Referral associations, e.g. Leading hotels of the world (LHW), offer to hotels similar benefits as franchising, but at a lower cost. Some hotels choose to become a referral property. This means that the property is being operated as an independent hotel in association with a certain chain. These hotels refer guests to one another's properties and share a centralised reservation system, a common logo, image, or advertising slogan. Hotels pay an initial fee to join a referral association and further fees are based on services required.