Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I find an image of...

Use the SEARCH tab in the Starwood Asset Library. Select: Asset Type=Photo, Brand=Your Brand, Keywords=(See Below)

Keywords: activities, bathroom, bedroom, ballroom, business, center, detail, experiential, discovery, exterior, fitness, food, golf, grounds, guest, lifestyle, lobby, local area, lounge, meeting, meeting facilities, pool, restaurant, sheratonLink, link, spa or name of your hotel.

If an image you are looking for is not on the Starwood Asset Library, you can license additional images. However, images must be reviewed and approved by the brand team and licensing must be obtained and maintained by user. For more information, please download asset swh.49045 or send an email to photography@starwoodhotels.com.

2. What is the turnaround for an approval?

Approval turnarounds are 24-48 hours for advertising, 3-5 working d ays for collateral. If you are creating an original piece or heavily modifying an existing template, an additional 5 days may be added to this timeline for brand team review/approval.

3. Can I get a smaller file size when I download my final item from the builder?

No, smaller sizes are not possible. The builder tool creates a high resolution PDF suitable for print on an offset printer only - these items are not for use as digital advertisements, email attachments or onsite printing. The PDF already provides a compressed file format to the user, however in order to print crisply and correctly on press, only high resolution PDF's are currently provided. Note: Due to size, these final files are usually too large to be emailed, use an FTP site to distribute (ask your printer/publisher or use YouSendIt.com or other).

4. What is the final output spec of the document I created on the builder?

The builder provides an PDF-1XA quality Postscript Document File with 300DPI images and imbeded fonts. Document (if in color when created) is a 4-color, CMYK PDF. Document (if black and white when created) is in 1-color, 100%K PDF. Note: PDF's cannot be converted to color or black and white once generated - choose a template with the correct color specifications before building your piece. (Not all brands have multiple color versions available on builder)

5. Why does it take so long to download files from the Starwood Asset Library?

Individual connection speeds vary from location to location and may affect download speed. In general, these files are also 10 MB to 1 G and download times over optimal connection speeds can range from 5 minutes (under 10 MB) to several hours (250 MB and over). We suggest allowing files to download in the background while you work, or setting a download to begin before a break or to run overnight depending on your needs.

6. What do I need to do to get a new map created?

Go to mapquest.com, or Google Maps and create a map of your location. Create a "screen save" of your map by hitting "print screen" (PC) or CMD+SHFT+4 (MAC).

Save your image in Microsoft Word (create a new document, then just hit PASTE to paste in your image) or save the image in any image program as a JPEG.

Proceed to the Starwood Asset Library WORK ORDER tool. Open a new work order for a MAP (available in the pulldown of options) and attach the screen shot of your location.

Our team will create a map for you. BE SURE you review thoroughly, giving feedback on your map to the designer until you are happy with the final output. We will post to the Starwood Asset Library for you.