Hotel Review: THE THIEF Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Tjuvholmen is a small island neighborhood connected to the Aker Brygge neighborhood in Oslo, Norway. It translates to “an island of thieves” because it used to be execution grounds for thieves and smugglers in the 18th century. However, it has been completely redeveloped into a high-end residential area featuring art galleries, seafront parks, boutique shops, and a five-star hotel, The Thief. Appropriately named after the history of the island, The Thief Hotel aims to steal guests’ everyday lives when they stay at the hotel, capturing their minds with art, modern design, and Nordic cuisine. Part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts and the Nordic Hotels & Resorts portfolios, my stay at The Thief Hotel stole my heart. Here is my review of the THE THIEF, Ascend Hotel Collection:
The THIEF Hotel is located at Landgangen 1, 0252 Oslo, Norway.
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Location
The Thief Hotel's location in Oslo's Tjuvholmen district provides tourists with convenient access to various attractions, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the city's vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings. One of the attractions close to The Thief Hotel is the Astrup Fearnley Museum, which showcases contemporary art and is just a short walk away. Tourists can also explore the Tjuvholmen canals, a charming area with beautiful waterfront views. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the Oslo Fjord, which is easily accessible from the hotel.
Lobby & Check-In Review
After being dropped off by the hotel’s seafront entrance, I entered the lobby to escape the cold Nordic winter weather. Upon entering the lobby, I was greeted by an intimate ambiance. Though there were only a few seating arrangements for guests, the towering ceilings exuded a sense of grandeur.
The lobby was bathed in an abundance of natural light from the outside, despite the gloomy weather.
The lobby featured tall windows, allowing an abundance of natural light to fill the space. An artwork from Richard Prince's Cowboy series captured the controlled energy that exemplified the hotel's capabilities.
Art played a vital role in defining The THIEF Hotel's brand essence.
Towards the back of the hotel, you’ll find extra lounge seats by the hotel bar, and the illuminated bar shelf in the background serves as a piece of art itself.
Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Holmenkollen hills from the rooftop bar, which only opens on weekends.
Although I didn’t have a chance to enjoy a drink at the bar, it was booming with guests at night. If you find yourself staying at The THIEF Hotel during the weekends, I highly recommend paying a visit to the exclusive rooftop bar.
The cozy atmosphere created by the fireplace and plush velvet furniture enveloped my body in warmth and comfort.
After exploring the lobby, I headed to the front desk to check-in. Guests can expect undivided attention from the front desk representative, as only two check-in desks are available.
Throughout my entire stay at THE THIEF Hotel, I experienced unparalleled hospitality that made me feel truly cared for.
During my check-in, the receptionist took the time to provide a comprehensive overview of the facility and amenities, including breakfast hours and spa access. She also informed me that my stay comes with complimentary admission to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, located two blocks away from the hotel.
It was great to enjoy a savings of 150 NOK per person by having the admission fee to the gallery included in my stay.
The admission fee to the museum was 150 NOK for one adult, which came as a pleasant surprise as I had already intended to visit.
The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is an intimate art gallery featuring Norwegian and international contemporary art.
Lastly, she informed me that I had been upgraded to a luxurious one-bedroom suite, and I couldn’t wait to indulge in the remarkable offerings of the Thief Hotel from the comfort of my own suite. I grabbed my card keys and went up to the sixth floor, where my suite was located.
Living Room Review
The suite was a true one-bedroom suite, and the separate living room was beautifully decorated and functionally perfect. The flooring was a mix of carpet and hardwood, and a modern light fixture and curved couches indicated the hotel’s design-oriented approach to the room.
As I entered the suite, I was greeted by carefully curated decorations and stylish furniture.
While the couch wasn’t as comfortable as I had hoped for, it flowed harmoniously with the overall design of the suite. I immediately noticed a welcome amenity on the black marble side table, and the hotel graciously provided me with a decadent selection of sweets, including macarons and chocolates, along with a Thief Hotel branded pen.
I was pleasantly surprised to receive a high-quality pen as a welcome amenity.
The branding was very subtle, and it had a great weight to it, making writing and signing an enjoyable endeavor. A kind note from the hotel staff was a cherry on top when they had already provided me with the utmost level of hospitality. Another curved couch and a set of stackable coffee tables were situated in the corner, providing additional seats for the suite.
Although the couch prioritized design over comfort, it seamlessly blended in with the overall aesthetic of the room.
The living room showcased the suite’s first smart TV. At first, I thought the TV stand was a bit low to the ground, but from the couch, it was the perfect height in terms of viewing angle.
Thanks to the smart TV, I was able to enjoy shows from streaming platforms such as Netflix.
The living room had a balcony overlooking the nearby marina and the Aker Brygge district. While there was no outdoor table, it was perfect to get some fresh air at my own convenience.
The balcony provided a refreshing vantage point of the Aker Brygge district, making it a cool spot to people-watch during the day.
In the corner was an extensive kitchenette with a minibar that went above and beyond compared to other hotel minibars. The kitchenette reminded me of the one at Hotel St. George in Helsinki based on its diverse offerings.
The kitchenette was fully stocked with a variety of refreshment options, providing guests with convenience and ample opportunities for in-room purchases.
The minibar had a DeLonghi espresso machine and plenty of espresso pods to keep you caffeinated.
A wide variety of espresso pods, including decaffeinated options, were abundantly stocked and replenished every morning and evening.
Tea bags by Palais des Thés meant quality, and when I returned to my suite after exploring Oslo at night, I noticed that the hotel performed turndown service. The hotel put a detox tea bag, a piece of gourmet chocolate, and a cup, reminding me to take a break. I thought it was a considerate way of reminding hotel guests to take a moment during an adventure, and I much appreciated it.
The turndown service was simple, yet thoughtful and truly touched my heart.
The minibar had a tray full of mini bottles of various spirits, and to take on any craft cocktails, there was a shaker bottle along with appropriate barware, including pineapple-themed glasses.
The minibar was stocked with premium spirits and equipped with barware, including a shaker and a jigger, allowing guests to craft in-room cocktails with ease.
I thought the minibar was done until I discovered a pull-out fridge. It was fully decked out with more alcoholic beverages, and the hotel even included premixed cocktails to make guests’ lives easier.
The pull-out fridge was abundantly filled with a wide array of beverages to cater to every taste and preference.
The living room was artfully decorated with works by Terje Risberg, and I immediately fell in love with the space. The welcome amenity from the hotel hinted at a delectable stay ahead, and the minibar blew my mind with a wide array of offerings. Filled with a genuine sense of anticipation, I eagerly made my way into the bedroom to discover what awaited me there.
Bedroom Review
The bedroom carried the same design elements as the living room, exuding coziness while encompassing all the luxurious amenities one could desire in a hotel. A king-sized bed by Hilding Anders was centrally situated against an illuminated accent wall. Notably, it was the exact same design as the one found in the lobby bar.
The accent wall served a dual purpose as a decorative shelf, adorned with soothing ambient lighting.
The mattress provided an exceptional sleep experience, while the pillows truly stood out with their ability to cradle my head. The pillows and down duvets were from Høie of Scandinavia, and as a result, I enjoyed a restful night of sleep. Each bedside showcased a nightstand, and one of them had a wireless charging pad to keep the countertop clutter-free.
The wireless charging pad offered a convenient solution for keeping the nightstand clutter-free from charging cables.
The headboard boasted integrated reading lights, while a convenient master light switch provided effortless control over the illumination when rousing from slumber or preparing to rest. By the foot of the bed was a discreet media stand that housed a second smart TV. By holding down a button on the side, you could summon the TV, which revealed a vibrant entertainment experience.
The TV lift cabinet not only created a sense of openness in the room when not in use, but it also provided optimal viewing angles for enjoying TV from the comfort of the bed.
Admittedly, the only drawback was the need to hold the button for an extended period to make the TV appear from the media console. However, given the wow factor, the slight inconvenience proved insignificant.
To make the TV appear or disappear, simply hold down a button on the side until it is complete.
In the corner of the bedroom was a walk-in closet equipped with motion-sensitive lights, ensuring you won't disturb the entire room when you need something at night.
The walk-in closet boasted motion-sensitive lights, showcasing a considerate touch for the convenience of guests.
One of the drawers held a tray brimming with conveniently available items for in-room purchase. It was full of wellness and technology products, spanning from collagen cream and hairspray to underwear and a love kit.
The suite showcased numerous merchandise available for in-room purchase, spanning from underwear to premium skincare products.
Prior to making any purchases, a QR code was provided for you to validate. I had a somewhat similar encounter at Hotel Skeppsholmen in Stockholm, though it wasn't as extensive as this one. The bedroom was equipped with a spacious work desk strategically placed beside a true floor-to-ceiling window that doubled as a doorway to an adjacent balcony.
Having an additional balcony in the bedroom, the dedicated workspace never felt cramped.
The bedroom balcony essentially offered the same layout without outdoor furniture, but I still enjoyed the opportunity to get fresh air at my convenience. The view from my room was similar to the one in the living room, and I had a clear view of the Filipstad neighborhood.
From the balcony, I could see the Oslo Tree which is a color-changing art installation with 150,000 LED lights.
The bedroom proved to be a delightful surprise, showcasing the hotel's ingenuity in maximizing space by cleverly concealing the TV. The THIEF Hotel managed to stay practical while adding a sophisticated touch to the overall experience.
Bathroom Review
The suite featured a half bath and a master bathroom. The conveniently located half bath near the suite entrance featured a single-sink vanity adorned with exposed light bulbs.
The half bath might have been small in size, but it was designed to be highly functional.
The bathroom, seamlessly connected to the bedroom, presented a radiant atmosphere with white marble adorning its walls.
The master bathroom wasn't as compact as the half bath, and it boasted luxurious finishes and amenities.
The bathroom boasted a sleek single-sink vanity complemented by a floating shelf. With limited space, the hotel cleverly employed mirrors to make the bathroom appear more spacious.
The all-white master bathroom was seamlessly connected to the bedroom.
Because I was in a suite, there was a separate bathtub that was deep and long enough to accommodate two people at once. Across from the vanity were a water closet and a walk-in shower.
The hotel utilized ambient lighting to create a soft and atmospheric glow.
Opaque glass barriers ensured privacy, but both of them were quite dim inside. While the hotel made use of ambient and recessed lighting, I do wish that they were slightly brighter.
While I enjoyed the waterfall showerhead, I do wish the shower had more brightness.
Nonetheless, the water pressure from the rainfall showerhead was fantastic, and the toiletries were by Balmain.
I was surprised to see travel-sized toiletry bottles in the shower, especially considering the hotel's emphasis on promoting environmental sustainability.
It was the same product I used at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul, and the hotel provided an abundant supply of travel-sized toiletries both in the shower and by the tub, ensuring guests had more than enough for their needs. While the bathroom was limited in space, its luxurious amenities didn’t disappoint me.
Spa Review—THIEF SPA
THIEF SPA was located on the basement level and was open every day from 10 AM to 7 PM, and it was recommended to book a spa experience in advance to ensure availability and convenience.
Non-hotel guests could also visit the spa, but expect to pay slightly more than hotel guests.
A reservation can be made via an app or at the front desk, and each reservation is good for an hour and a half. Normally, it would cost about 25 USD per guest to gain access to the spa, but with my one-bedroom suite reservation, the admission was included in the stay.
I highly recommend the spa experience to anyone seeking rejuvenating relaxation—it was truly worth every dollar.
For the most convenient access to the facility, guests can simply stroll down the hallway until they reach a dedicated elevator that will whisk them away to the gym and spa. By bypassing the main elevators, it was easy and hassle-free to reach the wellness facilities. Upon reaching the basement level, I was greeted by a colorful hallway with a vibrant array of wall and ceiling lights.
The hallway to the spa was accompanied by soothing melodies, while the vibrant wall lighting synchronized harmoniously with the music.
Gentle melodies filled the air, setting up a relaxing ambiance even before entering the spa. After checking in with the receptionist, I was kindly provided with a pair of complimentary rubber slippers to wander around the spa. The spa sold facials, body massages, and spa-rated cosmetics, and guests could sign up for additional services or purchase beauty products at the reception.
If you enjoyed certain spa products, you could purchase them at the reception.
To ensure my body was well-hydrated before entering, I was offered a refreshing glass of iced black tea. From the very beginning, I felt truly pampered and taken care of.
Make sure to drink plenty of water so that your body is properly hydrated before you enter the spa.
As I entered the spa, I couldn’t believe how extensive the facility was. The infinity pool was gently heated and featured color-changing LED lights beneath the water, setting the ever-changing ambiance.
The cove-like indoor infinity pool provided a tranquil escape in the heart of Oslo.
Along the wall, a narrow strip of windows perfectly aligned with eye level from the pool and connected the pool to the outside. The ceiling of the indoor infinity pool was accented with wood panels, and each strip of wood had tiny LED lights incorporated, creating a starlight on the ceiling. Comfortable lounge chaises and chairs were available for guests to relax, and it was the perfect spot to sip on refilled iced black tea.
As I swam in the pool, the windows positioned at my eye level forged a seamless connection to the outside world.
The remaining part of the spa was exclusively devoted to saunas, comprising a total of three rooms. My favorite and most popular room was the Finnish sauna, which was big enough to accommodate about 20 people at once.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Finnish sauna; it was the perfect heat environment for a refreshing and invigorating sweat session.
There were three levels in the sauna, with the top level being the hottest. The hot stone bed generated intense heat whenever I ladled water over it. After detoxifying, guests can head to one of the cold showers and repeat the process until they feel rejuvenated. The steam bath was aesthetically pleasing, with a huge rock salt sitting in the middle of the room.
The salt lamp positioned at the center of the steam room created a pleasant ambiance.
Ambient lighting provided visual guidance to guests since the steam bath was quite dark. Finally, the spa featured a hammam, complete with soft ambient lighting that graciously illuminated the floor.
Ensure that you clean the hammam thoroughly after use to prepare it for the next guests.
One of my favorite amenities of the spa was complimentary body scrubs and mud facemasks. Each one was individually portioned, and the body scrub perfectly complemented the steam room experience by gently exfoliating my skin in the most soothing manner imaginable. The mud face masks not only cleansed my skin but also hydrated it.
I really liked the gentle and hydrating qualities of the mud face mask, and the body scrub was the perfect accompaniment to the steam room.
Additionally, the spa provides a diverse range of showers tailored to meet your specific needs. These included invigorating cold showers, mimicking the refreshing plunge pool experience. You could also enjoy rainfall showers with a cold mist setting, or opt for showers complemented by additional water sprays, synchronized with LED lights.
At the spa, you'll find a wide selection of showers designed to cater to every guest’s taste.
The THIEF SPA truly stood out as one of the finest hotel spas I've had the pleasure of visiting. It's no wonder that reservations were required to maintain an exclusive and tranquil atmosphere. If you're contemplating booking a room without spa access, I highly recommend reconsidering or, at the very least, treating yourself to the spa experience. The spa was a rejuvenating sanctuary for both the mind and body, and every minute spent in the spa was worth it.
Gym Review
The gym was located on the basement level adjacent to the spa and was open daily, 24/7. Although the fitness center had less space compared to the spa, the hotel made every effort to maximize the floor area by offering a wide range of equipment. On one side of the gym, you'll find an assortment of cardio machines from TechnoGym, including running machines, ellipticals, and stationary bikes.
Despite the smaller size of the fitness center in comparison to the spa, the hotel has taken thoughtful measures to optimize the available floor space.
Fortunately, the options for strength machines were extensive. For instance, there was an Olympic barbell equipped with weight plates, and dumbbells ranged up to 26kg—roughly equivalent to 57 lbs.
I appreciated that the gym offered a complete squat rack with plates and an Olympic barbell.
The only drawback was the presence of a single adjustable bench, which had to be shared, thus compromising the lifting experience.
Due to the fitness center’s compact size, even slight disarray of gym equipment appeared chaotic.
However, there were also other strength equipment options available if you wish to target specific muscle groups or prefer to wait for the bench to become available.
The hotel equipped the fitness center with strength machines so that guests could have satisfying workout experiences.
While the fitness center was not the most spacious, the hotel filled the gym with the latest gadgets and machines to ensure that guests could enjoy fulfilling workouts.
The gym reduced plastic and paper waste by providing reusable glasses for serving fresh Norwegian tap water.
To fully immerse in the hotel’s exceptional wellness amenity, I highly recommend taking advantage of the spa after exercising to relax your muscles and rejuvenate your mind.
Breakfast Review
Breakfast was served on the second floor of the hotel at the THIEF Restaurant, and during weekdays, guests could savor Nordic breakfast between 7 AM and 10 AM and between 8 AM and 11 AM on weekends. The breakfast buffet was priced at 395 NOK (approximately 38 USD) per guest. However, I was fortunate to have it included in my room rate due to the suite upgrade.
The THIEF Restaurant's breakfast delighted me with a flavorful selection of fresh food.
I was seated immediately upon arrival, and I grabbed a table by the windows, which offered a nice view of the waterfront Tjuvholmen neighborhood. Each dining table was prepped with pristine white cloth and decorated with a genuine flower, accompanied by the warm glow of a flickering candle.
he restaurant incorporated floor-to-ceiling windows into its design, providing guests with picturesque views of the port.
Impressed by the table setup, I ordered a cup of cappuccino and headed to the hot breakfast station to indulge in delicious offerings. The hot food station featured a wide array of protein options such as bacon, sausage, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, and frittata.
The kitchen staff warmly served the hot food from the buffet, and every interaction was friendly and welcoming.
To complement these dishes, there were mouthwatering vegetables—grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, baked Mandel potatoes, and savory baked beans.
The buttery flavor of the baked Mandel potatoes made it my ultimate favorite, and I couldn't resist going back for more.
Amongst these options, my absolute favorite was the Mandel potatoes, perfectly crispy on the outside, while irresistibly fluffy and buttery inside. Guests could also savor pancakes and waffles, and I ended up having pancakes towards the end of the meal, along with other pastries. I was truly astounded by the flawless execution of certain dishes. Take, for instance, the fried eggs and pancakes; their appearance seemed almost surreal.
The sunny side up egg was visually flawless to the extent that it appeared artificial.
The dishes at the hot food station were served by a chef, and he served the food with a big smile every time I went back for more. The cold meat and cheese station featured some of the freshest food; there were familiar items like ham, salami, and prosciutto, but the kitchen also presented Nordic classics like boiled eggs with shrimp, smoked salmon, and pickled herring.
I am not a big fan of smoke salmon, but the combination of smoked salmon with dill and homemade mustard was a truly delightful pairing.
I'm typically not a huge smoked salmon enthusiast, but the salmon I tried at the buffet set a whole new standard for me. It was generously coated in fragrant dill and perfectly cured, leaving a lasting impression on my taste buds.
Although the breakfast buffet lacked a separate salad bar, it did provide a selection of vegetables to complement your meal.
The breakfast buffet also featured Brunost, also known as brown cheese, which is renowned as one of Norway's most famous dairy products.
When in Norway, don't miss the chance to indulge in Brunost, a beloved national Norwegian delicacy.
Its sweet and caramel-like flavor may be strange for foreigners, but I personally enjoyed it when paired with a rye toast. In addition to Brunost, guests could try Gräddost cheese—a traditional cheese from Sweden—and even indulge in Roquefort, which I think is the best blue cheese in the world. Guests could pair these delectable meats and cheeses with sourdough, rye crispbread, or spelt crackers.
The rye crispbread and spelt crackers stood out with their intriguing shapes.
Exploring different varieties and shapes of rye crispbreads proved to be fascinating, but the flavor that captured my heart was undoubtedly the sourdough bread.
I have never been disappointed by the sourdough bread in any Nordic or Scandinavian country, and the THIEF Restaurant lived up to that expectation without fail.
Its irresistible taste was simply heavenly. If you have a sweet tooth, the buffet offered baked goods such as pain au chocolat, donuts, muffins, and cinnamon rolls. Among them, the double chocolate muffin was exceptionally rich and moist, and the decadent chocolate hazelnut donut had Nutella filling inside, which pleasantly surprised me when I bit into it.
The pastries were absolutely delicious, and I relished each and every item on the menu.
The breakfast buffet at the Theif Hotel was truly impressive and delicious. The kitchen used nothing but high-quality ingredients and executed them beautifully, highlighting the ingredients’ natural flavors.
The buffet featured a selection of regional delights, including pickled herring and Skagen.
Furthermore, I appreciated that the restaurant meticulously portioned and prepared certain items. For instance, items like chia pudding, yogurt, and fruit salad were thoroughly served and portioned in individual glass containers.
The food at the buffet was meticulously prepared and presented with exceptional attention to detail.
This not only minimized food waste but also enhanced convenience for the guests. If breakfast is not included in your rate, I highly recommend giving it a try during your stay. I'm confident that you'll be tempted to come back for more the following morning.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The spa was exceptional and surely left a lasting impression on me. It was complete with a serene indoor infinity pool and various saunas, in addition to complimentary mud masks and body scrubs that invigorated and nourished my skin.
The breakfast buffet presented an exquisite showcase of tasty Nordic cuisine. Every dish surpassed expectations with impeccable execution, leaving nothing to be desired.
From check-in to check-out, The THIEF Hotel blended art and design into a harmonious lodging experience. The hotel's visionary approach to design never compromised functionality.
The Thief Hotel was full of beautiful art, modern design, and Nordic cuisine.
Negatives
While I don’t have any criticism, access to the spa is not complimentary. However, I strongly encourage everyone to pay for it because the experience is worth every penny.
Summary
The THIEF Hotel certainly stole my heart with its captivating interior design, luxurious amenities, and delicious Nordic cuisine. My one-bedroom suite boasted two balconies offering waterfront views of the Tjuvholmen neighborhood and featured high-end bedding and furniture that further elevated my stay. All design elements flowed harmoniously throughout the suite, including a dedicated pathway to the spa. Despite the gym's limited space, I couldn't help but appreciate the fact that it was accompanied by one of the finest hotel spas I've ever experienced. From a tranquil indoor infinity pool to rejuvenating saunas, the spa experience restored my mind and body. Moreover, the morning Nordic breakfast buffet was a delightful indulgence. Every dish was carefully prepared using the finest ingredients, resulting in a culinary experience that exceeded my expectations. Without a doubt, the THIEF Hotel offered me an exceptional stay, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Oslo.
