I'm a self-employed business owner. Normally I work in LA/OC (er, LAX/SNA, this is FT!) but due to the economy last year I've been chasing checks in disparate places like SLC, SAN and now SFO 'cause that's where the money's been. I've been staying in Marriotts (despite being Starwood Gold via my AmEx) because of better/closer locations and better prices.

Since my hotel stays have all been out-of-pocket I try the AAA rate and some of the rate codes listed here, but what's been working best for me is like many have mentioned here, going to a GM, asking "I'd like to stay here at your property for work 4-5 nights/week for several months. I'll be paying out-of-pocket; can you do anything for me?" and getting a decent (enough) rate that way.

(I say "decent enough" 'cause all the CY/FI/TP closest to the clients are all full up with visitors of the businesses in the area whose companies will pay higher prices. $160/night AAA-rate FI, anyone?!)