Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Announces Two Trees Inn Reopening and Selects Waterford Hotel Group as Hotel Operator

Reopening Marks Renewed Investment in Local Jobs and Southeastern Connecticut’s Tourism Economy

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) today announced the planned reopening of the Two Trees Inn in Ledyard, Connecticut. Closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the property is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2026, reflecting the region’s strong recovery and renewed focus on hospitality and tourism. As part of this effort, the Tribe has appointed Waterford Hotel Group, a Connecticut-based hospitality management leader, to operate the property.

Built in 1993, the Two Trees Inn has long served as a welcoming retreat for visitors to southeastern Connecticut. The Inn is known for its peaceful wooded surroundings, trail access to Lantern Hill, a beautifully landscaped courtyard, and convenient amenities including an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Its proximity to Foxwoods Resort Casino, Lake of Isles, and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center further anchors its role in the region’s tourism economy.

With the reopening, MPTN is reaffirming its commitment to revitalizing key hospitality assets, creating local job opportunities, and enhancing the visitor experience across its destination.

“Waterford Hotel Group has been a valued partner to our region for many years, and we are pleased to work with them on the reopening of Two Trees Inn,” said Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. “Their experience and long-standing commitment to southeastern Connecticut make them an ideal partner as we bring Two Trees Inn back to full operation. 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.”

“Waterford Hotel Group is honored to be selected by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to operate the Two Trees Inn,” said Michael Heaton, President of Waterford Hotel Group. “This appointment represents Waterford’s continued growth in the independent property sector and our commitment to delivering unique and enjoyable guest experiences. 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.”

Ahead of the reopening, Waterford Hotel Group will oversee pre-opening preparations, including staff recruitment, training, and planning to restore the property’s signature comfort and welcoming environment for future guests.

For updates on the upcoming opening of Two Trees Inn, please visit twotreesinn.com.

About the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in southeastern Connecticut. As pioneers of the Indian casino gaming industry, the history of the Mashantucket Pequots reveals one of America’s greatest come-back stories, featured at the world-renowned Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.

Today, the Tribe owns and operates one of the largest gaming resorts in North America, Foxwoods Resort Casino, along with a variety of complementary business enterprises. These include Connecticut’s premier luxury golf experience, Lake of Isles, the luxury Spa at Norwich Inn, and an expanding suite of innovative businesses such as Wondr Nation and Command Holdings. The Tribe’s health and wellness company, Pequot Health Care, is an industry leader in tribal and commercial health plan management and pharmaceutical services. 

As one of the highest revenue contributors and largest employers in Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequots have hosted millions of visitors and paid billions in slot revenue to the State. The Tribe has also contributed millions in donations and sponsorships to support worthy charities, community events and programs, and other tribes in need, locally and throughout the United States.

Dedicated to our future generations inheriting clean, beautiful land, a safe community, and a strong economy, we remain committed to promoting spirituality, strong family values, education, social stability, economic independence, and the well-being of our Tribal Members, employees, and guests in a healthy and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to protect and advance our sovereign rights to build and preserve a cultural, social, and economic foundation that can never be undermined or destroyed.

To learn more about the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, please visit us at mptn-nsn.gov.

About Waterford Hotel Group

Waterford Hotel Group, based in Waterford, Connecticut, is a national hotel management company with nearly 40 years of experience operating a broad range of properties across the United States. Founded in 1986, the company has maintained a strong presence in Connecticut, managing independent and branded hotels across all market segments. Waterford Hotel Group provides full-service management in operations, sales and marketing, revenue management, and human resources, and is recognized for its commitment to delivering unique, memorable, and enjoyable guest experiences while maximizing performance for its owners and partners. Learn more at waterfordhotelgroup.com.