Due to the fact that I live in the middle of no where, I am generally an hour from any appointment that I schedule. To not be late, I have to account for traffic afterall this is the DC Metro area. Then if there is no traffic, I often arrive early.  

I have had clients arrive early before and they will let me know just in case I am ready for them earlier then planned. It has never been an issue.  

Good advice.  Gotta ask, whats a cronut?

Just ask, I am generally early and I usually let them know that they can come up early if they wish.

You can sit in your car texting on your phone and nobody will think twice about it.  7-11 for a snack, fill up with fuel, shopping center.  Any place but the lobby.  Unless you know the hotel very well.  Some of the DC hotels are so large you can find a place to chill out where nobody will bother you.

With no texting and driving being posted on the highway.... and crack down on cell while driving it doesn't look suspicious anymore to be in a parking lot using a phone or texting

If it's phrased appropriately ("I allow a comfortable buffer for travel time, and if things go well, I might be a little early. Shall I just text you when I arrive?"), then I think you might be golden.  If you just randomly text her 30 minutes before your scheduled time to say "Here I am!", then you will probably not get a favorable response.

'cmon.  you're not a rookie.  You needed him to tell u that?LOL.  Most of my regulars know that I am punctual if not early. Often times I'll get the ok and room before I actually arrive.  But I do give updates along the way.  It just depends on your rapport with the provider.

I need to have more regulars.