Transit in Dubai Airport Terminal 3
 

My family of 4 will arrive in Dubai this July at 5.35am after a 13 hour flight. We will be in transit for about 9 hours until our connecting flight at 2.55pm that afternoon. I imagine we would like to lie down for a couple of hours and have a shower.

I have looked at the Marhaba lounge but it is only for 4 hours at a time and will be around A$200 for the 4 of us and I think it is extra for a shower? Is it worth it for the free food and lounge area?

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Why not check into a day room at a nearby hotel?

Some possibilities here:

http://www.dubaiairporthotel.com/

Marhaba is better than sitting on the airport for all this time, but it is only a (smallish) restaurant-kind of a place. Soft chairs. Not really worth $200 IMO. You can have a drink -- I saw several kinds of alcohol but at 6am I was not interested. I had the breakfast - the food was OK, but not great. Sorry, I did not think to look into the shower area. All in all, I second Melnq8's suggestion.

Thanks for the hotel link. I had considered a hotel but was confused as to what was available within the airport. I would only want to book one room at A$146 - can I sneak my teenagers in later for a shower??? Also, it appears that check in is only from 9am - we get in at 5.30am. I wonder if there is an early check in available?

Most hotels are willing to arrange early check-in ... usually on the condition that they have a room ready. Ask them before you book.

I don't see any problem with your entire family using the room for showers. You might have to request more towels, but I really doubt the hotel would be fussed. Ask in advance if concerned.

Thanks for your helpful replies. I really appreciate your comments.