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Should You Get AAA Just for the Hotel Discounts?
A few years ago I got a AAA Membership. But not for the auto services which my car insurance already included, I got it just for the hotel discounts. I was skeptical at first, but after doing a little research, I realized that if I used it for even 6 stays, I would be breaking even with the $59.99 membership fee (fees can range from $50-$80 for a basic membership depending on your region).
The appeal? Discounts similar to pre-paid rates but a more generous cancellation policy
I picked one weekend and compared rates across various chains to assess just how much I’d save. In many cases the AAA rate is the same or a little more than the pre-paid rate but it has the same cancellation policy as a flexible rate. Which means I can save money and lock in an option while still being able to cancel the day of or day before . In some cases it also comes with other perks like breakfast or free parking.
Marriott Rates
Radisson Rates
Hilton Rates
Hyatt Rates
Starwood Rates
IHG Rates
If you’re going to make 6 paid hotel stays a year or more and value flexibility, it’s definitely worth considering AAA membership. And of course, even if you’re just using it for the hotels you’ll still have access to the roadside assistance and discounts at various attractions. Not to mention their new WOWpoints program (which probably isn’t worth your time)
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Denise
November 2, 2014 at 2:08 am
I agree with you on the AAA hotel discounts. I’ve even used them for work on occasion because they were less than our negotiated rate! The car discounts with Hertz are even better. Rarely do I find anything cheaper.
Gene
November 2, 2014 at 4:50 am
Good recommendation. Nice to see someone with some ethics not recommending just using the Triple A rates without membership.
Dan
November 2, 2014 at 4:51 am
I frequently use AAA rates to get under my business’ cap on hotel spend. Plus the cancellation policy helps since things change. Though in the dozens of stays I’ve done under the AAA rates, I’ve never once been asked to actually prove I’m a AAA member (I am.)
DaninMCI
November 2, 2014 at 1:02 pm
I’ve long thought that companies with employees that travel should provide AAA for free to employees to save on travel.
Oh and I have been asked to show my AAA card at check-in. Starwood seems to do this the most in my experience.
AlohaDaveKennedy
November 2, 2014 at 3:26 pm
Before retiring from audit to MS FT, this ol’ auditor and fraud examiner used to use AAA to save the company on hotels and meals at Dennys. Well worth the membership cost. Also consider AAA membership if you will be renting a car abroad and need the International Driving Permit, need passport photos or travel guidebooks.
Stephen Kalman
November 2, 2014 at 11:00 pm
Not just hotels. Any place that shows the AAA logo is supposed to give 10% discount. I get it at restaurants all the time, tho it usually requires a brief chat with a manager.
I’ve never been asked to show my card either when checking into a hotel.
jessica
November 4, 2014 at 12:25 am
It sounds like I’m in the minority but I’ve been asked to show my AAA card at a few Hampton Inns and Sheratons in the past. They even changed someone traveling with me who had booked at the AAA who wasn’t a member’s hotel rate to a higher one once they didn’t have the card!