Curator’s statement
Welcome to part three of The Best Boutique Hotels in Oslo! This time, we're diving into The Thief — a modern art lover’s paradise where every room features a private balcony. It is set in the newly designed Tjuvholmen neighborhood, just outside the iconic Aker Brygge waterfront. The Thief pays homage to the area’s intriguing history. "Tjuvholmen" translates to "Thief’s Island," a name dating back to the 19th century when the area was infamous for public executions of thieves. Inspired by this dark past, the hotel’s aesthetic features a rich, moody color palette and subtle nods to its historical roots — giving it a unique and fascinating vibe. Tjuvholmen itself is one of Oslo’s newest, more secluded districts, away from bustling streets and full of modern architecture. The Thief blends seamlessly here, with its strikingly contemporary design that might feel out of place elsewhere in the city.
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Location
Unlike the Amerikelinjen (from part one) and Sommerro (from part two), The Thief is a bit more tucked away in its own corner of the city. For those seeking a sleek, urban retreat with breathtaking waterfront views, The Thief is ideal. This five-star property is located on the iconic Tjuvholmen peninsula. It is an artsy neighborhood along the Oslofjord known for its stunning views, contemporary architecture and cultural attractions. Right next door is the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art (free access is included in your stay). A short walk brings you to the heart of Oslo’s vibrant Aker Brygge waterfront district, packed with restaurants, bars and shops. This makes The Thief perfect for anyone wanting to experience Oslo’s stylish, contemporary side without sacrificing convenience.
The hotel is also easily accessible from Oslo's Gardermoen Airport (OSL). The Flytoget airport express train will take you directly to Oslo Central Station, from which you can take a short taxi ride or a leisurely 20-minute stroll to The Thief.
Room categories
One of the unique features of The Thief is that each room has a private balcony. As you climb the ladder of room categories, the views from your room just get better and better.
Since The Thief is the newest of the three properties in this series, it has had the opportunity to curate each part of the hotel from the ground up. The building itself was designed by the famous Mellbye Arkitekter, based in Oslo. One of Norway's most acclaimed interior designers, Wille Våge uniquely designed each of the rooms. Even the art on the walls is specifically curated by The Thief’s inside curator, Sune Nordgren. If you haven’t caught the pattern yet, The Thief is all about the details. As a result, they provide the absolute best guest experience possible.
The 24-sq. meter standard rooms will suit most travelers' needs and then some. If you really want a spectacular view, consider upgrading to the deluxe room with a view of the Oslofjord!
Property amenities
The Thief is known for its impressive amenities, designed to give you a blend of relaxation and urban sophistication. Breakfast is served in Thief FoodBar, a Nordic-inspired restaurant offering a range of options. You can order classic eggs and pastries or more adventurous dishes like house-cured salmon and artisanal Norwegian cheeses.
The hotel’s Thief Spa is a destination, providing a comprehensive range of treatments including massages, facials and Nordic wellness experiences. Highlights include a heated pool, a Finnish sauna and a Turkish-style hammam — perfect for unwinding after a day in the city. A note — access to the spa is typically at a surcharge (dependent on room category) even if you are a guest at the hotel.
Another standout feature is Thief Roof, the hotel’s seasonal rooftop bar. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of Oslo’s skyline and the fjords. This is the perfect spot for cocktails or a glass of wine as you watch the sunset over the water.
Last but not least, The Thief has its own fleet of Riva boats, which dock in their private keys just across from the hotel entrance. There is nothing cooler than hopping on one of these to take a private tour of Oslo from the water!
Need to know
The Thief is ideal for clients looking for a modern, artsy and luxurious base while exploring Oslo. I recommend it for couples, solo travelers or groups who appreciate contemporary art and design, along with a great spa and dining scene.
This property is all about understated luxury, so if you’re looking for a vibrant yet refined spot, let’s plan a stay at The Thief!
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Oslo page.
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Alexander Avigdor
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