It wouldn't surprise me if there are not some boutique properties doing this sort of thing but, in my experience, it is not widespread in Boston. In general it's best to stay away from smaller hotels with intimate lobbies.

Four Seasons and Ritz always have a uniformed greeter nearby to the elevators

That is why I always dress as a businesswoman-at least on the exterior.  They just greet me and I walk right by with no questions asked.

If I was in F--- Me heels and club clothes I'm sure I'd be stopped and questioned.

Sometimes it's fun to meet in the lounge for a drinkie.  That is one way around the situation.  If my friend is high profile or traveling with others, I ask him to get two room keys so I can follow him to the room after I visit the ladies room.  Gives me time to freshen up and heightens his anticipation after flirting in the lounge.
If the hotel doesn't have a lounge then it's probably not the type of place that will monitor the elevators.

Enjoy and stay safe.

KJB

Even if a key is required to get to her floor, you can usually meet an escort on an upper floor that you can get to.

Almost all the larger hotels will have a few floors above the lobby that are used for meetings, functions, etc.  There is often a big stairway going up there, but I would bet that the elevators go there too, without a key. These floors also have bathrooms, so they are usually an uncrowded place to freshen up.

This is true of the Park Plaza, Sheraton Copley, Marriott Copley, Renaissance Waterfront, Le Meridien Cambridge (formerly Hotel at MIT), and Marriott Courtyard Downtown/Tremont.  If you are in a new hotel and you see a big stairway, just head for it.  You will soon be away from the watchful eye of the Desk staff.

Then you can call the escort and have her meet you on whatever floor you have landed, with her key.  It's helpful to know which bank of elevators you are near, if the hotel has multiple towers, e.g. Sheraton Copley.

If possible, take a look at the Events board as you pass through the lobby, or when you reach the meeting room floor. Then, if you are questioned by staff, even with a friendly "Can I help you?" you can always say you are going to the "Pharma Luncheon", "Gartner Symposium" or some such. (This doesn't apply to police, of course.  If you are questioned by police, it's best to say nothing, as others have advised.)  If an Events board is not along your path, and you have balls, you can always say you are scouting for a good meeting place for your company's upcoming get-together, blah, blah.  You can also say you are there for a private business meeting or job interview.

The point is to have a plan for where you are going to go, without attracting attention, and what you are going to say if you are questioned.


Stay safe,

filmat11




-- Modified on 2/22/2009 11:58:24 AM

I think elevator room key operation should have been mandated in every hotel after 9/11.

But there are several road side single storied motels which do not require you to go to lobby or enter anywhere but the providers room.

I think more providers could take advantage of such motels.  The quality of rooms is definitely nothing to talk about.  

i use the 2 key option all the time, esp. when I am in a bigger city. This way I meet at a nearby bar, away from my hotel, have a drink with her, then give her my extra key. she heads to my hotel room 2 minutes after I have left the bar - so o one sees us together.