You can always check into what hotels offer AAA discounts in the area you want to travel. Don' for get that there may be discounts on various tour or museum tickets, as well as on restaraunts.
AAA is good for peace of mind when traveling, too. We got it for the travel discounts and have now used it twice when my husband's truck stalled on the freeway and when I hit a patch of ice and slammed into a curb and snow bank. We've made our membership dues plus $100-200 a year on travel and merchandise savings.