
Big Cypress Lodge
Best for families and travelers who want a distinctive, activity-rich stay inside the Pyramid.
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Big Cypress Lodge is a themed, family-friendly lodge inside the Memphis Pyramid with cabin- and treehouse-style rooms and plenty of on-site activities; this comparison is for travelers who want a memorable, leisure-focused stay. Residence Inn is an extended-stay Marriott in downtown Memphis offering residential-style suites with kitchens — read this if you need a suite or longer-stay practicality near Beale Street.
Updated · about 1.2 miles apart

Best for families and travelers who want a distinctive, activity-rich stay inside the Pyramid.

Best for business travelers or longer stays who prefer suites with kitchens and a central downtown location.
When Big Cypress Lodge wins: choose Big Cypress Lodge if you want a unique, themed Memphis experience with on-site entertainment (bowling, Sky High Ride, aquarium, retail) and multiple on-property restaurants and bars.
When Residence Inn wins: pick Residence Inn if you need residential-style space (kitchens, larger suites), reliable Marriott service, complimentary breakfast and a true downtown location within easy walking distance of Beale Street and other central attractions.
Bottom line: both can work for multi-night Memphis visits — Big Cypress is the leisure, destination stay inside the Pyramid; Residence Inn is the practical, downtown extended-stay option.
| Category | Big Cypress Lodge | Residence Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Rustic, themed lodge built inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid with cabin and treehouse-style rooms and many on-site activities. | Practical, residential-style extended-stay hotel in central downtown Memphis with studio and multi-bedroom suites. |
| Location | 1 Bass Pro Drive (inside the Pyramid), close to riverfront and Pyramid attractions; complimentary downtown shuttle. | 110 Monroe Ave in downtown Memphis within a short walk of Beale Street, AutoZone Park and the Peabody. |
| Size / rooms | 103 individually decorated guestrooms including Duck Cabin, Treehouse Room, Terrace Suite and Governor's Suite. | 90 air-conditioned rooms and suites (Studio, 1 Bedroom Suite, 2 Bedroom Suites) with kitchens. |
| Ages / policy | Family-friendly property; lead guest must be 21+ to check in, children welcome (13+ billed adult rates apply). | Not adults-only; family stays allowed and up to 2 children 17 and under stay free in existing bedding. |
| Pools | No swimming pool; rooms overlook an indoor cypress swamp and aquarium features. | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site options: The Lookout at the Pyramid, Wahlburgers Wild, The Fishbowl, The Den, Mississippi Terrace (bars and full-service restaurants). | Coffee shop/cafe, snack bar/deli and a bar/lounge; complimentary buffet breakfast included on most stays. |
| Spa & wellness | Big Cypress Spa by Gould's on site (massages, facials, mani/pedi) and a 24-hour fitness center. | Not published |
| Known for | Unique indoor bayou/swamp environment, Sky High Ride observation deck, bowling alley and Bass Pro Shops attached. | Extended-stay suites with kitchens, downtown walkability and Marriott brand consistency. |
| Meetings & events | Extensive event spaces including Mississippi Terrace, Ducks Unlimited Gallery and multiple meeting rooms up to several hundred guests. | Meeting rooms and business center; suitable for smaller meetings and business travelers. |
| Included perks | Complimentary Sky High Ride tickets, complimentary Wi‑Fi, downtown shuttle and fitness center access. | Complimentary wired and wireless internet, free buffet breakfast, rooftop terrace and occasional complimentary receptions. |
Big Cypress Lodge sits inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid at 1 Bass Pro Drive near the Mississippi riverfront.
Choose Big Cypress if you want to be inside the Pyramid experience and close to riverfront attractions.
Residence Inn is on 110 Monroe Ave in downtown Memphis within walking distance of Beale Street and other central sites.
Choose Residence Inn for true downtown walkability and direct access to Memphis’s core attractions.
Big Cypress rooms are individually styled to fit the rustic lodge theme, from Duck Cabins to Treehouse Rooms and the Governor's Suite.
Pick Big Cypress for themed, characterful rooms and special suite options.
Residence Inn offers studio and multi-bedroom suites designed for longer stays, all with kitchen facilities.
Pick Residence Inn if you want a suite with a kitchen and more space for multi-night stays.
Big Cypress has multiple on-site restaurants and bars that match its themed, lodge-focused experience.
Big Cypress is better if you want varied on-site dining and evening bar options without leaving the property.
Residence Inn provides reliable, practical on-site food and drink options geared to longer stays.
Residence Inn suits travelers who want a dependable breakfast and kitchen-equipped rooms for self-catering.
Big Cypress’s signature draw is the Pyramid setting and on-site activities that can fill a day.
If you want a stay that’s also an attraction, Big Cypress delivers more programmed experiences on property.
Residence Inn’s signature is residential comfort and amenities that support daily life during an extended stay.
Residence Inn is about practical comforts and self-sufficiency during longer visits.
Big Cypress combines a 24-hour fitness center and on-site spa with evening bars and terrace music.
Big Cypress pairs spa and fitness with in-house nightlife suited to families and adult guests alike.
Residence Inn has fitness amenities and a rooftop terrace but leans toward quiet after-hours comfort.
Residence Inn is a good base for guests who want a nearby downtown nightlife scene while keeping hotel hours low-key.

Big Cypress Lodge — bowling, aquarium feedings, archery and Sky High Ride keep kids and adults entertained without leaving the Pyramid.

Residence Inn — suites with kitchens, laundry facilities and complimentary breakfast make longer visits easier.

Residence Inn — within a short walk of Beale Street, AutoZone Park and downtown attractions.

Big Cypress Lodge — staying inside the Pyramid with rustic rooms and rooftop dining is a distinctive Memphis experience.
Big Cypress Lodge is aimed at families with on-site activities for kids; Residence Inn allows families too but focuses on extended-stay conveniences like kitchens.
Big Cypress Lodge does not have a swimming pool; Residence Inn’s listing does not publish a pool, so pool availability should be confirmed with the hotel.
Residence Inn is within a short walk to Beale Street; Big Cypress Lodge is a short drive or shuttle ride away (complimentary on-demand shuttle available).
Residence Inn typically includes a complimentary buffet breakfast; Big Cypress Lodge offers breakfast for purchase rather than included in the room rate.
Explore how Big Cypress Lodge stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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