Holiday Inn Express DUBAI AIRPORT by IHG

This hotel is close to Terminal 3, but you can't walk there due to a wide road that cannot be crossed. You either have to take a taxi or use the hotel's free shuttle bus. The shuttle departs from the T3 shuttle bus area every hour, around 5 minutes past the hour. From the hotel, it departs 5 minutes before the hour (at :55). The ride to the airport takes about 5-6 minutes if there's no traffic. A taxi can be a bit pricey, costing around 60-65 AED! The information on Trip.com was incorrect; it stated there was no shuttle bus, which led me to take a taxi from T3! I've included a picture as proof and hope Trip.com provides accurate information when partnering with hotels to avoid unnecessary trouble and expenses for customers!

The breakfast was great, and the location was excellent.

The hotel is very close to the airport, right by the metro station. There's a free shuttle bus from the car park. If you have a one-day layover, you can buy a one-day travel pass for 25 AED, which gives you unlimited access to the metro and buses.

The shuttle bus has a recognizable logo and runs every half hour. It arrives at the airport shuttle stop at 15 or 45 minutes past the hour. From 9 AM onwards, it departs every hour on the hour or at 30 minutes past the hour, and it's always very punctual.