1. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — Umm Suqeim
The sail-shaped icon on its own island, with an all-suite layout and a private beach.
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab sits on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, and the hotel's own site calls it Dubai's most iconic hotel. Rooms are suites, and the property comes with a private beach and a run of restaurants that includes the aquarium-fronted Al Mahara and the high-floor Al Muntaha.
It is the hotel to pick if the building itself is part of the trip. Expect to pay for it: this is the top rate band in the city.
Good to know: Non-guests need a dining or afternoon-tea reservation to cross the bridge; book through the official site and bring the confirmation.
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, UAE