Originally Posted by
GoPhils
My main reason for getting AAA is the automotive roadside assistance. If I'm not traveling for work (which would be covered through work), 99% chance I will be with my spouse. Paying $30 for another member to save a couple bucks a few nights a year on a hotel doesn't make too much sense. I know for the automotive stuff the person on the card just has to be there, so wasn't sure if it was the same for using hotel discounts.
On the admittedly rare occasion when a front desk clerk asks to verify my AAA card upon check-in, s/he confirms the name matches. You may be able to argue it's okay that your wife's name is on the card
if your wife is staying with you. Marriott's terms for the AAA rate don't specify explicitly whether the AAA member must book the reservation or may simply be in the room, as far as I can tell. I presume, though, that your wife is not traveling with you on business. Thus again the most appropriate solution here would be for you to pay the extra tens of dollars per year for a household membership in order to legitimately claim the benefits of membership when you travel solo.