I usually stay at Embassy Suites. Yes, sometimes they ask to "see" the room key, but if you follow the crowd, many times they won't (since a "room" could have 4 people).
Embassy Suites also has the "Manager's Reception". One trip, I met with (non-hotel guest) friends for drinks. (They lived in the city.) He wanted to pay for their drinks at the bar, but the bartender said, "You're a guest - the drinks are no charge!" ^