An incall girl recently directed me to call her from a certain intersection in the area.  She then told me to meet her at a diner/restaurant at the intersection and that she had a room in the motel next door.

I kept on going.  I suspect that had I arrived at the diner (and perhaps beyond), I'd have had some big trouble.  Can anyone confirm my fears?  

I'm an oldtime hobbyist (actually, I hate that term), but am new to the area, and thus new to the local tactics and customs.  This one just felt too weird to me.

that is one of the ways its handled. I personally dont like it but if the girl is otherwise legit its probably ok.
However if your gut said no, go with your gut it wont steer you wrong.

I once met a known provider at the parking lot of Burger King.  Some mile or two from her incall.  She got in the car with me and we went to her place together.  She said she only does this on first meets. Like I said, she's well known and well reviewed so I had no issues with her methods but don't blame you for driving away.  It's difficult to fault when someone errs on the side of caution, provider or hobbiest alike.