Scandinavian style reigns at the Thief
In Oslo, modern art-inspired island hotel delights the eye
OSLO, NORWAY— Across the harbour from the 600-year-old Akershus Castle, in the new, ultra-modern arts and business district, the Thief is stuffed with evocative art, Scandinavian style and the comfiest pillows ever.
Price: From NOK 2,090 ($335 Canadian) for a spacious double room (includes the Nordic breakfast buffet) to NOK 30,000 ($4,775) for the deluxe penthouse Oslo suite.
Location: Next to the modern art museum Astrup Fearnley Museet (free entry for hotel guests) in the new Tjuvholmen island district, it’s a 10-minute stroll along the wide, waterfront boardwalk to the city centre where the Nobel Peace Center, town hall and tour boats stand guard at the head of Oslo harbour.
Every window looks out on to the Oslofjorden or its canals. Just around the corner, brave bathers can take a dip in the Baltic Sea.
Dining: The Thief is full of food options: Thief Foodbar (breakfast, lunch and dinner), Thief Lounge, Thief Roof (summer), and Fru K restaurant, featuring a dinner-only, Scandinavian tasting menu created by chef Johan Laursen.
Comfort and Design: Designed by award-winning Norwegian architect Ajas Mellbye, the 118-room hotel bursts out of its floating foundations, all glass, gold and granite. The artheavy interior is ultra cool but not pretentious.
There’s an Andy Warhol, a Jeff Koons and an elevator that blinks at you thanks to British artist Julian Opie. Every room boasts a king-sized bed and private mini balcony and is full of thoughtful touches, such as bathrobes by local fashion designer Maggie Wonka.
Service: The staff was respectful and accommodating; they even provided a contact at the Norwegian linen company HØIE after I raved about the pillows.
Downside: Getting to the hotel off a late-night flight was difficult (the trains had stopped) and a little nerve-wracking (the taxi had to go through an underground parking garage to reach the island-based hotel).
If you have the cash, make use of the hotel’s car service. Contact: thethief.com. Travel writer Emma Yardley splits her time between Toronto and Vancouver. The Thief paid for her hotel room, but did not approve or review her story.