Review of The Thief

Set on the edge of the Oslo Fjord, The Thief stands as Oslo’s leading boutique hotel, renowned for its avant-garde design and curated art collection. Since its 2013 debut, this architectural landmark has consistently pushed boundaries in Norwegian hospitality, offering 114 individually styled rooms and suites. Highlights include panoramic rooftop vistas, a destination spa with a mosaic-tiled pool, hammam, steam room, Finnish sauna, and a modern fitness studio.

Guests enjoy four distinct dining and bar venues, as well as six versatile event spaces accommodating up to 150 delegates. Secure underground parking is available for those arriving by car, ensuring convenience and peace of mind in the heart of the city.

Occupying a coveted spot on Tjuvholmen, once infamous for its underworld past, The Thief now anchors Oslo’s most vibrant art and lifestyle district. This revitalized waterfront enclave buzzes with world-class restaurants, contemporary galleries, and the acclaimed Astrup Fearnley Museum—a masterpiece by Renzo Piano, just steps from the hotel. All guests benefit from complimentary museum access, seamlessly blending luxury hospitality with cultural immersion.

Oslo’s historic city center is a scenic 15-minute stroll away, placing guests within easy reach of the Viking Ship Museum, the Oslo Opera House, and Frogner Park’s renowned Vigeland sculpture installation.

Travelers can reach The Thief from Oslo Airport Gardermoen in approximately 50 minutes by car, or opt for the Airport Express Train, which delivers guests to Oslo Central Station in just 22 minutes, followed by a 15-minute walk to the hotel’s entrance.

Every room at The Thief is a showcase of Scandinavian design sensibility, blending form and function with meticulous attention to detail. During our stay, we appreciated intuitive features such as bedside lighting controls, Geneva sound systems, integrated charging safes, Nespresso machines, and plush full-length mirrors. Bathrooms are spacious, offering rainfall showers and Babor amenities, while select suites feature deep soaking tubs.

Furnishings are sourced from leading Nordic and international designers, layering tactile fabrics, geometric patterns, and a palette of earthy neutrals punctuated by bold accents. Premium suites boast expansive balconies with sweeping fjord or canal views, and are enhanced with iconic pieces from Maxalto and Citterio’s latest collections.

The immersive Apparatjik Suite, curated by Magne Furuholmen of A-ha and his Apparatjik collective, dazzles with multimedia installations and custom soundscapes. The Thief Suite on the eighth floor grants panoramic Oslo Fjord vistas, while the Oslo Suite penthouse offers exclusive access to a private rooftop, a separate dining area, a fully equipped bar and pantry, and original Sir Peter Blake artwork.

Accessibility is thoughtfully integrated, with twelve rooms fully adapted for guests with disabilities and step-free access throughout common areas.

Families are welcomed with the tailored Very Important Kid program, while dog lovers benefit from The Thief’s pet-friendly ethos, including custom beds and curated welcome treats for canine companions.

Spanning 800 square meters, The Thief Spa is a sanctuary of tranquility inspired by Norway’s natural beauty, with interiors echoing slate, moss, and the interplay of Nordic light. Guests access the spa directly from their rooms, enjoying an array of treatments, Dornbracht Sensory Sky showers, a 12-meter indoor pool with fjord views, a Rhassoul steam room, Finnish sauna, and authentic hammam. Signature products from Natura Bissé, Zo Skin Health, Babor, and Carita are available, while the spa boutique offers carefully selected wellness retail. The gym features state-of-the-art equipment, and guests can participate in lululemon HIIT sessions or yoga classes. For a true Norwegian experience, brave an invigorating dip in the adjacent fjord, accessible via private jetty and beach.

Outdoor enthusiasts can arrange fjord cruises aboard one of two classic Riva boats, hire e-bikes, paddleboard, kayak, or book guided fishing excursions. Jogging routes that double as city tours are also popular in warmer months.

For business travelers, The Thief offers six naturally lit meeting spaces, ranging from intimate boardrooms for 12 to the spacious Fjord room, which accommodates up to 150 guests and opens onto a private rooftop terrace with sweeping city and water views.

Music aficionados can attend Thief Music Unplugged, a curated live performance series spotlighting leading and emerging Scandinavian artists throughout the year. Entry is first-come, first-served, with shows commencing at 7:15 p.m.

Fashion-forward guests can explore a unique partnership with Norwegian label As We Are Now (AWAN), offering in-room try-ons and exclusive 24-hour lounge dresses for purchase.

For ultimate convenience, The Thief delivers 24/7 in-room dining, ensuring guests’ needs are met at any hour. 

The Thief redefines urban luxury in Oslo, fusing contemporary architecture with a profound commitment to sustainability and guest escapism. Its playful motto—"stealing you away from the everyday"—is reflected in every detail, from the property’s fluid lines and sculptural forms by Mellbye Arkitekter to Antony Gormley’s striking installation at the entrance.

The interiors, curated by Anemone Wille Våge, are a tactile playground of sleek lines, warm woods, and avant-garde art, featuring a collection assembled by Sune Nordgren. This dynamic aesthetic ensures every space inspires curiosity and wonder.

What truly sets The Thief apart is its personalized service culture. During our stay, we found the staff to be both intuitive and deeply knowledgeable, consistently going above and beyond to deliver seamless, memorable experiences—hallmarks that have earned the hotel accolades in international luxury rankings.

The Thief boasts four distinct culinary destinations. The Thief Foodbar serves as the hotel’s gastronomic centerpiece, combining seasonal Nordic ingredients with French-inspired techniques for a sophisticated yet distinctly Norwegian menu. The light-filled dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, dark stone accents, and views into the open kitchen, creating a lively yet refined atmosphere.

Adjacent to reception, The Thief Bar invites guests to unwind with expertly crafted cocktails in a setting adorned with rich woods, book-lined shelves, a roaring fireplace, and plush seating—ideal for intimate gatherings or quiet reflection.

Set atop the hotel, Thief Roof Grill offers al fresco dining with panoramic city and fjord views. The menu highlights grilled seafood and meats, and Executive Chef Tim Wanless’s signature tasting menu, The Table, delivers a curated journey of Norwegian flavors, prepared over Binchotan charcoal for unparalleled depth.

From April through late autumn, the Thief Roof Bar is Oslo’s premier open-air lounge, offering flexible seating, portable glass panels, and heated lamps—ensuring comfort regardless of weather—while guests savor bespoke cocktails and the city’s most enchanting sunsets.

Under the stewardship of owner Petter A. Stordalen—a vocal advocate for environmental responsibility—The Thief has woven sustainability into its operational DNA from inception. The hotel’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, led by Gunhild Stordalen, include a commitment to seasonal, locally sourced produce, energy-saving technologies, and advanced waste management. Each guest room operates as a self-contained energy zone, optimizing consumption based on occupancy. The property meets rigorous TEK 07 energy standards and holds recognized environmental certifications.

Notably, The Thief’s foundation supports marine biodiversity in the Oslo Fjord by incorporating artificial reefs, fostering thriving habitats for aquatic life. The property is proudly cashless, a measure that enhances guest security and minimizes financial crime risk, aligning with the latest sustainability and safety benchmarks in the hospitality sector.

• The hotel’s extraordinary art collection, featuring works by Andy Warhol, Sir Peter Blake, and Bryan Ferry, infuses every space with creativity
• The Thief Spa’s immersive facilities, including a fjord-facing pool, authentic sauna, steam room, and hammam, offer restorative relaxation
• Exclusive access to the hotel’s Riva boats provides a thrilling way to explore the Oslo Fjord in style