Lots of great comments! I like the idea of using an old key, but that might not work at that hotel since there were so few people there during the day. The computer bag would have worked great for me, but of course I forgot to bring it.
Having appointments spread out would have helped and not caused undue stress on everyone. Sometimes it's better not to be greedy, but then again, that is the American way.
Now that I think about it, Hotels are businesses too, and in this down economy with a glut of hotel rooms vacant, they may just look the other way for the revenue they collect.