Expert reviews
“Overlooking the Astrup Fearnley Museum, Oslo’s best design hotel is more dark glamour than Scandinavian sparse, though is packed with playful touches from beautiful artisan objects to video art, and guests can max out on the luxe vibe at the hotel spa.”
“Oslo’s most tongue-in-cheek boutique hotel is located on Tjuvholmen, meaning Thief Islet, hence the unusual name. The lobby area has a sleek, contemporary design and accommodates a bronze statue and other artworks from the adjacent Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Oslo.
“This is a luxurious home-away-from-home happily situated on the island of Tjuvholmen, boasting glorious views over the harbor or across Oslofjord. The Thief drips bespoke style and comfort, showcasing hand-picked artworks plus individually designed bedrooms.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Oslo.
What guests liked
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Friendly staff
All you need to know
With a name like The Thief, you can be sure that the only thing this hotel will steal is your heart! The Thief earned its name through the area’s history – it’s built on a former prison island, known as Tjuvholmen, or “Thief Island.” However, the hotel feels nothing like a prison. With a bright and open atmosphere, stylish furnishings, warm lighting, and fun artwork, this hotel will make you feel like you never want to leave!
Established in 2013, The Thief encompasses 119 rooms with four floor plans – standard, superior, deluxe, and junior suite. Every room sleeps two guests with a king-size bed. These contemporary spaces include balconies, flat-screen TVs, WiFI, entertainment systems, and Nespresso machines. Upgraded rooms have marble bathrooms and separate living spaces, while the largest suite boasts a private rooftop terrace with 360-degree views.
Hotel breakfast is available, in which you can enjoy an organic, Nordic meal with sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients. Don’t forget about the hotel’s extravagant weekend brunch, serving decadent treats and farm-fresh produce. In addition, this hotel has an upscale restaurant, offering a lobster and champagne night once a week. Thief Bar, the onsite bar, has a warm, cozy atmosphere with comfortable armchairs, a fireplace, and signature cocktails.
The onsite spa is an excellent place to unwind after a full day of exploring Oslo. Available spa treatments include facials, massages, makeup services, and other body treatments. You can also enjoy the spa’s sauna, gym, and hydrotherapy – admission comes with a robe, slippers, and a towel.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
We partner with Booking.com and Agoda. Both booking websites offer the lowest price guarantee so you can be certain you will always get the best deal for this hotel. If you have seen a better price elsewhere, all you need to do is contact the booking website and they will refund you the difference immediately. You can price match right up until the day before check-in.
Location
Recent guest reviews
30 December 2024
Triggering but perhaps that’s the intention ;not great for repeat business though
Location
Political statements in the form of ‘bedtime stories’ at reception desks on check in and on every bedside table in every room ( plus every room in this hotel chain across Scandinavia =70 hotels ) Patronising virtue signalling on breakfast bar on ESG policies . They would do better to state what they actually do with surplus food as opposed to guilt tripping paying customers in their lazy attempt to change the world by statements or slogans .
23 December 2024
Pleasant
The bed was comfortable, the interior decent .
There was a book at the reception and in the room promoting Palestinian stories. In the light of rised antisemitism in Norway , this was very very uncomfortable. I understand that media plays with peoplw's minds or maybe the financing that arrives via Arabic media , but hotels are places for everyone, unless specifued differently. I am not Jewish or Israeli but my friends definitely felt sad and unsafe during the stay.
10 August 2024
Disappointing
Location, breakfast
the room was too dark, too cold
18 April 2024
Pleasant
The Portuguese girl from the breakfast, she is high up in my grade. The location is just perfect.
I don’t understand why we only have water in by the bed on the first time? Should be the everyday.
11 March 2024
great stay
The reception staff were super friendly they made my stay wonderful. they were super helpful and professional. the location was exceptional and everything was close by a walking distance. there were multiple options of cafes and restaurants available around the hotel to choose from.
The room lightning should be brighter, its very dark. also I believe that the room service hours should be extended as they close by 10 pm which is pretty early. hence I would suggest making the room service 24 hours available.
1 March 2024
Stay were just lovely
Loved the spa. Mud face mask and salt rub for the steam rooms. Delicious breakfast.
My only criticism was that room service closed at 10 pm because they were renovating the kitchen. We therefore had to rush a little when we got there. This won’t be an issue in the future and otherwise they were outstanding!
26 February 2024
Great location and, lovely hotel but could improve with attention to detail
The spa
Netflix on the tv stopped working. The water in the shower takes 3 minutes to warm up and finish in the bathroom was poor
26 February 2024
Exceptional
nice breakfast, lovely place
not good bed for me ( too soft)
24 February 2024
Fabulous
Breakfast was great
Having to pay an entrance fee for the spa/pool
16 February 2024
A very nice hotel in a perfect location to explore Oslo.
Location was great, breakfast was good, the room was very nice (though there were way more pillows that I would ever need). Room Service was awesome.
As far as The Thief goes, nothing! I really like the hotel and enjoyed my stay. I wish the sidewalks weren't so icy though. I'll have to return when it's warmer!
11 February 2024
Good premium stay in the heart of Oslo
Good quality stay
Location was slightly quiet and room service needs improvement
30 January 2024
A True Den of Thieves
It was time to celebrate another one of life’s many landmarks and had decided to make a trip across Europe, culminating in a 4 night stay at the fantastic Thief Hotel in Oslo. On arrival I was greeted warmly by the front desk team and having prepaid through Booking.com, check-in was a smooth, fast a professional experience. I was informed that breakfast which was included would be served in the delightful 2nd floor restaurant, more on that later and also advised that access to the 24hr gym was via the glass elevator on my floor which also takes guests to the spa and wellness centre which are located in an adjacent building. The rooms are very well appointed with a beautiful King size bed and a large smart TV with both YouTube and Netflix access, the view from my 7th floor room was spectacular and look out across the fjord and palace. The bathroom was very nicely designed with a walk-n shower and smart mood lighting throughout. The Thief Hotel is located in a area similar to London’s Canary Wharf with a 15 minute walk (in winter) to the National Theatre Station which connects you to the Central Train Station, Oslo Airport and the rest of the city and region. The National Museum is adjacent to the station and is definitely worth a visit on those -20 degree days. The highlight of my stay at The Thief was definitely the breakfast and cocktails (not at the same time), the breakfast is a buffet style but on a whole different level, than your average self service experience. The food is presented beautifully and there is such a wide range of hot and cold fair that even with a 4 night stay I did not get to try everything that was on offer. In summary The Thief Hotel offers a truly amazing experience and I would highly recommend for solo or couples travelling to the Norwegian capital, the rooms are very nicely sized and the huge bed is super comfy with a good mix of soft and firm pillows ensuring a luxurious nights sleep and a very memorable stay.
Leaving before breakfast was served, but very grateful for my Thief ‘Booty Bag’ filled with lunch goodies.
25 January 2024
Absolute gem in Oslo
We've been coming to the Thief for over a decade and it never disappoints. In recent years being welcomed with a dog in tow we've come to appreciate even more that the hotel really is a home away from home. Having stayed in hundreds of five star hotels all over the world we've seen all levels of service, but there's a consistency and a calmness and something so relaxed about the Thief which is really unique and feels so welcoming. Never any issues with noise, always clean, staff are always super friendly yet professional. We'll keep coming back here as long as the hotel is in business, which I hope is forever!
Nothing, it's awesome
23 January 2024
Excellent hotel and location, walking distance to key places and restaurants as well as the marina
Staff, location and overall quality of the hotel
That hotel residents had to also pay to enter the sauna and pool. I understand needing to book in advance but I think it should be included in the hotel rate for better value.
16 January 2024
Fresh, outstanding design and location
A very pleasant atmosphere, location wise it is exactly in the part of Oslo which I prefer most. Clean fresh rooms, loved my view to the water.
i can not say anything negative, there wasnt any aspect which I wasnt satisfied about.
24 December 2023
Excellent
Amazing attentive staff, cool theme, comfortable rooms & a great spa
28 November 2023
I’d splurge for the thief again
Breakfast and coffee and room service chicken salad delicious
Nothing on your part just took me a while figure out room lighting and bath facilities
12 November 2023
Very cool lay back stay, with outstanding service.
I have stayed here on a number of occasions of the last ten years. The hotel continues to be a cool, understated, class act.
Breakfast was a real disappointment compared to other five star Oslo hotels and to past stays at the Thief.
10 November 2023
Wish we could have stayed longer!
Great location! Decor and setting were so beautiful!
8 November 2023
Exceptional
Luxury hotel! Huge (aka, American sized king) bed with all the pillows and a huge bathroom with separate jacuzzi style tub and walk in shower. We were splurging, and it was worth it. Not to mention the staff was very friendly and the location was great. A close walk to lots of high end restaurants and only a 10-15 minute walk to Oslo city center. If you want to treat yourself, I would definitely recommend.
15 October 2023
Great stay for first time visit to Oslo
Hotel was perfectly located for walking along the water to the water taxi to the museums. Very easy!
20 August 2023
Very good
Great location, spacious room. Great breakfast - freshly baked bread and freshly squeezed fruit juice. Restaurant staff were great
A few suggestions: 1) Suggest to increase lights in the room, it can be a bit dark even with all the lights on. 2) To increase the variety of in room dining options. 3) The reception staff could be more friendly.
18 August 2023
Exceptional
Brilliant location
8 August 2023
The Thief
Beautiful hotel with a fantastic location. Really enjoyed the quick access to downtown Oslo while also being surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants. The nearby swimming area in the Oslo fjord was an added bonus.
8 July 2023
Exceptional
Lovely location and a beautiful hotel
5 July 2023
Love Oslo and loved the location of the thief
The location was fantastic, the view from the room, the art
20 June 2023
Greatly located, clean and stylish
Great location, staff excellent. very comfortable bed and pillows and quiet. The restaurant was ok, it was very quiet when we were there so not much atmosphere but the waitress was lovely and very attentive.
The restaurant wasn’t as good as I’d liked, there was nothing wrong with the food, just not exceptional.
11 June 2023
Perfectly positioned to allow access to Oslo's historic centre.
Great location, fantastic food, and very helpful and friendly staff especially in the restaurant. The breakfast was one of the best selections we experienced in Norway.
5 June 2023
Fabulous
Room, breakfast, location
30 April 2023
Perfect location, comfortable bed
Breakfast is wonderful, great choice, comfortable, delicious
22 April 2023
more than great
location, food, reception , room, spa and staff great
24 March 2023
Superb Stay!
We had been charmed with our stay at The Thief back in 2019 & didn't hesitate to book with them twice, both coming as well as going, on our most recent trip to Norway. I am very delighted to report that once again, we were so happy to be stolen away by this lovely boutique hotel! The location is fantastic with great views of the fjord. The area is car free, very walkable with a ton of restaurants & bars nearby, yet not so close that the nightlife disturbed our sleep. The rooms were spacious, the beds comfy and the staff was warm, friendly and welcoming. The Spa was an absolute godsend after our long flight. And the breakfast was truly epic! I think it is the best breakfast buffet we have ever encountered anywhere on all of our travels. Such a HUGE selection, there was something to please everyone. When we return to Norway, we will definitely be staying here again!
Everything was great!
28 February 2023
Utterly delightful and relaxing.
Honestly just an all around brilliant place. I’ve eaten breakfast in most of the best hotels around the world…. Honestly none of them compare to the thief’s epic breakfast.
Literally nothing. Maybe a winter roof garden though… seems a shame for guests to miss out on a great space.
2 February 2023
Exceptional
The hotel is located centrally in the city of Oslo. This area(Tjuvholmen) is car free, which means that it is very safe and quiet. I could see the channel and the Oslofjord from the balcony. What an amazing view!
nothing
27 January 2023
So much attention to style, comfort and pure enjoyment
Everything. Such a stylish hotel and absolutely loved the giant pillows
My view was poor but I think I was unlucky and positioned on the wrong side
3 December 2022
brilliant
amazing location, great room, great views
no problems
31 October 2022
wonderful design hotel in superb location
excellent hotel and location, everything is superb, design, comfort and staff.
30 October 2022
Great location, breakfast, and nice rooms
location is nice, by the water. gym is small but nicely equipped. sauna is nice but not as exceptional as expected. breakfast is really good! Wide choices: warm, cold, mimosas. really worth it. also you get a free entrance to a really cool art museum right next to the hotel.
20 September 2022
wonderful
The treatment and area are really top notch.
Honestly a bit pricey. not too much but it felt you pay alot cause its the only luxury hotel in the area.
18 September 2022
enjoyable
everything
nothing
21 August 2022
nice
Very good location, great breakfast buffet. Nice decor in the rooms with comfortable beds.
The bar in the entrance area was never busy, the bar on the roof terrace is shown much better in the hotel's promotional video than in reality. Pretty dead
19 August 2022
Naturally luxury!
Thief SPaA and the roof bar/restaurant and Bath from the bridges outside the hotell:)
26 July 2022
Great Location & Breakfast
location
The fact we could not get In our room until 3pm after a long flight
21 July 2022
It was a short stay however we enjoyed the experience
Everything. The hotel has: - Good Location: nice view on the Sea - so many restaurants and shops are near by 5 minutes walk. - The room is very clean and housekeeper will do several rounds during the day and they will leave you some complementary relaxing tea and chocolate by the end of the day. - Breakfast was great and the lounge is relaxing. - When we arrived to hotel, our luggage was lost from last airport so we informed the reception that we are expecting our luggage, so Ms. Farida who checked us in, followed up with airport till luggage was delivered to our rooms. We would like to thank Ms. Farida for her help and welcoming us in the hotel, it is really appreciated. - we liked that they have mini drawer with toothpaste, toothbrush, underwear, etc. even though you will pay for it.
- lightning of the room.
9 July 2022
Very good
Overall experience
16 June 2022
Very comfortable
Great location and friendly helpful staff
No teaspoons!
28 May 2022
Fabulous
after 11pm room service menu had only 3 items not great , no Uber no food outlets after 11 called front desk and they said no delivery
17 April 2022
Great location, amazing architecture
Location , breakfast
Price
30 March 2022
A great grand finale to a vacation in Norway.
Very luxurious stay in a comfortable room. Many small details like automated lighting, Bluetooth speaker, and a very comfortable bed added up to an enjoyable time at The Thief.
NA
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Minimarket on site
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna (additional charge)
- - Fitness centre
- - Fishing (additional charge)
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Children's playground
- - Hammam (additional charge)
- - Indoor pool (additional charge)
- - Indoor pool (all year) (additional charge)
- - Beauty Services
- - Facial treatments
- - Make up services
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Beach
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
Entertainment and family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Pool and wellness
- - Heated pool
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming Pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Face masks for guests available
4 January 2025
Average
Not halal friendly Plus I expected more fish in the room service menus There was no fish
Fish not available on the room service menu