The Thief, Oslo, Norway

Oslo's waterfront district Tjuvholmen, also known as 'Thief Islet', has a new inhabitant: The Thief. The nine-storey hotel created by philanthropy-minded hotelier Petter A Stordalen, and built by Mellbye Architects, is surrounded by art galleries and eateries in an area of the Norwegian capital historically frequented by bandits and outlaws. The hotel's art curator Sune Nordgren has instigated a collaboration with neighbouring Astrup Fearnley Museum of Contemporary Art, allowing the concept of the 'art hotel' to reach a whole new level by including pieces from the likes of Andy Warhol, Fiona Banner and Richard Prince in the building's public spaces. Interior designer Anemone Wille Våge was inspired by Riva yachts and French designer Jean-Michel Frank in the juxtaposing of shadows and light in the intimate lobby, the Fru K restaurant (run by award-winning chef Kari Innerå), and in each of the 119 rooms. In spite of top-notch art and impeccable design, what really stole our hearts was the spirit of the people working here.