I have spent some time lately living in hotels.

One thing for sure, all hotels are not the same. It's nice if your company pays for it. I was not in that situation. I had to foot the bill, so I was staying in low end hotels. I was also staying long-term. Some hotels are set up for long term stays. They might have a weekly rate which helps too. I also was on a tight budget so I ate many of my meals in my room. That's ok, I do a lot of my own cooking. Some if it is simple things. For that reason, I liked hotels with a fridge, a microwave and some cooking stuff. For some people a coffee maker or a toaster in their room is important. Now if a company was paying for my meals, I would not need this. Even when vacation, some people still like to cook their own meals. Eating out every night can be expensive, especially for those with families. A laundry room is nice when you are going to be somewhere for an extended period of time.

Its a good idea to drive around the building before checking in. I care where the exits, what options there are for parking, what buildings or businesses are next to it and how secure the parking lot looks. I like to have more than one way out.
Based on the layout of the building and how it looks, what might be next to it, I might request a room in a specific location within the building. Maybe not next to the parking lot. Maybe next to the parking lot so I can watch my car. Maybe I like the second floor, maybe the first. Maybe on the opposite side of the highway where it is less noisy.

Ok, after I get my key, what do I do? I go to my car and get my bags right? Wrong, I go right to the room and take a look at it. I look for the ice machine, the elevator and look out the window. Maybe I see something I don't like. Some people like to be near the ice machine and elevator some may not (too noisy). There might be mold, a spot on the floor or on the ceiling I don't like. I might go back to the front desk and ask for a different room before put my bag(s) in the room and unpack. Maybe I give the my keys back and go to the hotel across the street.

It might save you some money to book your room online. Sometimes I do, sometime not. Try Hotels.com, ChoiceHotels.com, Orbitz.com or go directly to the hotels website.