Age, kids and pet policy at Big Cypress Lodge
Big Cypress Lodge welcomes guests and children of all ages, but the lead guest checking in must be at least 21. Dogs are allowed (maximum two per room) for a per-pet fee; service animals are accepted free of charge.
In this guide
Check-in age and ID requirements
The lead guest who checks in at Big Cypress Lodge must be 21 years or older. This minimum applies to whoever completes registration at the front desk.
At check-in you will be asked to present a photo ID and the credit card used for booking; a $100 authorization hold is placed on the guest's account at check-in. Early check-in before 4 PM may be available for a fee but is not guaranteed.
- Standard check-in time begins at 4:00 PM.
- Early check-in: may be available for a $50 + tax fee (subject to room availability).
- Check-out is at 11:00 AM; late check-out fees apply if not pre-approved.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to check in | 21 years |
| Check-in hold | $100 authorization (placed at check-in) |
| Official check-in / check-out | 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
Children and family policy
Big Cypress Lodge is family-friendly and accepts children of all ages. Guests aged 13 and older are typically charged at the adult rate.
The property offers family-oriented amenities such as a children's play area, family rooms, and on-site activities that appeal to kids (for example, the Sky High Ride and the 13-lane bowling alley). The lead guest (adult) still must meet the 21+ check-in requirement.
- Children of all ages may stay.
- Children 13+ are billed as adults.
- Family-friendly activities on site include the Sky High Ride, bowling, aquarium/ fish feedings, and a children's play area.
| Family Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Children allowed | All ages |
| Child pricing threshold | 13 and older billed at adult rate |
| Lead guest at check-in | Must be 21 or older |
Pet policy (dogs only)
Big Cypress Lodge allows dogs only — cats are not permitted — with a maximum of two dogs per room. Service animals are accepted in all accommodations at no additional charge.
There is an additional pet fee per dog, charged per stay; pets may not be left unattended in guest rooms. Confirm any breed-related restrictions directly with the hotel if you have concerns, as public sources emphasize 'dogs only.'
- Maximum: 2 dogs per room
- Fee: $75 per pet, per stay (additional charge)
- Service animals: allowed and exempt from pet fee
- Pets may not be left unattended in the room
| Allowed | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Dogs only |
| Maximum per room | 2 dogs |
| Fee | $75 per pet, per stay |
Rooms, occupancy and family room types
Big Cypress Lodge has several room types that suit families and couples. Room types listed on the property pages include Interior Room, Duck Cabin, Exterior Room, Fly Fishing Lodge, Terrace Room, Terrace Suite, and Treehouse Room.
Many rooms feature screened porches or balcony views that look over either the indoor cypress swamp or downtown/Mississippi River. Room configurations vary by type (examples: Interior Room with 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds; Treehouse Room offered with 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds).
- Interior Room — 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
- Duck Cabin — 1 King Bed
- Exterior Room — 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
- Fly Fishing Lodge — 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed
- Terrace Room — 2 Queen Beds
- Terrace Suite — 1 King Bed
- Treehouse Room — 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
| Room Type | Typical bed setup |
|---|---|
| Interior Room | 1 King or 2 Queen Beds |
| Duck Cabin | 1 King Bed |
| Fly Fishing Lodge | 1 King and 1 Queen Bed |
Meals, dining and in-room dining
The room rate does not include meals. Big Cypress Lodge offers multiple on-site dining options where breakfast, lunch and dinner are available for purchase.
On-site restaurants and bars include The Lookout at the Pyramid (top-floor American/steakhouse), Wahlburgers Wild (main floor, serves breakfast), The Fishbowl (bar over the bowling alley) and The Den Bar & Lounge. In-room dining is offered during listed service hours for an additional charge.
- Room rate: meals not included (breakfast is available to buy on property).
- The Lookout at the Pyramid: lunch & dinner (reservations recommended).
- Wahlburgers Wild: breakfast available daily from 7:00 AM–10:00 AM.
- In-Room Dining hours: Sun–Thu 11:00 AM–9:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM–10:00 PM.
| Dining Venue | When/Notes |
|---|---|
| The Lookout at the Pyramid | Lunch & dinner — hours listed on property site |
| Wahlburgers Wild | Breakfast served daily 7:00 AM–10:00 AM |
| The Fishbowl | Bar & bowling-level dining, daytime/early evening hours |
Practical fees, accessibility and on-site rules
Expect standard hotel authorizations and property fees: in addition to the check-in authorization hold, overnight parking carries a required nightly fee (covers valet or self-parking). Big Cypress Lodge is non-smoking throughout all indoor public spaces and guestrooms.
Some amenities such as spa treatments and meals carry extra charges. The spa (Big Cypress Spa by Gould's) operates on a set schedule and treatments are not included in the room rate — confirm availability and reserve in advance.
- Parking: required fee per night for overnight parking (valet or self-parking).
- Spa treatments: additional cost; spa hours vary and Monday may be closed.
- Property is completely non-smoking.
- Guests have 24-hour property access with their room key even after the Pyramid building closes.
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Parking | Required nightly parking fee (covers valet or self-parking) |
| Smoking policy | Non-smoking property |
| 24-hour access | Room key grants 24-hour entry to the hotel |
