I haven't found much information on Dubai connect. And the Emirates flight crew are obviously not briefed on the process. So I wanted to share my experience.

First step is to obviously reserve Dubai connect I did this when I booked my flight.

Upon check-in in Chicago they gave me my hotel vouchers as well as meal vouchers. It was at this time that I saw they put me in the le meridien hotel.

When you get to Dubai don't wait around for your luggage because it will be forwarded to your final destination. The flight crew told me that I had to pick up my luggage so I wasted about a half hour standing at the luggage carousel.

Instead go to the chauffeur drive counter and present your vouchers. They will arrange for a Mercedes van to bring you to the hotel. It's very close about 3 minutes away.

Hotels decent the rooms that give you are not part of the main set of rooms. There is a separate emirates wing.

They're not as nice as the regular rooms but it sure beats sitting in the lounge for 13 hours.