Fattal Hotel Group has entered the United States hospitality market with the acquisition of The Blakely Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, marking the company’s first hotel investment in the country.
The Israel-based hospitality group, which owns the Leonardo Hotels brand, plans to carry out a comprehensive renovation of the 117-room property before reopening it as a premium hotel in mid-2027. The company has not yet announced which of its brands the hotel will operate under following the redevelopment.
Prime Midtown Manhattan Location
The Blakely Hotel is located on West 55th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenue, placing it within walking distance of some of New York City’s best-known attractions, including Central Park, Times Square and Fifth Avenue.
The pre-war property features 117 guestrooms, including 42 suites, with room sizes that are considerably larger than the average hotel room in Manhattan. The hotel is currently closed and was previously owned by BD Hotels, led by Richard Born and Ira Drukier.
Strategic Expansion Into the US
The acquisition represents a significant milestone for Fattal Hotel Group as it expands beyond its established European portfolio into one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets.
Founder David Fattal described the purchase as a landmark moment in the company’s international growth strategy, noting that New York was the ideal location for its first US hotel.
The group currently operates 329 hotels across 22 countries, with a strong presence in major European gateway cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Vienna, Prague, Athens, Dublin and Barcelona.
Long-Term Investment
According to Ronen Nissenbaum, Chief Executive Officer for Leonardo Hotels UK, Ireland, Benelux, Spain, Portugal and US Development, the Midtown Manhattan location offers significant long-term potential.
Following its renovation, the hotel will be repositioned as a premium property reflecting the group’s hospitality standards and service philosophy while targeting both business and leisure travellers visiting New York.
Growing Global Hospitality Portfolio
Founded by David Fattal in 1998, the company has grown from a regional hotel operator into one of Israel’s largest hospitality groups and one of Europe’s leading hotel companies. In 2018, Fattal Hotel Group was listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, supporting its continued international expansion.
Its portfolio includes Leonardo Hotels, NYX Hotels and a collection of premium and lifestyle hospitality brands. The acquisition of The Blakely Hotel signals the beginning of the group’s expansion into North America as it continues to build its global presence.
