Let's say that I have a date arranged with a provider where we are meeting at a restaurant, then going back to the hotel afterwards.  How does one do the donation in such cases?  Discretion would imply that I leave it at the hotel in the room but I would imagine the provider would want it at the beginning to ensure she's being treated fairly.

I'm trying to stay away from asking directly in our email thread to keep discussion of such topics from causing problems.

Any advice?