Type ‘best hotels Norway’ into your chosen search engine, and Oslo’s The Thief will surely make an appearance. But does it live up to its towering reputation? The answer from this luxe traveller is a resounding yes. Located in Oslo’s regenerated Tjuvholmen neighbourhood, The Thief combines comfort and class for a discreet, luxury experience from start to finish. Slightly out of the old town, but just a short walk to the Akker Brygge waterfront, the beautiful harbour side still had a buzz on a particularly chilly February night.
On arrival it’s hard not to miss, and be inspired by, 102 pieces of art which fill the hotel, from the Anthony Gormley sculpture crouched by the front door to the supersized Richard Prince cowboy and horse portrait taking pride of place in the reception area. The artworks belong to next door’s impressive Astrup Fearnley Museet, which you can visit free of charge on production of your room key. Under the imposing western scene, we received an incredibly warm welcome from the reception team, then up into the lift, where there’s no escaping the art: an enjoyable ascent under the watchful gaze of a blinking Julian Opie video installation.
I had high expectations for our premium room and was blown away by the massive floor to ceiling windows with private balcony overlooking the Oslofjord (every one of the hotel’s 116 rooms have their own balcony). It’d be an absolute treat to sit out there in the summer months, not so much after a fresh fall of snow. The room provided a satisfying blend of Scandi simplicity and quality comfort; a mix of woods, leather and soft golds with smart lighting (occasionally a little too smart for me if I’m honest) finished with cosy blankets, plenty of plump pillows and a rug I’d have happily rolled up and taken home. If I was one the scoundrels who historically occupied Thief Island perhaps I would have. The discreet turn down service also offered a sweet addition with fresh water, detox tea and kettle laid out for pre-bedtime cleansing. Notable too were the separate-coloured towel sets. A small but useful touch that I never knew I needed in my life.
Heading down to the hotel bar for a pre-dinner drink proved to be an absolute treat. With brooding dark walls, bronze sofas and the moodiest of lighting, it felt like we’d been invited into some secret Hollywood drinking den. One heavenly Old Fashioned later and I was ready to hunker down for the night, but dinner beckoned in the Thief restaurant.
With a glorious view across the Oslofjord to Akerhus Fortress (allegedly the inspiration for Arandelle Castle in Frozen), the small but perfectly formed menu offers a selection of fresh, Nordic inspired ingredients. Having spent a week overdosing on Norwegian smoked fish, I can happily state that the organic smoked salmon starter was the best of the trip; sourced from across the fjord and served with apple, sour cream and orange, buttermilk horseradish and dill sauce. A winning combination. Mains of cod with a sprinkling of caviar and braised pork belly with a rich, glossy jus were almost as impressive, all washed down with some English fizz from an extensive (almost biblical) wine menu. Our dining experience was delivered by possibly the friendliest folk in Oslo and this is what I loved most about The Thief; excellent service with no pretence. The next morning, breakfast offered an impressive range of hot and cold buffet items, again with that glorious view.
We didn’t use the Spa facilities as it was full of couples enjoying Valentine’s Day romancing but I can confirm a gorgeous pool with saunas, steam rooms and an impressive array of treatments. The hotel also has private access to the fjord for a bracing dip if you want to live like a local.
The Thief has an excellent reputation to uphold but put simply, if you’re looking for a beautiful and friendly luxury boutique hotel, then look no further. It stole my heart (yes, I went there), and could very well take yours too.
The Thief is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, rates start from £200 per room per night. www.preferredhotels.com
