Is it a chain of hotels or the fact that you enter the rooms from inside the facility rather than from the outside? Isn't that the difference between hotels and motels?
I know on some civvie trips I have stayed in some decent hotels there were not top hotel chains (Marriott, Ritz, Hilton, etc) but I did catch myself looking for cameras throughout the hotel. Does that make me paranoid or aware?...lol...which in most places would be considered "upscale" and I've had a few 2.5-3 stars wow me.
But more often than not 3.5 star+ brings you into the realm of "upscale".
At least, in my experience. And a motel is equivalent to a motor lodge.
An upscale hotel will be recently renovated, rooms nicely appointed with quality bedding and bath linens, and fairly quiet between rooms. Location is safe for your car and for you to walk, likely very convenient to shopping and businesses. Front desk staff wears nicer uniforms and will happily answer questions or, if you desire, leave you alone.
5-star should have bell hops and valet parking.
4-star might have valet.
3-star is self serve.
2-star is faded glory.
1-star is someplace I never want to stay again now that I don't have to!
Have stayed in all of the above in multiple countries, and have found few 5-stars are worth the added expense for a personal trip. Lowest I'll go is a 3-star if there are no 4-stars available, or I know the area and recognize a 3-star as a value compromise.
Cameras are fairly commonplace as property owners seek to protect their property and against frivolous lawsuits. Just note that if you are asked if you're a hotel guest then acknowledge that you're not, and just visiting a friend. They don't need to know any more than that, and it prevents you being charged for staying at a hotel without registering - that's a criminal act in some areas.