few things...
1) if you would be able to stay in "courtyards", "hampton Inns" etc you will still be able to get status with some of hotel programs, if not by points but at least by nights. if you consider sticking with courtyards then you may try to call Marriott and ask for a Gold/Platinum challenge (search their forum).... in case of Hiliday inns you may buy their gold status (nothing much but anyway) for $50 or join their IC ambassador program (which have some nice benefits and PC gold status) for $150

2) Check Diners Club - if your travel patterns will frequently bring you to the airports where Diners have lounges then consider applying (with promotions it will cost you next to nothing, e.g. you can get it with annual WSJ subscription)

3) if lounges are important to yuou consider applying for priority pass - some employers who have harsh coach only policies often allow you to expense the cost of membership

4) can't remember which Citibank product (card) also offering some FF benefits - check them

All the best