A banner ad campaign broke on the Chinese version of Yahoo! at the beginning of the month. Starwood's Asia-Pacific vice-president of marketing, Oliver Bonke, said: "We are seeing more usage of our web vehicle (in China) than anywhere else in Asia."
Starwood has also signed a loyalty programme deal with Air China, allowing guests to earn air miles by staying in Starwood properties.
Starwood recently announced plans to open five new Sheratons as well as four other hotels in China, including its first W branded properties in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Starwood goes online for China promotion push
Starwood Hotels & Resorts, owner of the Sheraton, Regis and Westin hotel brands, has launched its first web campaign in China and partnered its first airline from China as part of a drive to build brand awareness as it accelerates its building programme in the mainland.