Geisha/Hanamachi info. anyone?

I want to go to Japan to observe the life of Geishas. I do not know much besides research on the internet and obviously you can not go inside a okiya or hanamachi on the internet. I was wondering if they have hotels in hanamachi and if you could pay to go to Geisha performances. I know that Geishas are supposed to be really upscale and graceful...But, ive heard they are ociated with prostitutes. Has anyone been to hanamachi? What is it like?