I normally like to bring some kind of gift, whether it be a bottle of wine or some chocolates. I'm always sketched out entering a hotel because I'm worried the front desk people know I haven't checked in. Of course, I can always say I'm visiting a friend. Does anyone else have a discrete way of bringing something like a bottle of wine up. Do you guys just throw it in a grocery bag? Bring it in some luggage?

I'm very big on discretion and so is my clientele, I've had gifts transported very discretely the following ways. In a briefcase, laptop bag, the laptop back pack (I love this as a nerdy chick! I feel like we're about to study together 0.0), and the little gym bag always works as well. Walk in with confidence and ask your lady friend to provide very concise directions as to where the elevators, parking, etc are. You'll be just fine. Walking in with a big pink gift bag and flowers is ill advised and draws attention. I shouldn't have to say that however I once encountered a wonderful guest who treated me like it was my birthday and while it was wonderful, it's a bit tough to hide large things. Small and discreet wins every time, it's never about size as we all know! It's the thought.



Grace

Having been told bags are bad* (hadn't brought one, just came up in conversation), I would only ever bring one when visiting a regular who knows and trusts me.

I do, however, like to bring clothing items.  My usual method is to use a Manilla envelope or similar item.  They usually are big enough for what I need.

For larger items, I might suggest a one of the flat rectangular Priority Mail box from the post office.  Seems reasonable that someone at a hotel would have the need to ship or receive an item.  That should hold a bottle of wine nicely.  Make sure your name and address aren't on it. =)  

*I asked a fantastic provider that I would see regularly about the aversion some providers have to bags.  The answer was as I expected.  You don't know if there might be a camera, weapon, audio recorder, badge, head, drugs, or what in there.  

Some providers, such as Grace, may not have such a phobia.  I've heard some do, so I avoid it.

I almost always bring a briefcase and many times bring a bag of food or water.  Looks like a guest going back to their room. Briefcase also gives you a spot to carry wino. I've never had a girl say anything about arriving bag in hand.

Stuff shirt in briefcase when I leave. Looks like I checked in. How the hell does the front desk know--they change staff every 8 hrs

....my most typical gift is a gift card.  If it is a hotel and not a private residence, often for a comfort item that can be ordered in (think Pizza Hut and the such) or an Amazon or Itunes card (I like the thought that she may think of me each time she then enjoys that media - helps to establish more a more intimate relationship).  I don't drink, so the bottle of wine is never an issue.

I did have this situation for the first time over the holidays, when my ATF visited.  I had several larger items to bring her  as Christmas gifts, and they were all in large, branded shopping bags.  It is uncomfortable.  She knows the management at the hotel and they are cool with things as long as she stays low key, but it still gave me a little knot in my stomach to walk in like that.

Yeah.  Briefcase when I'm bringing a gift.  Even without a gift other than the envelope I carry legal pad in a manila folder.  Being a lawyer I'm there for legal consultation and any intercourse, oops DISCUSSION, is covered by attorney client privilege -- unless of course the purported provider is LE.

I often carry my briefcase for camouflage (a man in a suit with a briefcase is never questioned by hotel staff) and small things will fit in that. The other great thing to use is a Starbucks bag.

I don't know why you are so worried about it.  Most times, when I visit a provider, I tend to bring some lingerie which tends to be from Victoria's Secret.  I have no qualms with walking through the hotel lobby with a VS bag in hand.  A)  I'm not wearing a t-shirt that says "I "heart" hobbying.  B)  I don't walk up to the front desk and ask "Can you tell me what room ----- is in?   C)  I'm allowed to shop at Victoria's Secret and I'm not the only person in the world that has ever walked into or through a hotel lobby with a VS bag, or a bottle of wine in a gift bag or a box of Godiva chocolates in hand.  D)  Depending on the hotel, Front Desk staff don't keep track of who is cumming (pun intended) and going.  E)  There is a slight chance that the hotel probably knows that the provider is a provider...(You would be surprised...what do you think hobbyists did before the internet - talked to the concierge or the hotel manager...) .  Bottom line:  don't sweat it.  I would say if you are trying to be discrete or over-trying to be discrete you are probably calling more attention out to yourself.

Not just business travel and affairs and hobby. LOL Bringing gifts looks good to staff.

I agree with all of the other posts that bringing gifts isn't a problem. If it is something that you can keep inside of a laptop bag or other briefcase, that is great. If not (e.g., flowers), just go in like you are a guest or an innocent visitor to a guest. I doubt if anyone will ask unless you are acting like you have something to hide. Lot's of celebrations and illicit but legal things take place in hotels, so they aren't going to pry unless someone makes a scene.

If someone does ask, tell him or her that you are coming to see your niece. That works even if you are of different ethnic groups.

The one and only time I brought a gym bag (with a gift inside) to an appointment my provider said "Never bring anything to an appointment that could hide a weapon. Now I will have to inspect it before we can proceed".  Embarrassing, yes.  If it's a second or third date then perhaps.  Otherwise, it's always Champagne in one of those festive wine bags.

Hands