Once upon a time, there was a little island in Scandinavia with a gloomy reputation. It was called “Thief Island” – a dark place where criminals were brought to justice.
That was an eighteenth-century tale; nowadays, it has a very different reputation…
Today, the small Tjuvholmen Island has become a peninsula and one of Oslo’s most exciting and thrilling places to visit. It’s now a gourmet hub, a showcase of contemporary European art and architecture, a happening nightlife spot, and a business centre right on the waterfront.
Whether you are thinking of visiting Oslo as a tourist or on a business trip, you can now find yourself right in the midst of it all by staying at this freshly revealed to the world wonder of modern architecture and Design Hotels™ new member.
The Thief Hotel – with its clever, humorous reference to the not-so-good old days in the name – is the first hotel opened in the new thriving urban development on the water edge.
It offers the best of contemporary design without compromising on comfort and promises a custom-tailored treatment for every guest, stealing them away from the tedious and dull monotony of everyday life.
Being a direct neighbour of the brand-new Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, The Thief is almost an extension of the exhibition centre in terms of prizes for artwork pieces on display.
The dazzling modern works of art of world-renowned artists and up-and-coming stars alike can be found throughout the 119 guest rooms and public areas of the hotel.
The prints, paintings and photographs have been carefully chosen by the hotel’s own world-class curator – Sune Nordgren – the former director of Norway’s National Museum of Art, who closely collaborated with interior designer Anemone Wille Våge to realize the look of this modern marvel.
The nine-storey building is a new creation of an award-winning firm, Mellbye Architects, and it effortlessly combines the feel of luxury, elegance and comfort.
Graced with bespoke artwork and hand-picked furniture, each and every room is unique and original, featuring a balcony to enjoy the views of the fjord, the Tjuvholmen’s canals, neighbouring buildings or the art museum nearby.
There are special touches like “his and hers” wool slippers and custom-designed bathrobes, essential free Wi-Fi, Playstations or Wiis on demand and many more pleasant surprises to make guests feel at home.
If you are environment conscious, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that without compromising on looks and style, The Thief focuses on “going green” by implementing efficient, innovative solutions to reduce energy and water consumption.
With The Thief’s owner, Petter A. Stordalen, being a private sponsor of the Astrup Fearnley Museum, all hotel guests are granted free admission to the museum.
What’s more, this close relationship allows the hotel to borrow exquisite pieces of art from the museum to feature in its enviable private gallery, so whenever you stay at The Thief, the fine modern art is all around you to behold.
Even though you will be spoilt for choice with an impressive array of bars, cafes and world-class restaurants in the development, you might want to try something closer to home – The Thief’s very own restaurant – Fru K, a classy dining establishment, that offers a taste of Classic Norwegian cuisine with a twist and focuses on using mostly locally-grown and organic ingredients.
So, if you are up for an urban adventure in a coveted renewal project at the centre of Oslo – the hub of contemporary art, architecture, good old retail therapy and gastronomic exuberance – take your chance on The Thief, but beware, together with boredom and gloom, it can steal your heart away.
For more information, visit designhotels.com/the_thief.
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