30 years ago it was possible to check into a good US hotel with cash under an assumed name. That is pretty much impossible now; they want to see your ID and a credit card.
It might still be possible to pay cash in fleabag hotels; I don't know.
It might still be possible to pay cash in fleabag hotels; I don't know.
I know that because the experience of being turned away from hotels while driving across country was why I applied for my first credit card.