The planned reopening of Two Trees Inn next to Foxwoods Resort Casino marks a renewed investment in eastern Connecticut’s tourism sector, following years of pandemic-related disruption. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation announced that the hotel, which has remained closed since early 2020, will welcome guests again next spring, with Waterford Hotel Group overseeing operations and preparations.

Located at 240 Indiantown Road in Ledyard, Connecticut, the inn sits just off Foxwoods Boulevard and within walking distance of the casino complex. The property first opened in 1993, shortly after Foxwoods began offering full casino gaming. Local officials last appraised the hotel at $16.8 million in 2023. Its reopening comes as tourism indicators across New London County show sustained recovery and growth.

Reopening Tied to Regional Demand and Careful Planning

Tribal officials said the decision followed extended evaluation of travel patterns and lodging demand. Chris Chiappa, executive director of business operations and development for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, emphasized that timing played a central role in the process.

“Reopening a closed property of this size is a significant undertaking and a significant investment, so it’s a decision we did not want to rush,” Chiappa said according to CT Insider. “We wanted to ensure that as we see demand grow — both for our integrated resort but also in the broader region — that that base of supply would be absorbed.”

Foxwoods has expanded its appeal in recent years with new attractions, including Great Wolf Lodge and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen. Additional projects, such as The Bedford by Martha Stewart and the National Coast Guard Museum under construction in New London, are expected to draw more visitors to the region.

The resort currently operates three on-site hotels: Fox Tower, Grand Pequot Tower, and Great Cedar Hotel. Great Wolf Lodge added nearly 550 rooms adjacent to the casino. Two Trees Inn will add another 280 rooms, along with an indoor pool and a restaurant space that previously operated before the pandemic. Plans for resuming restaurant service remain under review.

Amenities, Employment, and Management Plans

According to statements from the tribe, the inn offers a quieter setting than Foxwoods’ main hotels, with wooded surroundings, trail access to Lantern Hill, and a landscaped courtyard. The property also includes a hot tub and fitness center. Shuttle service will connect guests to the casino.

“The return of Two Trees Inn not only expands our lodging options for guests but also supports new employment opportunities and continued economic growth for our community,” Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, said in a statement.

Waterford Hotel Group will manage pre-opening work, including hiring and training staff. The company indicated the inn will initially employ about 50 people, with staffing levels rising during peak seasons. Recent job postings include roles for a general manager, director of sales, and chief engineer.

Michael Heaton, president of Waterford Hotel Group, said the company views the project as part of its broader regional commitment.

“This appointment represents Waterford’s continued growth in the independent property sector and our commitment to delivering unique and enjoyable guest experiences,” Heaton said. “With our deep roots in southeastern Connecticut and nearly four decades of experience in the region, we are especially proud to support this exciting reopening alongside the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.”

Tourism Indicators Show Sustained Recovery

Industry data point to steady improvement across eastern Connecticut’s lodging market. Hotel occupancy in New London County reached nearly 59% in November, up 3.6 percentage points from six years earlier, despite a similar overall room supply. Average daily rates increased to $159.

State figures show hotel room tax collections rose 5.6% over the 12 months ending last June, although revenues leveled off between July and November compared with the same period in 2024. The American Hotel & Lodging Association counts nearly 120 hotels and 11,200 rooms in eastern Connecticut, representing about 31% of the statewide total.

Chiappa said visitor patterns have also shifted beyond traditional summer months.

“I grew up in Niantic and … we thought back then that the Mystic region with the casinos was busy back then — and really the last few years, we’ve seen just how busy it can be,” he said. “Our high season for tourists [stretches] from what had really been previously June through August, to starting earlier in the spring and stretching longer into the fall.”

With Two Trees Inn preparing to reopen, tribal leaders and hotel operators say the project reflects confidence in sustained demand and the region’s continuing role as a major tourism destination.