141 West Main St. (Rte. 9)
Bennington, Vermont
47 soundproof guest rooms and suites, each with individually controlled heat and air conditioning, wall to wall carpeting, custom styled decor, telephone, wide screen television; private room terraces command a panoramic view of the Green Mountains; rooms with sauna available; heated pool; complimentary Continental breakfast served in room; Paradise Restaurant-gourmet favorites since 1927; cocktail lounge; function rooms… banquet facilities up to 300.
The Paradise Motor Inn, located at 141 West Main Street in Bennington, Vermont opened for business in March, 1964. Offering 47 rooms, a pool and a view of the Green Mountains. Construction began at the end of August 1963 and was big enough news that the local paper provided updates for months.
Bennington Banner – August 31, 1963
The Paradise was known for its exceptional service. Anthony Pello, manager and Peter Pappas, president prided themselves on customer care, clean rooms and friendliness. The customers noticed.
The rooms had a very Howard Johnson type feel. Every room featured one paneled wall, a patio and a roof with exposed beams.
The Paradise Restaurant was located right next door to the motel. It original opened in 1927.The service and food were apparently exceptional and the place was a mainstay in Bennington for 75 years.
In 2002 the tax department of Vermont closed the Paradise Restaurant due $69,363 in unpaid meals tax. Alliant Food Services Inc. filed a lien April 20 for $71,267 in unpaid bills. The restaurant already owed $18,881 to the town of Bennington for its 2002 taxes and $10,198 for past water and sewer bills.
The motel is still standing and is still the Paradise Inn.