Over some 500 stays on AAA rates the past few years, I've been asked maybe five times. Two of those times were at Hyatt properties (Regency and Place) in the last week. Maybe it's a better-enforced policy at Hyatt.

I figure I've saved about $4000/year using AAA rates at hotels ($70/night below any other rate at one place I frequent), not to mention Hertz, so it's worth the expense to actually buy a membership. Same for Entertainment card.