"In North America I've been asked a single time in the 15 years I've been using Corp rates (for a few years I'd use them on multiple stays per week). My trick is to approach the counter in a friendly way, ask how they are doing, maybe ask an easy question about the hotel (where's the gym?) and connect with them (boy it's hot out there today!) They are happy to have met you, it is a pleasant experience, and you go on your merry way. I'm also Titanium for life and currently have Ambassador, but I've done this when Gold and Platinum. For that one time they asked I said I had actually just started and didn't have my business cards yet, but should have them for my next stay and they let it go. I was never asked by that hotel again (Courtyard Bellevue on an Accenture rate.) Doing a mobile check-in will also shorten the time spent. Just have your ID and card ready to speed things along."

"I've never been asked, but last night I stayed at a SHS I had only stayed at once before and the clerk casually asked "what company are you with" and she was writing out my card. I suspect she was comparing to the rate plan I used for the reservation."

"I also use AAA if the corporate is not available. In 10+ years of using AAA I had never been asked to show the card until last month in FL at two different properties. One was a HGI in Palm Beach Gardens and the other a CY in Stuart. Stayed at both since on AAA rate and wasn't asked."