Thieving delights in Oslo
Norwegians are supposedly the happiest people on earth and have one of the lowest crime rates in the world. But why is it called a hotel "The Thief"? Because it has been built on the Thief's Island (Tjuvholmen), where the thieves and crooks were more or less hiding during the 18th century, only. But today, this island (still with own beach) is a good place; because in the vicinity of this still relatively new luxury hotel is the Museum of Modern Art, which has been designed by the architect Renzo Piano.
The owner of "The Thief" Petter A. Stordalen is a museum’s supporter for private reasons and as such it is not surprising if many works are borrowed from the neighbor in to the Hotel Gallery. This keeps the permanent exhibition more exciting. But also in each of the 119 rooms you can find unique pieces and when turning on the TV by choosing the in-house channel "Art-on-demand" you can find even more places along the Oslo Fjord as well as in the city where to find more galleries etc.
"The Thief" is probably by far the most expensive hotel in Scandinavia. The renovation has lasted quite long, but the guest gets the best bedcovers and Hilding mattresses in order to sleep well. A big rain-shower in the elegant bath room or can sit in a voluminous chair by Antonio Citterio is on the offering side, too. Ultimately, it is always the amount of small details that make a home and especially a hotel like this, comfortable. As a whole, the interior is a successful mix between classic and modern. Of course you can find here Norwegian furniture and accessories. If not, the link to the fjords and the forest nature would be missed.
There are 6 suites for the crème de la crème among the 119 rooms in a nine-storey building. By the way, all rooms have a balcony. Don't worry about fresh days, there are plaids available. They are made by Røros Tweed, whose quality and instant warm feeling immediately confirm, that they are from Norway.
Since we are already half out there, you should look at the building from the outside. Coming from the Mainland via a bridge, you can see a round curvature building, without any angular edges of usual houses. The first two floors are slightly hollowed and give certainly some protection for the guests and passers-by when having bad weather.
Such a classy hotel must have also a good restaurant. The "FRU K" is just as precious as the whole hotel. Comfortable and convenient. Interior designers must have enjoined their job when starting with the set-up. The kitchen (and the team) are young and innovative, without being however experimental. Sea food and seasonal vegetables, herbs fruits are trump in the "FRU K"! The service - such as the hotel itself is relaxed, somehow loosely Nordic.
Snacks and drinks will be served on the roof in summer. From here, you have a marvelous view and can map your schedule where you would like to go during the next hours or even sailing on the fjord with a boat.
www.thethief.com
Please, see also the hotel-video here!