Subject2 - I'd completely forgotten about the onsite airport hotel. Having said that, it sounds as though the poster wants to minimize costs. I've always been 'accommodated' at the Meridien during transfers, but it does take an hour or so from touch-down to the hotel (don't forget to pack a change of clothes in the carry-on) and then another couple of hours to get back to the terminal, check in, have something to eat (forget the hotel buffet!), and then board. I agree that 8 or so hours wandering around DXB - even the F lounge - is painful and not to be recommended. If I were wanting to economize, I would do the Holiday Inn or the other one adjacent to it, just off the airport grounds. Would probably cost just $150 or so and it is close.