9-hr (overnight) connection in DXB: ? best option for a rest

[legroom]

Friends

I am looking at a 9-hr transfer (arriving 12 midnight, departing 0900 next morning) - in J class - in DXB, what would you suggest is the best option to lie down and get some shut-eye time ?

From what I have scanned on AFF and the web, the J lounge could be crowded but is unlikely to be so at that time.

But apart from getting a complimentary shoeshine, is there any place in the J lounge that you could actually lie down & rest ?

Or I should explore some on-site hotel options ?

The next sector is a 15-hr flight to SYD.

What would be your advice, please ?

 

[geordieladinoz]

From what I have scanned on AFF and the web, the J lounge could be crowded but is unlikely to be so at that time.

Not sure you will find yourself on your own, it will still be pretty busy from what I have seen at DXB in the early hours!

 

[JohnPhelan]

I would go for the transit hotel (airside) at the airport, to get a decent sleep.

 

[legroom]

I would go for the transit hotel (airside) at the airport, to get a decent sleep.

JP

Thank you

I thought the same - unless another advice comes along.

9-hr is a long time to sit in a lounge chair - leather or not.

 

[coyote25]

Nine hours at that time of night with another 15 hour flight - definitely go for a hotel.

 

[medhead]

Is this with emirates? They do have a free hotel offer for long transits.

 

[legroom]

Is this with emirates? They do have a free hotel offer for long transits.

Unfortunately, it is a QF numbered flight.

 

[medhead]

Unfortunately, it is a QF numbered flight.

QF did say they were going to match the offer. Not sure when, at least after 31 March.

 

[docjames]

I would go for the transit hotel (airside) at the airport, to get a decent sleep.

+1 to this.

 

[legroom]

QF did say they were going to match the offer. Not sure when, at least after 31 March.

I will have to call QF up to ask for a "match up" with EK's offering as flight is in April - definitely after 31st March.

As usual, your tip is appreciated.

Who knows, I may be able to save on an overnight hotel stay - enough for several years of gold AFF membership !

If they welsh, then ..... hotel it will be.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Definitely get a hotel.

Transit hotel in the airport is nice enough but can be expensive..however arriving and departing at those times you have little choice. Do it and enjoy the nights sleep

You can inform them of your arrival time and they will meet you at the gate and walk you to the reception of the transit hotel which I found very helpful.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Your access to a lounge may be limited if you don't have a boarding pass on arrival in DXB as you generally can't get one till ~3 hrs before the flight. You could combine some snooze with some lounge time...

The two sleeping choices at DXB are the snoozecube (in terminal 1) and the airport hotel (in terminals 1 and 3)

SnoozeCube

Gets rather expensive if you want to stay there for longer periods. Haven't tried it myself yet; aiming to do so but won't be back in DXB till May.

Some commentary on this FT thread

SnoozeCube sleeping pods introduced at Dubai airport - FlyerTalk Forums

You'll see some doubts about the value but for short stays I thought it was reasonably priced at AED130 for two hours.

By comparison the not so inspiring Marhaba lounge has paid entry and they charged me AED95 for one hour and it was around AED165 for four hours.

Note that the airport hotel is a lot more costly - no part day rates and AED700 upwards for a room rate. You do get 5 star and airside access though..
Dubai International Airport Hotel | Five Star Hotels in Dubai

Cheers skip

 

[Must...Fly!]

The airside access is a massive bonus...don't have to worry about the immigration queues or anything. Worth it to stay at the airside hotel IMO, it was pricey for me for a 12 hour stay but I don't regret it one bit, allowed me to enjoy my business class flight home in the day instead of taking a 2am departure and being a zombie.

 

[Sprucegoose]

QF did say they were going to match the offer. Not sure when, at least after 31 March.

Good point. Get the emirates offer and contact QF.

 

[Simo]

I would say go and get a room and then go and have a few beers at a pub but then you are in Dubai.

 

[legroom]

The airside access is a massive bonus...don't have to worry about the immigration queues or anything. Worth it to stay at the airside hotel IMO, it was pricey for me for a 12 hour stay but I don't regret it one bit, allowed me to enjoy my business class flight home in the day instead of taking a 2am departure and being a zombie.

Without AFF, I would never realise there is such an offer from EK (my booking will be with QF).

So, thanks AFFers !

The info on Emirates.com does not say it will be the airside hotel; FT posts claimed it will be landside Le Meridien.

If that's the case, with QF2 departing 9am, should I take Le Meridien to save $$ and pay for that costs in transfer/immigration/security screening time?

Will there be an 'express path' for J tickets in DXB?

Further, we are not sure what QF would do anyway.

Their email announcing the merger last week mentioned the chauffeur pick up but if my memory is correct, they did not mention the free transit hotel.

They may accept to match the EK offer but it will be interesting to see what they will actually use: airside or landslide hotel.

Itinerary is with TA right now awaiting execution.

Once booking is confirmed, I surely will ring up QF to explore this issue further.

Slightly off topic, only the day before, I saw a closer connection (DXB SYD) with 2-3 hrs interval but when the time came to advise the TA, that flight had disappeared, replaced by QF2 with the dreaded 9-hr break.

It looks like the timetable is still being very fluid at the moment.

Thank you once again

 

[Peabody]

I look forward do hearing what you end up doing (particularly if QF foot the bill!) as I too have a 9 hour connection in mid May. Arrive in to DXB on QF1 in Y (Points upgrade will hopefully go through to J!) and depart on EK97 (with QF code) to FCO 9 hours later.

 

[vetrade]

You may decide to stay airside but if looking for a hotel close to the airport, and QF won't pay for Le Meridien, you could try the Premier Inn. It's good standard, will be a lot cheaper than Le Meridien and it's closer too.

 

[Deleted member]

Air side, did it once with Mrs GPH and eldest daughter, smart move all round,

 

[vetrade]

They may accept to match the EK offer but it will be interesting to see what they will actually use: airside or landslide hotel.
n

Obviously just a typo but it amused me........