Is it usual to expect that most providers do it from hotel rooms? Have you met a provider that would host in her own place, like an apartment or home?  If so, what percentage hosts from apt/home?

I hope this is not a very stupid question to ask. I just don't like the idea of not knowing the place before the act.

It depends. There is a good number of local ladies with apts. Many of them share the expense of that and I happen to prefer it over a hotel. The location must be in a decent neighborhood too. Hotels are getting hotter and that is because so much spotlight has been put on this little world of ours lately.  I also know several providers that use their homes and I tend to be least comfortable with this scenario because of nosey neighbors, jealous ex's or someone that acts as a nark.

Well, if you don't like the idea of not knowing the place before you meet...
when she gives you the location for your appointment:

if she says something like, "I am the Hotel such and such" it is most likely a hotel.

If she says something like, "I am at the such apartment complex apt number X" she is probably in an apartment.

If she says something like "I am at xxxx West Whatever street" and it's residential neighborhood, it's probably a house.

As for knowing the place before the act...do you mean if it is a hotel you haven't been to?  or do you mean you want to case her house or apartment first?

As for it being "her own place" many ladies use an apartment, but not exactly "their place" as it is often just for incalls and not her home (home as in where she lives).

...a discussion board for newbies, not a static FAQs page.

I have seen ladies who use hotel rooms & change locations frequently.  
I have seen ladies who host from appts rented for that purpose.  This is fine if they are low volume but invite notice from neighbors...  always a bad thing.  A group using the appt for this purpose can be uncomfortably high profile.
I've met a few who used rented business space with a cover business.
I've met ladies that provide from their homes.  In some cases, there is a cover story.  A few I know have a cover story in a legit home business.

Take care,
skb