Berlin-based Design Hotels provides hospitality services to a network of nearly 300 independently owned and operated hotels. Starwood has been a majority investor in the Design Hotels since 2011.[17] In October 2015, Starwood announced that it would add Design Hotels to its brand portfolio through a new marketing partnership.[18] Member hotels of the Design Hotels collection have the option to join the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program and gain access to Starwood's sales platform.[19] Design Hotels continues to operate independently.[17]