Originally Posted by
Eujeanie
We have both AAA and AARP, both have membership fees, both offer benefits beyond just lower room rates. AAA of course roadside assistance and AARP a lower membership fee and I'm sure I've gleaned some other benefits, but darn as a senior I can't remember what they are right now! Oh yeah, magazines every month. Sometimes with interesting articles. And a tote bag or somesuch when you renew.
I never consider using those rates "cheating" the hotels out of money. They are rates that the hotel chooses to offer.
One thing to remember is that Marriott, unlike most chains, does not have an AARP discount, it is a SENIOR discount that is strictly based on age. Not that they would ever check, but a 25 year old who is a member of AARP can not use the senior rate at Marriott.