I use Le Meridien on short stays - convenient and OK. I usually pay around $250 (excuse me - company pays). Safari trip and 4 wheeler trips are pretty nice in Nov.

If you are US you won't need a visa. You get a no cost stamp in your passport.

If you are flying F or B - the Dubai lounges are good - don't take care of you like Qatar but still nice. I am sitting in the F lounge now waiting for a flight to BKK. F lounge is exactly the same as B lounge.

I don't fly F class but there was an error in the computer and for once in my life it was in my favor and all I could say was OK.