The Thief, Oslo

Pros  

• Enjoy art-filled common spaces, and trendy rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies (upgrade for water views).
• Guests have free quality breakfast and access to a seasonal upscale restaurant serving contemporary Nordic cuisine; the highlight is the summer rooftop with sunset views. 
• Activities include an indoor pool, sensory showers, spa treatments, and a Finnish sauna, while the hotel provides a swimming ladder, as well as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
• This modern area of Oslo is a short walk to art museums and the Nobel Peace Center, as well as upscale shopping and dining.

Cons

• Most rooms (except the suites) have to pay a fee to use the pool and spa facilities.

Authenticity

This sleek hotel opened in 2013 and has remained a staple in Oslo’s luxury hotel scene, given its coveted setting. There are no buses or traffic jams here (though underground parking is available), rather waterfront paths and fjord views, which help make it a destination for peace and wellness, helped by the fact that it has a full-service spa. Entering the hotel, guests can expect a dark and sexy color scheme with international art and contemporary furnishings—many that feature Scandinavian designers. The atmosphere is especially inviting during winter months when the candlelit lobby bar plays a central role, while summer is when guests—and occasional international film crews and celebs—can breeze up to the rooftop bar and restaurant.

Location

The Thief is located on an islet in central Oslo—with a history of smugglers and pirates— surrounded by a larger waterfront area called Aker Brygge. This is a great location for those who want easy access to the fjord for swims and boating, not to mention walking and jogging paths, and sunset views from dozens of bars and restaurants that line the boardwalk. A short walk from the hotel are departures for ferries and fjord cruises in the Oslofjord, and there’s even a public beach during the summer months where you can sunbathe. As for culture, Aker Brygge is home to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, as well as the Nobel Peace Center, and the new (as of 2022) National Museum. Other central attractions in Oslo can be accessed by foot or public transportation. Underground parking is available at the hotel for a daily fee. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The Thief’s trendy, deep-hued decor carries over to its 114 modern rooms and suites including a penthouse unit with a private rooftop. Regardless of the category, all rooms have king-sized beds and Scandinavian linens, smart TVs, sound systems, Italian coffee makers, bathrobes, and slippers. Bathrooms have Grown Alchemist bath products and rain showerheads while suites have a separate shower and bathtub. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with balconies (if having a water view matters, opt for the deluxe room category or higher). Families can add a bed to their room for a fee, or book connecting rooms. There’s also a two-bedroom suite. Laundry service and 24-hour room service are available. 

Other Highlights

A daily breakfast buffet is provided free for guests. There’s also an a la carte menu for a fee. More dining options are available for lunch and dinner depending on the season. During the summer months, the rooftop restaurant is a sophisticated dining space with windows and heaters, while a separate bar on the same rooftop has a more casual vibe. During winter months, dining takes place indoors, while the lobby bar is the place to get drinks. There’s also a spa onsite with a gym, indoor pool, Finnish sauna, and experience showers with light therapy. Spa treatments take place in six treatment rooms and there’s a shop selling products. Additional activities for fees include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, private boat tours, and fishing excursions. Or grab your bathrobe and go for a dip in the fjord for free (there’s a ladder by the spa). 

Sustainability

The Thief is part of the Nordic Choice Hotels and Resorts group, and the company operates an extensive sustainability program called WeCare with several initiatives in place at each property that aim to reduce its environmental impact. In 2019, all of the hotels stopped using unnecessary plastic products. Future initiatives will focus on reducing food waste and powering hotels with renewable energy.