I still have occasion to stay at motels although I avoid that if possible. One time I stopped at a national chain and found sheets on the bed that were dirty and obviously hadn't been changed after the previous visitor. Got a different room but definitely won't stay at one of their facilities again.
How to be productive: Get organized. Plan. Stick TO the plan (unless life refuses to allow that...) ...when that happens, rely on adrenaline, fear of failure, and deadlines.