If it is the first time, I prefer to spend 1 hour. For me, 2-hour dates are only for after I have met the lady and know that we are compatible.  Although it is true that 1-hour is too short a time to be able to relax and just hang out and get to know the lady, still, IMHO you can pretty much tell whether you want to spend more time or not.  

I don't know how typical I am, but I am probably not alone in reaching for the impossible dream.  That is: the perfect lady, reasonably priced, geographically desirable, with my favorite complexion, hair, eyes, body style, etc. who, once I meet her, I will be happy to see again and again. Two 1-hr dates just give me twice as many chances to find her as one 2-hr. date.

BTW I have't found her yet.

Also BTW it is "hobbyist" not "hobbiest".

montblanc

I agree with montblanc.  I would much rather have two 1-hr. experiences than one 2-hr. experience.  However, ecconomics sometimes changes the decision, especially if the reviews are well above average.  Two hrs. for $$$$ or less is doable, for more means 2 @ 1 hr.

These guys make very valid points.  And this is purely a personal thing.  I just can't get done what I need to do in an hour.  Hence, I spent a lot more time these days researching, chatting, email and phone before setting up something.  I hate one hour appointments.  Heck two hours is still too short.  2.5-3 hours is a minimum for a good experience for me.  I have a couple that I will step up and do 4-6 hours... but they have to be pretty special.   Just my .02.