TL;DR

Modern: Oslo boutique hotel with striking contemporary design
Top service: Friendly professional staff and consistently high-end hospitality experience.
Luxury perks: Rooftop bar, refined dining and a swish spa add to the upscale vibe.
Prime setting: Waterfront location in Oslo’s artsy Tjuvholmen district near museums and galleries.
Guest feedback: Excellent breakfast, stylish rooms and views praised though some branding feels impersonal.
Check prices here

The name The Thief is a nod to the area’s history; the now artsy Tjuvholmen district once had a reputation for unsavoury characters.

We’ll assume the hotel is a force of a happier kind of gentrification, because it’s hard to imagine now.

Most of the characters you’ll encounter here will be super sweet.

The staff are super friendly and professional, and your fellow guests just lazy in the throes of top-class hospitality.

The Thief Hotel feels effortlessly hip, and it has some impeccably executed contemporary design.

A rooftop bar/restaurant and swish spa add to the indulgent vibes here.

There is a bit of a we’re so cool, lack of soul to the branding, in our opinion, but the service and the overall hotel experience, more than make up for it.

What are the rooms like?

114 rooms: Spacious contemporary guestrooms from 24 sqm Standards to expansive Suites nearing 100 sqm.
Design focus: Plush linens, sleek furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows with muted colour palettes.
Suite perks: Bathtubs, bigger living areas and premium views generally in higher room categories.
Light-filled: Large windows and balconies create airy modern spaces.
Amenities: Geneva sound systems, rain showers, blackout curtains, work areas and large TVs.
See all the rooms in detail here

Rooms feature a gorgeous balance of plush and sleek, fitting structural decor elements around soft linens and touches of glamorous textiles.

Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light.

It’s all very Cloud City if the Queer Eye team visited Lando Calrissian.

Colours are muted, but not dull, with touches of rusty reds and stormy blues for personality.

And they’re spacious. Your Standard option checks in at 24 square metres; other Room types run up to 30.

Once you hit the Suites, we’re talking 40 minimum, and the Oslo Suite is almost 100 square metres of plush carpet and insane views.

We love a hotel where guestrooms don’t feel like afterthoughts.

The Thief is definitely one of them, but do note that notable views are generally reserved for Deluxe options or higher.

We also love a bathtub, and you’ll want to book a Suite if you’re on team midnight soak.

If not, though, don’t be afraid of the more basic options.

Whatever you choose, you’ll feel well taken care of. Enjoy Geneva sound systems, rain showers, balconies, blackout curtains, working areas, and large TVs.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Nordic dining: Quality breakfast, refined lunch options and elegant dinners from burgers to oysters.
Afternoon tea: Champagne Lounge experience with caviar and luxury touches.
Rooftop bar: Seasonal social rooftop and relaxed cocktail lounge onsite.
Spa access: Heated pool, sauna and treatments available with advance reservations.
Event spaces: Meeting rooms and versatile social areas for business or celebrations.

Food is excellent, including a complete Nordic breakfast spread each morning.

Lunch is perfect for either business or pleasure. The dining room is refined without feeling snobby, and the food is generally solid.

If you want to really go all-out, there’s Afternoon Tea served in what they’ve named the ‘Champagne Lounge.’

This is probably the most high-end the vibes get, judging by the Cliquot with blinis and caviar.

Dinner is more relaxed without feeling casual, from burgers to oysters, a la carte or with a set menu.

If you really want to just relax, head to the hotel bar for small snacks and great cocktails.

We’ll note here to make your spa reservations as soon as possible. It’s a popular place open to locals (on weekdays) as well as hotel guests.

In order to enjoy the heated pool, Finnish sauna, and variety of treatments, you’ll have to book.

You’ll also find plenty of meeting rooms, and don’t forget The Thief Rooftop. It’s a relaxed, social bar open in the summer.

How is the neighbourhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Waterfront base: Island-like Tjuvholmen location with scenic seaside walks.
Art focus: Next door to Astrup Fearnley Museum and close to National Museum.
Well connected: Easy transport links to Oslo attractions like the Opera House and Fram Museum.
Peaceful vibe: Relaxed atmosphere though nightlife hotspots require travel.
Local exploring: Plenty of cafés, galleries and waterfront spots within walking distance.

The location is unique, given that Tjuvholmen is more or less an island.

It’s an island with plenty of connections to the rest of Oslo, however.

When you leave, you immediately find yourself walking past the famed seaside clock tower, 5 minutes from the National Museum.

The sea makes for lovely walks and plenty of fresh air.

Yet, we think anyone with a love of art and not too much ambition could enjoy a full day just on this tiny landmass.

The incredibly designed Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is right next door to The Thief, an easy place to kill an afternoon.

Or, get on transport and head towards the city’s other attractions. The Fram Museum, the Opera House, and Vigelandsparken aren’t hard to access, and are well worth a visit.

Nightlife might be a bit more challenging. We like the more relaxed areas of Torggata or Grunerløkka, but they can be quite a trek.

We think you’ll find plenty of places to hang out nearby, but if you’re trying to go out but avoid a touristy vibe, this might not be the best spot.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Breakfast was exceptional. Staff were friendly and we were so impressed with them. Our room was fantastic and they upgraded us, which was a treat. The Bar was lovely including the lovely Bar Attendant for served us. Hotel’s decor was so beautiful. 1st class hotel and can recommend it highly….”

“A beautiful property at the end of the marina so in a lovely, quiet location with views of the bay. Very comfortable beds and a great shower….”