New York City has become the gateway for Fattal Hotel Group’s first United States hotel investment following the acquisition of The Blakely, a 117-room property in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
Completed on 7 July 2026, the transaction marks an important international milestone for the hospitality operator behind brands including Leonardo Hotels and NYX Hotels. Fattal has established a major presence across Europe and other global markets, operating 329 hotels in 22 countries.
The Blakely will remain closed during a comprehensive renovation and repositioning programme. Fattal expects to reopen the property in mid-2027 under one of its established hotel brands, although the final identity has not yet been formally confirmed.
The deal gives the group an operational foothold in one of the world’s most competitive and internationally recognised hotel markets. It could also establish a platform for further expansion across North America as European hospitality companies seek new opportunities beyond their traditional markets.
Midtown Location Places Guests Near Major Attractions
The Blakely occupies a prominent address at 136 West 55th Street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues.
Its location places future guests within walking distance of many of Manhattan’s most visited cultural, entertainment and shopping destinations. Carnegie Hall is nearby, while the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Fifth Avenue and the Broadway Theatre District can all be reached on foot.
Times Square is also within convenient walking distance, giving the property direct access to one of New York City’s busiest visitor zones.
This central position will allow Fattal to target international holidaymakers, business travellers, theatre visitors and guests planning short urban breaks. Midtown’s concentration of attractions can also reduce the need for lengthy journeys, allowing travellers to explore much of the district on foot.
Restaurants, cafés, luxury retailers, supermarkets and everyday services surround the property, strengthening its appeal for both short stays and longer visits.
Extensive Transport Network Supports Visitor Access
The hotel benefits from proximity to several New York City Subway stations, including Seventh Avenue and 57th Street–Seventh Avenue.
These connections provide access to destinations throughout Manhattan and the wider city, including Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and transport hubs serving the region.
New York’s subway and local bus fare is US$3 for most passengers following the fare increase introduced in January 2026. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s contactless payment system also provides weekly fare capping for travellers repeatedly using the same eligible payment method.
Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station provide important regional and intercity rail connections. Penn Station supports Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit services, while Grand Central serves Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road passengers.
Air travellers can reach Midtown from John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport using combinations of rail, subway, bus, taxi and private transport.
Renovation Will Reposition the Historic Property
The Blakely occupies a pre-war Manhattan building containing 117 guestrooms, including 42 suites.
Fattal plans an extensive redevelopment intended to modernise the hotel while repositioning it within New York’s premium accommodation market. The property’s comparatively spacious rooms and high proportion of suites could provide an advantage in Midtown, where space is often limited.
The renovation is expected to update guestrooms, public spaces and operational facilities while retaining elements of the building’s historic identity.
Reopening under one of Fattal’s existing brands will introduce the group’s service model to American travellers for the first time. Leonardo Hotels could provide one possible direction, while the company’s broader portfolio offers several urban, lifestyle and premium positioning options.
The final branding decision will influence how the property competes within a neighbourhood containing established luxury hotels, independent boutiques and major international chains.
Acquisition Could Strengthen European Hospitality Influence
Founded by David Fattal in 1998, Fattal Hotel Group has developed an extensive presence in major cities including London, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Madrid, Dublin and Vienna.
Moving into New York signals the company’s ambition to evolve from a European-focused operator into a more broadly international hospitality group.
The Manhattan acquisition may also introduce more European-inspired service and design concepts to the US hotel market. New York attracts a diverse global audience, making it a valuable testing ground for a hospitality company entering North America.
Success at The Blakely could encourage additional investment in gateway destinations where international demand, business travel and urban tourism remain strong.
New Hotel Chapter Supports Midtown Tourism
The renovation and eventual reopening could benefit the surrounding tourism economy by creating employment, generating visitor spending and adding renewed accommodation capacity close to leading attractions.
Guests staying at the property will contribute to nearby restaurants, theatres, shops, museums and transport services. Its location also supports walking-based itineraries that connect visitors with several of New York City’s best-known landmarks.
Fattal’s first US acquisition represents more than a single hotel transaction. It establishes a strategic base in Manhattan and creates an opportunity to introduce the group’s hospitality brands to one of the world’s most influential travel markets.
When The Blakely reopens in mid-2027, it will begin a new chapter as both a transformed Midtown hotel and the foundation of Fattal Hotel Group’s American expansion.
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