So I saw this provider today in VA  I've seen for a while. She gives me directions to her place and I plan how to get there before heading out.  
Upon arrival I parked across the street rather than in the hotel's parking lot to avoid any inconveniences in case somebody there asks what business bring me there.  
Usually the providers I see are stay in big hotels where different people come in and out and almost nobody pays much attention since there are restaurants and bars inside. It was soft of cold outside so I went in to wait in the lobby and then call. I admit this was a big mistake as it was a small hotel and therefore a small lobby. I must say this place seems like it has a big lobby when one sees from outside.  Everyone at the front desk pretty much notices who comes in and out. Usually I easily blend in and make sure I look like I'm staying there.  It was too late to get out and then back in again, so I sat on the couch, which was hidden from the front
desk's view. She calls and asks me where I am. When she learned she got nervous and starting telling me off that I should had parked in the hotel's parking lot and used the back door.  
All I said was sorry several times and that I wish I would had known.  

I want to say to providers to please communicate these things ahead of time and don't assume the client will guess your instructions. Of course it was a small hotel and I should be more discrete. After she told me off then she gave me the floor number and room, which didn't get correct as I was disturbed. When we met I told her she should had told me while on my way.  

I don't now if she noticed but the whole thing spoiled the section. I was too passive because I should had told her I could come another time and call another provider.  

I am sure this probably hasn't happened to most here, but do most of you wait in the car or come in and wait in the bar relaxing having a drink as you text to say you are there?

Please share your thoughts.

END OF MESSAGE

It is the right thing to do. Better to crave the drink and be discrete, specially at small hotels.  
I think she's still too much drama and might not see her again

Please wait in the car until we let you know where we are, I know some providers are not the best communicators but try to be patient, I really don't like it when gentlemen are perusing around the hotel, parking lot, lobby, bar etc..It is puts a lot of unnecessary stress on us, but once again communication is key..

I hear you...

you never EVER go into the hotel lobby to wait for the room number unless you've been there before & know it's a huge lobby & no one will notice you.  Otherwise, stay in your car, stay on the corner, in the Starbucks, the bookstore, etc.  What you want to avoid at all costs is a security guy asking what you are doing here or who you are visiting.  Even in the car, if you are in the hotel parking lot look like you are either reading e-mails or talking on the phone; hotel security patrols the parking areas.  It's also a good idea to try to fit in to the establishment; if it's a hotel with a lot of visiting businessmen, don't show up in shorts & flip-flops, avoid standing out.
It's mostly common sense, but some people don't have enough of that!

Providers, please give directions to mongers before we enter the hotel.  As in, elevators are behind the front desk to the left or go past the front desk and veer off to the right.

Its not noticeable if you're checking-in with roll on luggage and you're searching for the elevators.  Very noticeable if you're wandering around sans luggage looking for the elevators.  One way for mongers to avoid this is the, "I'm so busy reading my e-mails on my smartphone that I wasn't paying attention" and asking the provider for directions or for anything to be aware of before ending the hotel - like a nosey doorman.

To answer the OP's question, usually wait in my car unless I know the hotel and its businessman friendly.  More than a few hotels in certain areas (where I have done actual business before) that I feel comfortable enough to blend-in and will I hang out in the lobby..  As noted before, its very important to be wearing something appropriate where you're not going to be noticed.  Khakis and a white or french blue dress shirt with black or tan dress shoes at a minimum

I do not like clients wandering about in the hotels lobby. You just never know. I understand the provider being upset and I am glad that you went and saw her rather then canceling the appointment at the last minute. That would of been awful.  

 I like to be safer then sorry so I always tell my clients to wait outside and I give then directions to where the elevators are so that they are not wandering around looking out of place.

Until I have the room number and lobby directions.Too me, it's way to conspicuous to sit in your car with cameras everywhere. This might cost me 5 minutes or so, but it is worth it. This is especially true when dealing with the lady's assistant and the final instruction call goes from you to the assistant to the lady to the assistant and then back to you. Nope. Not waiting in the car while all that is going on.

I arrive at the location 2-5 min before, get the room number and walk right in.  If I arrive early, I drive past the location and stop nearby at convenience store or strip mall to kill the time.  I don't like to wait in my car at the location.  That to me seems un-natural and draws attention.  If the lobby is a busy one, I have no problem "blending in"

Valet really seems to throw thing for a loop and I hate when its the only option. Not living in the city or being familiar with it finding a parking garage or on street parking can take some time. So whats your protocol for Valet?  

Parking garages can throw you for another loop. Seems like most are under ground which means no service. So your forced to walk out to make the final call.  

When a girl picks a hotel with convenient on site parking it's a huge plus for me and I always seem to have a better time knowing that I dont have to stress about the above listed things.

That is awesome, Sidney! Way to think ahead!

I have learned from experience to ALWAYS ask the provider IN ADVANCE for directions to the elevator. I hate walking around the lobby looking like a schmuck who's trying to find the bathroom.  

Providers, please give directions to the elevators whenever possible. It looks WAY less sketchy when we look like we belong there and we know where we're going.

You get stuck in the DuPont circle in traffic and you're screwed - and not in a good way.  I've waited 20 minutes plus in that loop before when meeting a friend for lunch (business)

Been there done that and swore I would never go back again. But you know how that goes....

I sit in the lobby nervously looking at my cell phone and smoking.  Then when the security guy comes over and tells me smoking is illegal and I'll have to leave, I yell at him.

Seriously, I'll wait in a big lobby if there's a coffee shop or it's busy or I think the elevators may be hidden.  Otherwise, I don't get near the place until I get the confirmation