Generally speaking it is better to arrange hospital stays though your pdoc. Psych hospitals tend to have few beds so the preferred ones full up fast. This also makes the paperwork go smoother. There may be more freedom depending on the place.

Hospitals vary widely by location, state to state, city, country and also by what type of insurance you have.

Someplace shave very short stays with few if any groups and emphasis on meds. Others have more structured groups all day.

Nearly all will ask that you disrobe to check for scars, and self harm. Most will not allow any type of belt, shoestrings and will take any strings out of things like sweatshirts. Many now lock up all make up, some will take bras if you are on precautions. Some put people on 1:1 which means there will be a staff of same sex within one arms length of you at all time, yes even into the bathroom. This is for your safety. Some lock rooms and bathrooms some do not. Knowing the staff ratio will help you know if it will be a calm place or hectic and wether or not staff has time to talk. Beds are generally plastic covered as are pillows, and are not usually hospital beds but simple twin beds. Most have two beds to a room chances are that you will have a roommate. Sometimes you can switch rooms if you find someone else that you feel more comfortable but it is up to the staff. Staff do bed checks all night long so be prepared.
Regardless of where you go in the USA you can not be forced to take medications unless it is ordered by a judge. There are special circumstances in which they can be forced but for the most part no. They must give you the information about any drug if you request it. They must tell you what they are giving you and why. There should always be a prominent place that post your rights and phone numbers that you can call to complain about treatment, state or private. If you wish to call that number they must allow that and allow you privacy to do so.

Hospitals are not resorts unless you have the money to go to private specialized hospitals and are designed for safety first and they are not long term unless you are committed. The emphasis is on crisis care, keeping people safe, and evaluations that require observation now because of the HMOs. Most places now have outpatient, partial, and intensive hospital programs with more therapy orientation that used to take place within the hospitals. These are often a better choice if intensive therapy is what you are looking for. If what you need is safety then do go.