Art and design are important in Oslo's trendy Tjuvholmen district, and THE THIEF is at the center of it all. The luxury boutique hotel has an in-house curator who hand-picks contemporary art for the common spaces and rooms, with original pieces from big-name artists like Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Richard Prince found throughout the hotel. The 118 rooms have balconies, bespoke furniture, and thoughtful touches, like 24-hour room service and turndown service that comes with a flask of hot water, a bag of herbal tea, and fresh brownies. There are also excellent on-site places to eat and drink, including Michelin-recommended Fru K and the Thief Roof, a rooftop terrace with excellent views of Oslo city. The hotel's chic spa has an indoor 40-foot pool and rates include free breakfast and admission to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz occupies a midcentury red-brick-and-marble building that embodies its era's blocky aesthetic. Fully renovated interiors, however, tell a different story: They're modern and style-conscious, with bright pops of color, playful patterned accents, and sleek metallic details. This chic style is found in both the guest rooms and common areas, including the restaurant with its gilded bar and the eighth-story lounge, where a free light dinner is offered every evening. Guests rave about the extensive free breakfast buffet, which includes Norwegian specialties, like salmon and reindeer. High-end amenities in the 151 rooms include huge Smart TVs and Bose sound systems. The hotel also has a fitness center, two on-site meeting rooms, and concierge and room services. All in all, this is one of the most popular hotels in the city thanks to its central Oslo location, chic design, and unique extras. 

Hotel Christiania Teater is an excellent example of what's possible in a boutique property -- lovely design that focuses on aesthetics over trends. Built in 1917, this hotel housed the first opera in Oslo. It was used as a theater until 2010, registered as a historic landmark in 2015, and fully renovated in 2016. The decor reflects the history, moving beautifully between the Art Nouveau style of its original years to the clean look of modern-day Scandinavian design. The 102 rooms are sunny and bright, with dramatic orange-and-gold wallpaper and amenities including flat-screen TVs and safes. However, tea and coffee cost extra. On-site features are also a bit limited, though there is a popular pizzeria, wine bar, and meeting spaces on hand. 

This intimate, family-owned boutique hotel is notable for two reasons: Its eco-friendly philosophy and its gorgeous rustic-chic decor that blends Scandinavian and Asian design. Some rooms and bathrooms are tiny, but all 50 feature four-poster beds with fur throws and 27-inch iMacs for streaming music and shows (in lieu of TVs) and come with free organic breakfast. Oslo Guldsmeden's small spa has a relaxation area, sauna, cold water tub, and steam room. The hotel's location is a tad removed from the heart of the action, though the Royal Palace and Aker Brygge are within walking distance.

Just a few blocks from Central Station, this 160-room hotel succeeds at combining style and function. Throughout are fun design touches, such as neon lighting and painted patterns in the halls and lots of bright red velour in the guest rooms. But there's substance, too: a 24-hour fitness center, free Wi-Fi, free light dinner served nightly, and one of the city's best free breakfasts. 

Saga Hotel Oslo is a boutique hotel in every sense: It's intimate, with only 47 rooms; features stylish decor; and offers thoughtful free extras such as Wi-Fi and breakfast (though these are typically free at all Norwegian hotels). Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and walk-in showers. The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet and cozy lobby bar, but no other features. The lobby lounge is especially sleek, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and flickering candles. The location in the quiet residential neighborhood of Majorstuen, to the northeast of the Royal Palace Park, is a bit removed from the heart of the action.

Connected to Oslo Central Station and the Byporten shopping mall, the mid-range Scandic Byporten is tough to beat in terms of location and convenience. The 239 rooms are creatively designed with whimsical hot-air-balloon wallpaper, wooden floors, and fun graphic pillows. Suites have separate living rooms and Family Rooms come with bunk beds. Superior Rooms have sea views. The hotel includes two meeting rooms, a computer corner, a small but well-equipped fitness center, and a stylish lobby bar with a lounge and light fare. Free breakfast is served next door at the Egon Restaurant.