Fattal Hotel Group, owner and operator of 329 hotels in 22 countries, including the flagship Leonardo Hotels brand, has signed an agreement to acquire The Blakely Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The acquisition marks the company’s first hotel investment in the U.S. and a significant milestone in its evolution from a European hospitality operator into a global hotel group.
Located on West 55th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenue, the 117-room property occupies a prime position in Manhattan’s hotel and entertainment district and is within a short distance of Central Park, Times Square and Fifth Avenue.
The hotel, a pre-war structure, features 117 guestrooms, including 42 suites, with room sizes y larger than the Manhattan average
Following completion of the acquisition, Fattal Hotel Group plans to undertake a comprehensive renovation and repositioning program. The hotel will remain closed during redevelopment and is expected to reopen in mid-2027 under one of the group’s existing brands.
“The U.S. market is a landmark moment for Fattal Hotel Group, and a major strategic step in our continued international growth,” said David Fattal, founder, The Fattal Group. “New York is one of the world’s most important hospitality markets and the ideal location for our first U.S. property.”
He continued, “Over the years, we have built a strong presence across Europe’s leading gateway cities and established a diverse portfolio of hospitality brands that resonate with both business and leisure travellers. Expanding into New York represents the next chapter in our evolution into a global hotel company.”
Ronen Nissenbaum, CEO, Leonardo Hotels U.K., Ireland, Benelux, Spain, Portugal and U.S. development, said, “It’s important that our first U.S. hotel is right in the center of one of the world’s greatest cities and we are excited to bring Leonardo Hotels’ renowned guest service to the US market. This hotel benefits from an exceptional Midtown Manhattan location in the center of one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. We see significant long-term potential in the property and look forward to repositioning and reopening it as a premium hotel that embodies the quality, service standards and ambition of our group.”