Redemption Bookings on Emirates

Hi Guys,

Please Help. This is my FIRST TIME and I am doing a surprise for my husband!!

I've booked an award ticket using Qantas points on Emirates MEL - DXB in D (business) and DXB - SFO in Z (First).

I was advised I would be entitled to Dubai Connect.

Could you please advise me if I would be entitled to access the lounges and which ones should I choose? Any information on what type of accomodation/Hotel is allocated to you whilst in Dubai on a stopover?

Now this may sound silly but I want to give my husband an eye popping & jaw dropping kinda experience... considering it's a mixed travel class, in Melbourne do I check in at the Business counter or the First?

(I've kinda told my hubby we are flying to NZ and he has absolutely no idea it would be to USA and on Emirates )

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Check in at the Business counter in MEL. Use First lounge in DXB. Make sure your husband has a valid ESTA.

Use the Emirates lounge in Melbourne not the Qantas lounge

I did a First class redemption SYD-DXB-MAD in December and as I had a 7 hour layover in DXB was entitled to one of a number of hotels. After receiving confirmation I logged into either my QF profile or the EK reservation (can't remember which) and the option to book a particular hotel was there. Having done a similar trip before I just chose the Le Meridien as it's literally over the road from the airport and I was landing at midnight and taking off at 7am so I didn't really care where I stayed. All rather seamless - enjoy!

Thank you very much Nix584 for mentioning about the ESTA. I was thinking all along I would not need a visa because the sites mentioned about Visa Waiver... you saved me from embarrassment at the airport.... LOL ;)

Thank you Stuart and DY for your suggestions and advise ;)

Just make sure you only go through the official Government site to get it.