Originally Posted by
notquiteaff
I have mostly used AA at independent hotels where I wouldn't likely have received anything special or earned any points, or at chain properties where my elite status wouldn't get me anything.
This is my use case as well for the most part. There have been a few exceptions with varying degrees of extending elite benefits. Marriott and Hyatt had no problem for the few properties where I've stayed, but Hilton properties have ranged from offering full benefits to steadfastly refusing to provide any benefits upon request.