You are right, sometimes the high end hotels can be cost prohibitive or kinda snooty.  The mid range hotels for business travelers are nice and busy enough where you can blend in.  The Hilton brands are my favorite.  I recommend signing up for their rewards program also.  Just my 2 cents.

My preference is something like Embassy Suites.   You generally (depending upon location) don't have to pay to park and they have a wide open lobby where you can sort of hang out until you get the "Come on up" text.

I don't like properties that have secure elevators-that sort of stuff.

I don't care for properties where the doors are all open to the parking lot-I like to go inside and sort of disappear among the other guests as opposed to be totally in view from the time you park your car until you get to the room.

Just sayin' !

It needs to be a hotel and not a motel.  Difference being that a motel has doors opening to the parking lot vs. a hotel where all the rooms open to an internal hallway.

It needs to be someplace that I don't have to worry about my car, person, or other property.

I do not get too hung up on the number of stars as there can be a huge variance in how hotels are rated.  For example I am looking at 3 star hotels and Embassy Suites, Residence Inn, Courtyard, etc. all come up.  For me these options are fine as long as they meet the above criteria.  Not sure Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt, etc. are really any better.  At least not across the board.

Mid-range hotels are fine with me.  Preferably ones with a lobby.  And usually you don't have to pay for parking which is a plus.  As in anything in life, act like you know what you are doing and nobody will be the wiser.  

High-end hotels are fine too.  Parking/valet is not an issue for me.  And as you get closer to downtown paid parking becomes more likely.  I do agree about keycard access can be problematic for both parties.

Even nicer motels are fine with me as long as they are in better neighborhoods.  As I mentioned in another location related post - I have to feel safe there.  No folks loitering about, that will be a red flag and a reason to move on.

Also, I've known some ladies who use AirBnB in a pinch.  The times I've had the opportunity to experience them, they are fine.  

The AirBnB accommodations, not the ladies.

Well actually, the ladies were quite fine as well.

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Midrange up is fine with me.  Higher end ones tend to have lobbies that work for waiting for "the text" while some of the three-stars don't.  Can be a bit awkward for the client unless you warn him to text you when he's parked versus from the lobby.  For me the biggest variable is the room setup.  The best ones have had accessible furniture (sofa, ottoman, straight chair, counter tops) that offer a lot of possibilities - though maybe I'm a bit more adventurous than most clients.  Sometimes have encountered a well-placed full-length mirror.  The height of the bed is a huge factor in defining the possibilities.  (I understand that clients come in all leg lengths, and I can only speak for myself.)  A grippable (for each of you) headboard  is a real plus, but rare.  Also firm pillows to, ahem, adjust the angle.

I'm never a nervous client - found it best to say hi to the desk clerk and the maid in the hallway.  Being friendly and acting like you belong goes a long way.  However, for those clients who are the nervous sort, it's not good to book a hotel where you come through the door walking directly into the front desk, with the access to the elevators immediately beside or opposite it.

This is a good thread.  Thought I'd add some dimensions to it.

Yeah. Airbnb's are great for outcalls. You can get an entire apartment for less an 100 bucks. I always feel more comfortable there than in hotels but when I do have to use hotels Priceline is amazing, great deals on hotels.