Hilton's require the AAA number if you're making the reservation online - most don't check at all (in my experience) though some hotels do check. If a hotel checks & you don't have it - just expect to pay the regular rate (though at a hotel like an SPG product - the AAA rate & the rack rate are often VERY different - at most other chains, it's a 5-15% discount usually).
See if you can do a joint account with a friend, coworker, neighbor or FT'ers - my account has me (in DC) and my sister (NY - just haver her listed at my address) on it.