I have never had a problem using my CLC card. When I joined I never had to pay any one time fee either. Just had to provide them a valid credit card as to where to bill the room. I've had disputes as to room rates...Trying to jack them up on weekends...and CLC says just stay there and the motel operator no matter what he charges them (CLC), CLC will pay the motel operator the rate they have negotiated. Also CLC motel participants can not jack the rates up due to local events......Case in point.....My Dad used the card in South Bend during a Notre Dame football game where other motels charged an exorbant rate with a two day minimum tacked on...He stayed at a Howard Johnson nearby for $35.00 @ night!
Also while traveling with my Brother-in-law last February...my wife and I went to Poughkeepsie, NY to bring my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew home after my nephew was in a near fatal car wreck.....We stayed in Hazleton, PA and the desk clerk gladly let us use my single card for two separate rooms but brother-in-law had to register separately.
When you use their agents to find you a room, they bill you an additional $4.95 fee. If you book on your own using the internet or the book (which is $9.95 and a great deal..keep in truck) it's free!