A Tropical Dream on Tropicana Avenue

The mid-1970s were a heady time for Las Vegas. The Strip was expanding, themed resorts were becoming the norm, and ambitious entrepreneurs constantly sought to stake their claim in the burgeoning entertainment capital of the world. Among these ventures was the Paradise Hotel and Casino, a fleeting yet fascinating chapter in Las Vegas history. Opened in 1976, the Paradise was located on Tropicana Avenue, just east of the famed Las Vegas Strip, a spot ripe for capturing tourists headed to or from the Tropicana and the rapidly developing MGM Grand.

From Howard Johnson’s to Paradise Found (Briefly)

The story doesn’t begin with the Paradise name, however. The land originally housed a Howard Johnson’s motel, a cheerful, family-friendly establishment that opened in 1973. Recognizing the potential of the prime location, new ownership decided to transform the motel into a full-fledged casino resort. Thus, the Paradise Hotel and Casino was born. The theme, as was popular at the time, leaned heavily into an exotic, tropical “paradise” – think lush foliage, vibrant colors, and a promise of escapism. This tied into the broader cultural desire for exotic getaways that permeated the 70s. Marketing efforts promised a little slice of paradise right on Tropicana.

A Modest Casino, Ambitious Goals

The Paradise wasn’t aiming to compete with the behemoths like the MGM Grand or the Stardust. Instead, it targeted budget-conscious travelers with a modest casino floor, a swimming pool, and comfortable, motel-style rooms. It was a practical approach, hoping to lure in those who might otherwise be priced out of the larger resorts. It represented a specific niche in the Las Vegas landscape: a smaller, more affordable option still within striking distance of the Strip’s main attractions.

The Fall of Paradise

Despite its strategic location and thematic branding, the Paradise Hotel and Casino’s existence was tragically short. Just seven months after its grand opening, the property closed its doors in late 1976. The reasons were classic Las Vegas challenges: stiff competition from established resorts, operational difficulties, and ultimately, financial struggles. The Paradise simply couldn’t sustain itself against the giants.

Rebirth and Legacy

While the name “Paradise” faded from the landscape, the property itself certainly didn’t disappear. Over the decades, it underwent numerous transformations and ownership changes. It’s lived many lives, evolving to meet the changing demands of the Las Vegas market. Today, you’ll find it operating as the OYO Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

The Paradise Hotel and Casino’s story, though brief, encapsulates a core element of Las Vegas history: the relentless pursuit of the next big thing, the constant experimentation with themes and branding, and the perpetual churn of reinvention that defines the city’s evolution. It’s a reminder that even in a city built on dreams, not every dream survives, but each one contributes to the unique and ever-changing fabric of Las Vegas.