
debt through its unsecured line of credit facility and raised $52.7 through
issuance of equity securities to finance the acquisition of additional hotel
properties, hotel renovations and non-recurring capital improvements.
Additionally, the Company issued approximately 339,000 Partnership Units in
conjunction with the acquisition of a hotel property.

           On May 7, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with a
syndicate of national banks (including Bank One) for an unsecured $100 million
revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") which accrues interest at a
rate of the three-month LIBOR plus 1.8% per annum with provisions for reduced
rates. The Facility also requires that the Company provide collateral if the
Company fails to satisfy certain financial covenants. On July 30, 1997, the
Company received a commitment from its lenders it increase the Facility to $200
million.

           The Facility may be retired in whole or in part from the proceeds of
public or private issuances of equity or debt securities by the Company.
However, because Messrs. Alter and Biederman and limited partners of the
Partnership would suffer adverse tax consequences if the Company's indebtedness
were reduced below $14.3 million, the Company does not anticipate reducing its
indebtedness under the Facility below this amount. As of June 30, 1997, the
Company had $81.2 million of unused credit on the Facility.

           As part of its investment strategy, the Company plans to acquire
additional hotels. Future acquisitions are expected to be funded through use of
the Facility or other borrowings and the issuance of additional equity or debt
securities. The Company's Articles of Incorporation limits consolidated
indebtedness to 50% of the Company's investment in hotel properties, at cost on
a consolidated basis, after giving effect to the Company's use of proceeds from
any indebtedness. Management believes that it will have access to capital
resources sufficient to satisfy the Company's cash requirements and to expand
and develop its business in accordance with its strategy for future growth.

           The Company is currently engaged or has planned for the redevelopment
and renovation of 14 of its recently acquired hotels for an aggregate budgeted 
amount of approximately $26.2 million. Management believes the renovations 
should result in incremental increases in REVPAR at these renovation hotels and
increased lease revenue for the Company. The Company may acquire additional 
hotels and invest additional cash for renovations during 1997.




                                       18

<PAGE>   19

Funds From Operations (FFO)

           Management believes that FFO is one measure of financial performance
of an equity REIT such as the Company. FFO (as defined by the National
Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts) (1) for the first quarter of 1997
grew by 195% from $2.1 million to $6.2 million, as indicated in the following
table:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Three Months Ended
                                                      June 30,
                                            ---------------------------
                                               1997             1996
                                            ----------       ----------
<S>                                         <C>              <C>
Income before minority interest             $4,129,000       $1,081,000
Real estate related depreciation             2,100,000          997,000
                                            ----------       ----------
      Funds from operations                 $6,229,000       $2,078,000
                                            ==========       ==========

Weighted average number of 
      Partnership Units                     21,092,000        7,781,000
</TABLE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)    Management and industry analysts generally consider funds from operations
       to be one measure of the financial performance of an equity REIT that
       provides a relevant basis for comparison among REITS and it is presented
       to assist investors in analyzing the performance of the Company. Funds
       From Operations is defined as income before minority interest (computed
       in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles), excluding
       gains (losses) from debt restructuring and sales of property and real
       estate related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of
       financing costs). Funds From Operations does not represent cash generated
       from operating activities in accordance with generally accepted
       accounting principles and is not necessarily indicative of cash available
       to fund cash needs. Funds From Operations should not be considered an
       alternative to net income as an indication of the Company's financial
       performance or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities
       as a measure of liquidity.


The Lessee

           For a discussion of the Lessee's revenue operations, see "Results of
Operations of the Company." For the second quarter of 1997, the Lessee reported
net income of $320,000. As of December 31, 1996, the Lessee had a net working
capital deficit of $3.9 million. During the second quarter of 1997, the Lessee
entered into an agreement with a financial institution for a $1.5 million
working capital line of credit. No amounts have been drawn on the line of
credit. The Lessee anticipates that cash provided by operations will be an
adequate source of liquidity for the foreseeable future.


                                       19

<PAGE>   20

                                    PART II

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

         The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 17, 1997
(the "Meeting"). At the Meeting the stockholders were asked to vote and approve
the following matters:

1.       Amendment of the Company's Charter.

         The Company's stockholders approved the proposal to amend the Company's
Charter to amend the definition of the term "Independent Director" used in the
Charter. The Charter provides that a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors of the Company be Independent Directors. Prior to the amendment of the
definition of Independent Director approved at the Meeting, the definition of
Independent Director excluded (i) officers and directors of the Company, (ii)
any person who is affiliated with (w) any advisor to the Company under any
advisory agreement, (x) any lessee of or management company operating any
property of the Company, (y) any subsidiary of the Company, or (z) any partner
of the Partnership. The definition of Independent Director, as amended with the
approval of the stockholders, simply means a director of the Company who is not
an officer or employee of the Company. This less restrictive definition of
Independent Director is intended to allow the Company greater flexibility to
obtain highly qualified directors and retain an active and efficient Board of
Directors.

         Of the total shares present or represented at the Meeting, this
proposal received 92.9% approval. A total of 11,926,555 shares were voted in
favor, 760,310 shares were voted against, there were 51,429 broker non-votes,
and 95,045 shares abstained from voting on this proposal.

2.       Election of Directors

         The stockholders also approved the Company's director nominees, Charles
L. Biederman, H. Raymond Bingham and Laurence S. Geller, to serve until the
Annual Meeting in the year 2000. There were no other nominations other than
those made by the Company.

         The voting on the nominations was as set forth in the table below. The
percentages represent a percentage of shares present or represented at the
Meeting.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NOMINEE                               VOTES FOR                VOTES WITHHELD
-------                           ------------------           --------------
<S>                               <C>                          <C>
Charles L. Biederman              12,758,154 (99.4%)           75,185 (0.6%)

H. Raymond Bingham                12,758,953 (99.4%)           74,386 (0.6%)

Laurence S. Geller                12,747,354 (99.3%)           85,985 (0.7%)
</TABLE>

3.       Amendment of 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.

         The Company's stockholders approved the following amendments to the
Company's 1994 Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"): (i) an increase in the
maximum number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the
Incentive Plan by 700,000 from 500,000 to 1,200,000, (ii) a change in the
provisions of the Incentive Plan to make non-employee board members eligible to
receive option grants, performance share awards and direct stock issuances under
the Incentive Plan, (iii) a provision to allow unvested shares issued under the
Incentive Plan and subsequently repurchased by the Company at the option
exercise price or issue price paid per share to be reissued under the Incentive
Plan and (iv) the removal of certain restrictions on the eligibility of
non-employee board members to serve as plan administrator and effect a series of
additional changes to the provisions of the Incentive Plan (including the
stockholder approval requirements) in order to take advantage of the recent
amendments to Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
which exempts certain officer and director transactions under the Incentive Plan
from the short-swing liability provisions of the federal securities laws.



                                       20

<PAGE>   21
         The increase in the share reserve was designed to assure that a
sufficient reserve of Common Stock is available under the Incentive Plan to
attract and retain the service of key individuals essential to the Company's
long-term growth and success. The other amendments were approved to enhance the
equity incentives provided to the non-employee board members and facilitate plan
administration.

         Of the total shares present or represented at the Meeting, this
proposal received 85.0% approval. A total of 10,902,246 shares were voted in
favor, 1,446,627 shares were voted against, there were 310,849 broker non-votes,
and 153,617 shares abstained from voting on this proposal.

4.       Amendment of the 1994 Directors Plan.

         The Company's stockholders approved the following amendments to the
Company's 1994 Directors Plan (the "Directors Plan"): (i) enabling non-board
members to participate in other equity incentive plans of the Company, (ii)
removing the maximum limit on the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
which may be granted pursuant to the automatic option grant program and issued
pursuant to the direct stock issuance program per calendar year, (iii) an
increase in the number of shares of Common Stock awarded annually under the
automatic stock issuance program to continuing non-employee board members from
the number of shares determined by dividing 15,000 by the fair market value of
the Common Stock on the stock issuance date to 1,500 shares of Common Stock,
(iv) adding a provision to allow unvested shares issued under the Directors Plan
and subsequently surrendered to the Company to be reissued under such plan, and
(v) a number of changes to the Directors Plan (including the stockholder
approval requirements) in order to take advantage of the recent amendments to
Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which exempt
certain officer and director transactions under the Directors Plan from the
short-swing liability provisions of the federal securities laws.

         The purpose of these amendments was to assure that the Company is able
to retain skilled and experienced non-employee board members by providing them
greater incentives to remain in the service of the Company.

         Of the total shares represented at the Meeting, this proposal received
93.9% approval. A total of 12,045,754 shares voted in favor, 311,865 shares were
voted against, there were 310,850 broker non-votes, and 164,870 shares abstained
from voting on this proposal.


                                       21
<PAGE>   22
ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION.

                                  RISK FACTORS

IMPEDIMENTS TO GROWTH AND INCREASING CASH AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION

           The Company's ability to increase cash available for distribution on
its Common Stock ("Cash Available for Distribution") will depend significantly
on the Company's ability to acquire or develop additional hotels at attractive
prices. Risks associated with this growth strategy include:

                  Acquisition Risks. There is significant competition for
investment opportunities in mid-price and upscale economy hotels for entities
organized for purposes similar to the Company's. Such entities may have
substantially greater financial resources than the Company or better
relationships with franchisors, sellers or lenders. They may also generally be
able to accept more risk than the Company can.

           Renovation and Redevelopment Risks. The Company faces risks arising
from its strategy of acquiring hotels in need of substantial renovation or
redevelopment, particularly the risk that the cost or time to complete the
renovation or redevelopment will exceed the budgeted amount. Such delays or cost
overruns may arise from shortages of materials or skilled labor, a change in the
scope of the original project, the need to comply with building codes or other
legal requirements, the discovery of structural or other latent problems with a
hotel once construction has commenced and other risks inherent in the
construction process. In particular, renovation and redevelopment must comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the "ADA"), which provides
that all public accommodations meet certain federal requirements related to
access and use by disabled persons. The Company may be required to make
substantial modifications at the hotels to comply with the ADA. Delays or cost
overruns in connection with renovations or redevelopments could have a material
adverse effect on Cash Available for Distribution.

           Development Risks. A component of the Company's growth strategy is to
develop new hotels in markets where room supply and other competitive factors
justify new construction or to purchase such hotels from unaffiliated developers
after they have been completed. New project development will increase the
Company's indebtedness and is subject to a number of other risks, including
risks of construction delays or cost overruns, and the risk that required
zoning, occupancy and other governmental permits might not be obtained and the
risk that projects might not be completed. Additional risks of development
projects include the risks associated with effectively marketing a hotel in
order to ramp up occupancy at projected room rates after the hotel has been
opened. Any failure to complete a development project in a timely manner and
within budget or to ramp up occupancy after completion of the project could have
a material adverse effect on Cash Available for Distribution.

TOTAL DEPENDENCE ON THE LESSEE AND PAYMENTS UNDER THE PERCENTAGE LEASES

           Certain tax rules relating to the qualification of a REIT prohibit
the Company from operating hotels. Therefore, the Company enters into Percentage
Leases with the Lessee, and the Lessee operates the hotels and pays rent to the
Company based, in large part, on the revenues from the hotels. Consequently, the
Company relies entirely on the Lessee to effectively operate the Company's
hotels in a manner which generates sufficient cash flow to enable the Lessee to
timely make the rent payments under the applicable Percentage Leases.
Ineffective operation of the hotels may result in the Lessee's being unable to
pay rent at the higher tier level necessary for the Company to fund
distributions to stockholders because payment of base rent alone is insufficient
for such purposes. In the event that all or a portion of such higher tier rent
is not received by the Company, the Company may not be able to make such
distributions to its stockholders. There can be no assurance that the Company
will receive such higher tier rent from the Lessee or that the Lessee will even
be able to pay base rent. The Lessee controls the daily operations of the hotels
under the Percentage Leases, which have non-cancelable initial terms of ten
years. The Company selected the Lessee without consideration of other lessees
because Mr. Alter and Mr. Biederman, who own the Lessee, owned and were involved
in the management of a number of the hotels contributed to the Company in
connection with its IPO and because Mr. Alter and Mr. Biederman own significant
Units in the Partnership and options to acquire Common Stock of the Company, and
therefore have an incentive to cause the Lessee to maximize rents. Except as set
forth in the Percentage Leases, neither the Company nor the Partnership has the
authority to require the Lessee to operate the

                                       22

<PAGE>   23


hotels in a manner that results in a maximization of rent to the Company. Other
than working capital to operate the hotels, the Lessee will have only nominal
assets, which will likely be insufficient to satisfy any claims the Company may
have if the Lessee defaults under the Percentage Leases. Mr. Alter and Mr.
Biederman have entered into an agreement (the "Third Party Pledge Agreement")
whereby the obligations of the Lessee under the Percentage Leases are secured
with a pledge by Mr. Alter and Mr. Biederman of Units in the Partnership equal
in value to four months of initial base rent for each hotel. The Third Party
Pledge Agreement will be amended, however, to limit the total number of Units
that Mr. Alter or Mr. Biederman must pledge to the current number owned. The
Third Party Pledge Agreement may also be amended to subordinate the Company's
lien on these Units to the lien in favor of an institutional lender which may be
providing a working capital line to the Lessee guaranteed by Mr. Alter and
secured by a pledge of Mr. Alter's Units. The obligations of the Lessee under
the Percentage Leases are not secured by any additional security deposits or
guarantees by third parties.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND CERTAIN OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

           Because of Mr. Alter's and Mr. Biederman's ownership in and positions
with the Company and the Lessee and Mr. Alter's ownership of the Management
Company, there are inherent conflicts of interest between the Lessee and the
Company in the leasing, acquisition, disposition, operation and management of
the Company's hotels. Accordingly, the interests of stockholders may not have
been, and in the future may not be, reflected fully in all decisions made or
actions taken by the officers and directors of the Company. In the event
revenues from the Company's hotels increase significantly over prior periods and
operating expenses with respect thereto are less than historical or projected
operating expenses, the Lessee could disproportionately benefit. In addition,
there may be conflicts of interest in connection with the sale of certain
hotels. Unrealized gain from the sale to the Company of certain hotels in
connection with its IPO is specially allocated to Mr. Alter and Mr. Biederman
and any sale of such hotels by the Partnership may cause adverse tax
consequences to them. In addition, the reduction of mortgage indebtedness by the
Partnership at any time below certain levels would create adverse tax
consequences to Mr. Alter and Mr. Biederman. These conflicts may result in
decisions relating to the sale of certain hotels and/or the incurrence or
repayment of indebtedness which do not reflect solely the interests of the
stockholders. In addition, the Company will generally be required under the
Percentage Leases to pay a lease termination fee to the Lessee if the Company
elects to sell a hotel and not replace it with another hotel. The payment of a
termination fee to the Lessee, which is owned by Mr. Alter and Mr. Biederman,
may result in decisions regarding the sale of a hotel which do not reflect
solely the interests of the Company.

RELIANCE ON MR. ALTER

           The Company places substantial reliance on the hotel industry
knowledge and experience and the continued services of Robert A. Alter, the
Company's Chairman and President. The Company's future success and its ability
to manage future growth depends in large part upon the efforts of Mr. Alter and
on the Company's ability to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel.
Competition for such personnel is intense and there can be no assurance that the
Company will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. The loss
of Mr. Alter's services or the Company's inability to attract and retain highly
qualified personnel may adversely affect the operations of the Company and the
Cash Available for Distribution.

HOTEL INDUSTRY RISKS

           Operating Risks and Competition. Many of the Company's competitors
have substantially greater marketing and financial resources than the Company
and the Lessee. In addition, the Company's hotels are subject to all operating
risks common to the hotel industry. The hotel industry has experienced
volatility in the past, as have the Company's hotels. Hotel industry risks
include, among other things, competition from other hotels; over-building in the
hotel industry which has adversely affected occupancy ADR and REVPAR increases
in operating costs due to inflation and other factors, which may not necessarily
be offset by increased room rates; dependence on business and commercial
travelers and tourism; strikes and other labor disturbances of hotel employees
for hotels owned by the Company; increases in energy costs and other expenses of
travel and adverse effects of general and local economic conditions. These
factors could decrease room revenues of the hotels and adversely affect the
Lessee's ability to make payments of rent under the Percentage Leases to the
Company, and therefore reduce Cash Available for Distribution.


                                       23
<PAGE>   24

           Seasonality of Hotel Business and the Company's Hotels. The hotel
industry is seasonal in nature. This seasonality can be expected to cause
quarterly fluctuations in the Company's Percentage Lease revenues, which,
therefore, may be insufficient to provide all of the Cash Available for
Distribution necessary to pay dividends in a given quarter.

           Increased Competition Resulting From Overbuilding. The hotel industry
has historically experienced cycles of overbuilding in certain geographic
markets and product segments. Such overbuilding increases competition for hotel
guests, resulting in lower occupancies and lower average daily rates, thereby
reducing the profitability of the hotels affected by the increased competition.
While the Company's investment strategy is to acquire underperforming hotels or
hotels where there are significant barriers to entry, there can be no assurance
that the current hotel development activities, particularly in the limited
service segment, will not create additional significant competition for the
Company's hotels. Such increased competition would reduce the revenue generated
by the Lessee, thus reducing percentage rent paid to the Company and Cash
Available for Distribution.

RISKS OF INCREASES IN OPERATING COSTS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES; FRANCHISE
AGREEMENTS

           Hotels in general, including the Company's hotels, have an ongoing
need for renovations and other capital improvements, including periodic
replacement of furniture, fixtures and equipment. In addition, the franchise
agreements under which the Company's hotels are operated impose specified
operating standards and may permit the franchisor to condition the continuation
of a franchise agreement on the completion of capital improvements. Under the
terms of the Percentage Leases, the Company is obligated to pay the cost of
certain capital expenditures at its hotels and to pay for furniture, fixtures
and equipment. The ability of the Company to fund these and other capital
expenditures and periodic replacement of furniture, fixtures and equipment will
depend in part on the financial performance of the Lessee and the hotels. If
these expenses exceed the Company's estimate, the additional expenses could have
an adverse effect on Cash Available for Distribution. Any inability or failure
to fund these expenditures could have a material adverse effect on occupancy
rates, ADRs and REVPAR and may constitute a breach under the franchise
agreements.

MULTI-HOTEL ACQUISITION RISKS

           The Company has increasingly emphasized and intends to continue to
emphasize acquisitions of multiple hotels in a single transaction in order to
reduce acquisition expense-per hotel and enable the Company to more rapidly
expand its hotel portfolio. Multiple-hotel acquisitions are, however, more
complex than single-hotel acquisitions and the risk that a multiple-hotel
acquisition will not close may be greater than in a single-hotel acquisition. In
addition, the Company's costs for a portfolio acquisition that does not close
are generally greater than for an individual hotel acquisition. If the Company
fails to close hotel acquisitions, its ability to increase Cash Available for
Distribution will be limited. See "Risk Factors--Dependence on Acquisitions to
Increase Cash Available for Distribution." Another risk associated with
multiple-hotel acquisitions is that a seller may require that a group of hotels
be purchased as a package, even though one or more of the hotels in the package
does not meet the Company's investment criteria. In such cases, the Company may
purchase the group of hotels with the intent to re-sell those which do not meet
its criteria. This occurred in the first quarter of 1996 with the acquisition of
the six Cypress Inn Hotels in Oregon and Washington, two of which were re-sold
by the Company within three months of the acquisition. In such circumstances,
however, there is no assurance as to how quickly the Company could sell such
hotels or the price at which they could be sold. Such hotels might reduce Cash
Available for Distribution if they operate at a loss during the time the Company
holds them for sale or if the Company sells them at a loss. In addition, any
gains on the sale of such hotels within four years of the date of acquisition
may be subject to a 100% tax. The Company may finance multi-hotel acquisitions
by issuing shares of Common Stock or Units in the Partnership which are
convertible into Common Stock. Such issuances may have an adverse effect on the
market price of the Common Stock.

HAWTHORN SUITES DEVELOPMENT RISKS

           The Company has entered into a five-year master development agreement
with U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. and Hawthorn Suites Franchising, Inc. to
permit the Company to franchise properties operated under the Hawthorn Suites
brand.  Pursuant to the agreement, the Company will have the right to obtain
franchise licenses in several major urban markets on the West Coast. Under the
agreement, certain development rights may terminate if the Company does not
establish a certain minimum number of licenses for Hawthorn Suites during each
year.  This


                                       24
<PAGE>   25

timetable may cause the Company to over commit to developing and owning Hawthorn
Suites at the expense of other growth opportunities. As a franchise with a
limited number of hotels currently operating, the Company's focus on this brand
subjects it to greater risks than a more diversified approach.

COMPETITION FOR ACQUISITIONS

           There will be competition for investment opportunities in mid-price
and upscale hotels from entities organized for purposes substantially similar to
the Company's objectives as well as other purchasers of hotels. The Company is
competing for such hotel investment opportunities with entities which have
substantially greater financial resources than the Company or better
relationships with franchisors, sellers or lenders. These entities may also
generally be able to accept more risk than the Company can prudently manage.
Competition may generally reduce the number of suitable hotel investment
opportunities offered to the Company and increase the bargaining power of
property owners seeking to sell.

DEPENDENCE ON ACQUISITIONS TO INCREASE CASH AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION

           The Company's success in implementing its growth plan will depend
significantly on the Company's ability to acquire additional hotels at
attractive prices. After the ramp-up of certain of the hotels which were
recently redeveloped or renovated and repositioned or which are expected to be
redeveloped or renovated and repositioned in the near future, internal growth in
ADR and occupancy for the hotels is not expected to provide as much growth in
Cash Available for Distribution as will acquisition of additional hotels.
However, since the Company intends to borrow funds to purchase, redevelop or
renovate and reposition hotels, the Company will be subject to the risks
associated with increased indebtedness, such as paying debt service even if cash
flow from such additional hotels is not sufficient to pay it or cost overruns in
redeveloping or renovating such additional hotels.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT RISKS IN GENERAL

           The Company's hotels will be subject to varying degrees of risk
generally incident to the ownership of real property. Income from the hotels may
be adversely affected by changes in national and local economic conditions,
changes in interest rates and in the availability, cost and terms of mortgage
funds, the impact of present or future environmental legislation and compliance
with environmental laws, the ongoing need for capital improvements, changes in
real estate tax rates and other operating expenses, changes in governmental
rules (such as those requiring upgrades for disabled persons) and fiscal
policies, civil unrest, acts of God, including earthquakes, hurricanes and other
natural disasters (which may result in uninsured losses), acts of war, changes
in zoning laws, and other factors which are beyond the control of the Company.
In addition, real estate investments are relatively illiquid, and the ability of
the Company to vary its portfolio in response to changes in economic and other
conditions will be limited.

DISTRIBUTION OF SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF CASH AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION; 
DISTRIBUTIONS INCLUDE RETURN OF CAPITAL

           Consistent with the Company's practice of acquiring properties in
need of renovation or redevelopment, the Company's annual distributions to
stockholders have constituted a high percentage of the Company's Cash Available
for Distribution. If this continues, the Company will retain little or no cash
from the rent payments under the Percentage Leases, and expenditures for
additional acquisitions or future capital improvements would have to be funded
from borrowings, or from proceeds from the sale of assets (including the hotels)
or equity securities. In addition, a percentage of the estimated annual
distribution has constituted a return of capital rather than a distribution of
retained earnings. Consequently, there is a risk that the distribution rate has
been set too high and may not be sustainable.

TAX RISKS

           The Company intends to operate so as to be taxed as a REIT under
Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the "Code").
As long as the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, with certain
exceptions, the Company will not be taxed at the corporate level on its taxable
income that is distributed to its stockholders. A REIT is subject to a number of
organizational and operational requirements, including requirements as to the
nature of its income and assets, distribution requirements, diversity of stock
ownership requirements and record-keeping requirements. While the Company
intends to satisfy all of these requirements for

                                       25
<PAGE>   26

treatment as a REIT, it is possible that the Company may in the future fail to
satisfy one or more of these requirements. Failure to qualify as a REIT would
render the Company subject to tax (including any applicable minimum tax) on its
taxable income at regular corporate rates and distributions to the stockholders
in any such year would not be deductible by the Company. Unless entitled to
relief under certain Code provisions, the Company also would be disqualified
from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during
which qualification was lost. Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a
REIT, the Company may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income
and property.

           In order for the Company to be taxed as a REIT, the Partnership must
be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If the
Partnership were to be taxable as a corporation, because the Company's ownership
interest in the Partnership constitutes more than 10% of the Partnership's
voting securities and exceeds 5% of the value of the Company's assets, the
Company would cease to qualify as a REIT. The imposition of corporate income tax
on the Company and the Partnership would substantially reduce the amount of Cash
Available for Distribution.

OWNERSHIP LIMITATION

           In order for the Company to maintain its qualification as a REIT, not
more than 50% in value of its outstanding stock may be owned, directly or
indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include
certain entities). Furthermore, if any stockholder or group of stockholders of
the Lessee owns, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the stock of the
Company, the Lessee could become a related party tenant of the Partnership,
which likely would result in loss of REIT status for the Company. For the
purpose of preserving the Company's REIT qualification, the Company's Articles
of Incorporation prohibit direct or indirect ownership of more than 9.8% of the
outstanding shares of any class of the Company's stock by any person or group
(the "Ownership Limitation"). Generally, the capital stock owned by affiliated
owners will be aggregated for purposes of the Ownership Limitation. Subject to
certain exceptions, any transfer of Common or Preferred Stock that would prevent
the Company from continuing to qualify as a REIT under the Code will be
designated as "Shares-in-Trust" and transferred automatically to a trust (the
"Share Trust") effective on the day before the purported transfer of such Common
or Preferred Stock. The record holder of the Common or Preferred Stock that are
designated as Shares-in-Trust will be required to submit such number of Common
or Preferred Stock to the Share Trust and the beneficiary of the Share Trust
will be one or more charitable organizations that are named by the Company.


                                       26
<PAGE>   27
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

     (a) Exhibits:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
   NO.                                     DESCRIPTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>
3.1            Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as further
               amended by the Articles of Amendment of the Company, as filed
               with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland
               on November 9, 1994, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

3.2            Bylaws of the Company, as currently in effect, filed as Exhibit
               3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

3.3            Articles of Amendment of the Company, as filed with the State
               Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland on June 19,
               1995, filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Registration
               Statement No. 33-84346 and incorporated herein by this reference.

3.4            Articles of Amendment of the Company, as filed with the State
               Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland on August 14,
               1995. 

3.5***         Articles of Amendment of the Company, as filed with the State 
               Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland on May 2,
               1997. 
            
10.1           Form of First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
               Partnership of the Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
               Company's Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and incorporated
               herein by this reference.

10.1.1         First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of
               Limited Partnership dated as of December 12, 1995, filed as
               Exhibit 10.36 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
               year ended December 31, 1995 (the "1995 10-K") and incorporated
               herein by this reference.

10.1.2         Second Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of
               Limited Partnership dated as of December 28, 1995, filed as
               Exhibit 10.1.2 to the Company's 1995 10-K and incorporated herein
               by this reference.

10.1.3         Third Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of
               Limited Partnership dated as of March 17, 1996, filed as Exhibit
               10.1.3 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

10.1.4         Fourth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of
               Limited Partnership dated as of March 28, 1996, filed as Exhibit
               10.1.4 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

10.1.5         Fifth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement and
               Limited Partnership dated as of July 31, 1996, filed as Exhibit
               10.1.5 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

10.1.6         Sixth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of
               Limited Partnership dated as of August 10, 1996, filed as Exhibit
               10.1.6 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

10.1.7         Seventh Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of
               Limited Partnership dated as of September 10, 1996, filed as
               Exhibit 10.1.7 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
               333-07685 and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.1.8         Eighth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of
               Limited Partnership dated as of October 29, 1996.
</TABLE>

                                       27
<PAGE>   28
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>            <C>
10.1.9         Ninth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of
               Limited Partnership dated as of December 31, 1996.

10.1.10        Tenth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of 
               Limited Partnership dated as of January 17, 1997.

10.1.11        Eleventh Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of 
               Limited Partnership dated as of January 31, 1997.

10.1.12        Twelfth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
               Partnership dated as of December 31, 1996.

10.1.13***     Thirteenth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Agreement of
               Limited Partnership dated as of June 11, 1997.

10.2           Form of Percentage Lease, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.2.1         Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Hampton Inn Hotel located in
               Denver S.E., Colorado, filed as Exhibit 10.2.1 to the Company's
               1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.2         Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Hampton Inn Hotel located in
               Pueblo, Colorado, filed as Exhibit 10.2.2 to the Company's 1995
               10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.3         Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Courtyard By Marriott Hotel
               located in Fresno, California, filed as Exhibit 10.2.3 to the
               Company's 1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.4         Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Courtyard By Marriott Hotel
               located in Fresno, California, filed As Exhibit 10.2.4 to the
               Company's 1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.5         Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Holiday Inn Hotel located in
               Steamboat Springs, Colorado, filed as Exhibit 10.2.5 to the
               Company's 1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.6         Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Holiday Inn Hotel located in
               Craig, Colorado, filed as Exhibit 10.2.6 to the Company's 1995
               10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.7         Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Holiday Inn Hotel located in
               Provo, Utah, filed as Exhibit 10.2.7 to the Company's 1995 10-K
               and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.8         Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P. as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Hampton Inn Hotel located in
               Silverthorne, Colorado, filed as Exhibit 10.2.7 to the Company's
               1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.9         Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Doubletree Hotel located in
               Santa Fe, New Mexico, filed as Exhibit 10.2.9 to the Company's
               1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.10        Lease Agreement dated as of August 16, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Hampton Inn Hotel located in
               Arcadia, California, filed as Exhibit 10.2.10 to the Company's
               1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.11        Lease Agreement dated as of December 13, 1995 by and between
               Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel
               Properties, Inc., as lessee, for the Hampton Inn Hotel located in
               Oakland, California, filed as Exhibit 10.2.11 to the Company's
               1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.
</TABLE>

                                       28
<PAGE>   29
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>            <C>
10.2.12        Lease Agreement dated February 2, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Cypress Inn hotel located in Clackamas,
               Oregon, filed as Exhibit 10.2.12 to the Company's First Quarter
               1996 10-Q/A and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.13        Lease Agreement dated February 2, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Cypress Inn hotel located in Kent,
               Washington, filed as Exhibit 10.2.13 to the Company's First
               Quarter 1996 10-Q/A and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.14        Lease Agreement dated February 2, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Cypress Inn hotel located in Poulsbo,
               Washington, filed as Exhibit 10.2.14 to the Company's First
               Quarter 1996 10-Q/A and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.15        Lease Agreement dated February 2, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Cypress Inn hotel located in Portland,
               Oregon, filed as Exhibit 10.2.15 to the Company's First Quarter
               1996 10-Q/A and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.16        Lease Agreement dated March 28, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located in
               Riverside, California, filed as Exhibit 10.2.16 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.2.17        Lease Agreement dated June 28, 1996 by and between Sunstone Hotel
               Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc.,
               as lessee, for the Holiday Inn Hotel located in Renton,
               Washington, filed as Exhibit 10.2.17 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.2.18        Lease Agreement dated August 13, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Days Inn Hotel located in Price, Utah,
               filed as Exhibit 10.2.18 to the Company's Registration Statement
               No. 333-07685 and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.2.19        Lease Agreement dated September 20, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Residence Inn Hotel located in Highlands
               Ranch, Colorado, filed as Exhibit 10.2.18 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.2.20        Lease Agreement dated August 13, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Comfort Suites Hotel located in South
               San Francisco, California, filed as Exhibit 10.2.20 to the
               Company's Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and incorporated
               herein by this reference.

10.2.21**      Lease Agreement dated October 29, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Hampton Inn located in Tucson, Arizona.

10.2.22**      Lease Agreement dated October 29, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Holiday Inn located in Mesa, Arizona.

10.2.23**      Lease Agreement dated October 29, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Holiday Inn located in Flagstaff,
               Arizona.

10.2.24**      Lease Agreement dated December 19, 1996 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Radisson Suites located in Oxnard,
               California.
</TABLE>

                                       29
<PAGE>   30
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>            <C>
10.2.25**      Lease Agreement dated January 17, 1997 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Holiday Inn located in San Diego,
               California.

10.2.26**      Lease Agreement dated January 17, 1997 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Ramada Hotel located in Cypress,
               California.

10.2.27**      Lease Agreement dated March 10, 1997 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Hawthorne Suites Hotel located in Kent,
               Washington.

10.2.28**      Lease Agreement dated March 31, 1997 by and between Sunstone
               Hotel Investors, L.P., as lessor, and Sunstone Hotel Properties,
               Inc., as lessee, for the Holiday Inn located in La Mirada,
               California.

10.3           Form of Right of First Refusal and Option to Purchase, filed as
               Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-84346
               and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.4           Form of Alter Employment Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the
               Company's Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and incorporated
               herein by this reference.

10.5           Form of Biederman Employment Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to
               the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

10.6           Form of Indemnification Agreement to be entered into with
               officers and directors of the Company, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to
               the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

10.7           1994 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.7.1         Amendment to the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan filed on March 17,
               1997 as Appendix A with the Company's 1997 Proxy Statement and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

10.8           Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Option and Form of Stock Option
               Agreement (and Addendum thereto) to be generally used in
               connection with the Discretionary Option Grant Program of the
               1994 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.9           Form of Stock Purchase Agreement to be generally used in
               connection with the Discretionary Option Grant Program of the
               1994 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.10          1994 Directors Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.10.1        Amendment to the 1994 Directors Plan filed on March 17, 1997 as
               Appendix B with the Company's 1997 Proxy Statement and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

10.11          Form of Notice of Grant of Automatic Stock Option, Automatic
               Stock Option Agreement, Stock Purchase Agreement and Automatic
               Direct Stock Issuance Agreement to be generally used in
               connection with the 1994 Directors Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.11
               to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

</TABLE>

                                       30
<PAGE>   31
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>            <C>
10.12          Deleted

10.13          Deleted

10.14          Deleted

10.15          Deleted

10.16          Deleted

10.17          Deleted

10.18          Deleted

10.19          Deleted

10.20          Deleted

10.21          Deleted

10.22          Deleted

10.23          Deleted

10.24          Deleted

10.30          Form of Third Party Pledge Agreement among the Partnership,
               Robert A. Alter and Charles Biederman, filed as Exhibit 10.30 to
               the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-84346 and
               incorporated herein by this reference.

10.30.1        Amendment Number One to Third Party Pledge Agreement effective as
               of December 13, 1995, filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Company's
               1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.30.2        Amendment Number Two to Third Party Pledge Agreement effective as
               of February 2, 1996, filed as Exhibit 10.30.2 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.30.3        Amendment Number Three to Third Party Pledge Agreement effective
               as of May 30, 1996, filed as Exhibit 10.30.3 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.30.4        Amendment Number Four to Third Party Pledge Agreement effective
               as of June 28, 1996, filed as Exhibit 10.30.4 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and incorporated herein by
               this reference.

10.30.5        Amendment Number Five to Third Party Pledge Agreement effective
               as of August 13, 1996, filed as Exhibit 10.30.5 to the Company's
               Registration Statement No. 333-07685 and incorporated herein by
               this reference

10.30.6        Amendment Number Six to Third Party Pledge Agreement effective
               as of August 10, 1996.

10.30.7        Amendment Number Seven to Third Party Agreement effective as of
               October 29, 1996.

10.30.8        Amendment Number Eight to Third Party Agreement effective as of
               December 19, 1996.

10.30.9        Amendment Number Nine To Third Party Pledge Agreement effective
               as of January 17, 1997.

10.30.10       Amendment Number Ten To Third Party Pledge Agreement effective as
               of March 10, 1997.

10.30.11       Amendment Number Eleven To Third Party Pledge Agreement effective
               as of March 31, 1997.
</TABLE>
        
                                       31
<PAGE>   32
<TABLE>
<S>            <C>
10.31          Deleted

10.32          Deleted

10.33          Deleted

10.34          Deleted

10.35          Loan Agreement by and between the Company and Bank One, Arizona,
               N.A. dated as of October 25, 1995, filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the
               Company's 1995 10-K and incorporated herein by this reference.

10.35.1**      Amended and Restated Loan Agreement by and between the Company
               and Bank One, Arizona, N.A. dated as of June 21, 1996.

10.35.2***     Amended and Restated Loan Agreement by and between the Company
               and Bank One, Arizona, N.A. dated as of May 1, 1997.

10.36          Deleted

10.37          Deleted

10.38          Deleted

10.39          Deleted

10.40          Deleted

27*            Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>

---------------
  *  Filed herewith; all other exhibits previously filed.
 
 **  Substantially identical to Exhibit 10.2; full text omitted pursuant to
     Instruction 2 to Item 601 of Regulation S-K. The material differences
     between this Exhibit and Exhibit 10.2 are set forth in the schedule filed
     under this Exhibit.

***  To be filed by amendment.

       (b)   Reports on Form 8-K:

             A Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 1997, was filed in the
quarter ended June 30, 1997, with disclosure under Item 2.

                                       32


<PAGE>   33

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San
Clemente, State of California, on August 13, 1997.

                                       SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.



                                       By:   /s/  Robert A. Alter
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Robert A. Alter
                                             President, Secretary and
                                              Chairman of the Board of Directors


                                       33
<PAGE>   34
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

EXHIBIT         Description 
-------         ----------- 
<S>             <C>      
  27            Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>