Last week I met a woman at a hotel in NYC. The hotel lobby was pretty small with several hotel staff standing around. One even greeted my with a big smile as I walked by which actually made me more nervous. I wanted to stay unnoticed. I had to wait 2-3 min for an elevator which felt like an eternity. At that point I felt like I didn't have a convincing answer if one of the hotel staff asked me if I was a guest, or my room number, or who I was seeing. Any advise what to say in that situation?

Don't get spooked by the staff smiling at you.  It's just part of their job.  Best thing is to just smile right back.

Or you could give a non-reply like:  I'm doing fine, thank you.  Be sure to always flash a big smile right back at them.  Smiles can be excellent shields.

One note:  If the person asking is a minion of the law, you want to say nothing, except perhaps mumble something like, Oops, I forgot something in the car, and bid a hasty retreat.

You never want to lie to lE or give them any information that can be used against you.

when going into a hotel to meet with a provider have a work bag, back pak, or something. This can be a bag you can also carry you own personal product in. We ladies always like you to be fresh during our meet, so think about carrying tooth paste, mouth wash, body wash or whatever. These are things you can carry with you in case the lady you want to see does not have them.  

act like you belong.  Chances are pretty slim that you would get challenged as to whether or not you should be there.  If you are greeted by a staff member, as previously mentioned, return the gesture in kind.  When I go to a hotel for an incall, I carry a WalMart bag with my gifts in it.  In my feeble mind, that makes them think I stepped out to pick a few things I might have forgotten.

They won't bother. If possible visit the lobby beforehand to locate the elevators.

the provider should give you the directions to the elevator before you arrive. Whatever you do, do not call her on the phone while you're in the lobby to ask her how to get to the elevator, stating that you are there or ask her to chat with you until you get to the room.  

You sound like you've never been inside a hotel in your life.  

This is after all the Newbie board not the catty GD board.

and I act like I'm obsessed on the thing being oblivious to my surroundings.  

His advice was spot on, and I hate to say this, but it was by far the best advice given in this thread.

There is no need to be the least bit worried when traveling through hotel lobbies. As long as you "own the room" no one is going to challenge you. Do any of these thoughts run through your head when having a business meeting in a hotel, I am sure you don't "rehearse" a cover story when there on legitimate business as it would never enter your mind that some hotel employee would ever challenge your right to be there. Keep that mindset and you will be just fine.

and yes I know I am posting under Steph and not the OP, so sue me. lol

Hi Chris,  
I agree with most that the majority of hotels there is no reason for concern.  I will say that in Boston there are a few small boutique hotels.  One in particular I was stopped by concierge (they stop everyone its part of the customer service). This hotel has an elevator concierge attendant as well.  I didn't "own the room" because I was there on an outcall. My response when asked was " I am here to meet with my attorney". Works like a charm if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.  Overall though I have been to MANY hotels and if they smile its just part of customer service.  Larger hotels are not a concern but the small poshy boutique hotels have a few drawbacks.

get to choose the hotel--she does.  

Sorry. I could have kept my opening statements in my thoughts. Just a few more added comments.

Thanks to all who replied. I really appreciate the advice. I'm feel more confident and better prepared now!

This reminds me of something that happened to me.

Several times I have stopped into a fancy hotel and asked a concierge to set up a dinner appointment or get me tickets to a show.

The concierges at the biggest hotels need only pick up the phone to the fanciest places and, voila, it's done.  It's best to have that sawbuck in your hand and visible to him/her while they are doing their magic and thank them with the banknote while you shake their hands.

I've never had one ask me to show my room key in order to avail myself of their services.

You left yourself wide open for that one...

I see you like to go for the "low hanging fruit" just like I do. lol

Hahaha a hotel paid my cabby when I arrived to an outcall once.  

on the second call, she should tell you or you should ask if she does not...  before you go in the main lobby...  How do you get to the elevators?  It's almost always past the front desk and then...  down the hall to the ??  Right / Left.  In one case the elevator was off a side hall & was actually back to the lobby.  Such a small bit of information, keeps whom-ever (he/she) from needing to rubber neck going through the lobby.  
I do like to have a shopping bag (for a gift), a computer bag (actually was hiding only my hobby bag), a small suitcase (on wheels...  a bunch of extra towels as we'd rented a spa room...  she did laugh at that but I'm a big guy & takes a lot of towel to get me dry) with me.