
Big Cypress Lodge
Best for families and travelers who want an activities-packed, lodge-style stay inside the Pyramid near downtown Memphis.
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Big Cypress Lodge is a rustic, family-friendly lodge built inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in downtown Memphis; read this if you want an activity-rich, outdoors-themed stay near Beale Street. The Guest House at Graceland is an upscale, music- and Elvis-themed hotel beside Graceland; read this if your trip centers on Graceland and an on-site Graceland experience.
Updated · about 8–9 miles apart

Best for families and travelers who want an activities-packed, lodge-style stay inside the Pyramid near downtown Memphis.

Best for visitors focused on Graceland and Elvis heritage who want a large, polished hotel with shuttle and direct proximity to the attraction.
When Big Cypress Lodge wins: choose Big Cypress if you want a distinctive, family-oriented stay inside the Memphis Pyramid with on-site activities (Sky High Ride, bowling, Bass Pro Shops) and a rustic lodge vibe.
When The Guest House at Graceland wins: choose The Guest House if your primary reason for visiting Memphis is Graceland or you want a larger, more conventional hotel with multiple restaurants, a seasonal outdoor pool, free scheduled airport shuttle, and conference facilities.
Bottom line: Big Cypress is the pick for novelty, indoor-nature views, and on-site entertainment; The Guest House at Graceland is the practical choice for proximity to Graceland and a more traditional upscale hotel experience.
| Category | Big Cypress Lodge | The Guest House at Graceland |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Rustic, outdoors-themed lodge inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid | Upscale, music- and Elvis-themed full-service hotel next to Graceland |
| Location | 1 Bass Pro Drive — downtown riverfront/Pyramid area, minutes from Beale Street | 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd — adjacent to Graceland in Whitehaven |
| Size (rooms) | 103 individually decorated guestrooms | 450 guestrooms |
| Who it's for | Families and guests wanting on-site entertainment and a novelty stay | Graceland visitors, conference groups, guests wanting full-service hotel amenities |
| Pools | No swimming pool; rooms overlook an indoor bayou/swamp ecosystem | Outdoor seasonal pool (open seasonally March–October per supplier) |
| Restaurants & bars | Several on-site venues: The Lookout at the Pyramid, Wahlburgers Wild, The Fishbowl, The Den, Mississippi Terrace | Three on-site restaurants including EP's Bar & Grille, plus a cafe and bar/lounge |
| Spa & wellness | Big Cypress Spa by Gould’s (appointments, extra cost); 24-hour fitness center included | Fitness center and spa services available (supplier lists fitness facilities; spa details not published in supplier listing) |
| Signature feature | Inside-Pyramid setting with indoor cypress swamp, Sky High Ride, bowling alley, Bass Pro Shops retail | Direct adjacency to Graceland and Elvis-themed programming/ambience |
| Parking & transport | Valet and self-parking with required overnight fee; complimentary on-demand downtown shuttle | Secured parking (surcharge) and complimentary scheduled airport shuttle at set times |
| Accessibility & family policy | Family-friendly but lead guest must be 21 to check in; pets allowed (dogs) with fee | All-ages property; up to 2 children 17 and younger stay free in existing bedding; pets allowed (supplier notes pet fee) |
Big Cypress Lodge sits inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid at 1 Bass Pro Drive, steps from the riverfront and minutes from Beale Street.
Pick Big Cypress for proximity to downtown Memphis attractions and a uniquely urban-Pyramid address.
The Guest House at Graceland is immediately adjacent to Graceland at 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Pick The Guest House if being next to Graceland is the priority for your trip.
Big Cypress Lodge's 103 rooms are individually decorated with cabin, lodge and treehouse-style options and porch views of the indoor swamp or downtown.
Choose Big Cypress for quirky, themed sleeping spaces and unique interior views inside the Pyramid.
The Guest House offers a large inventory of conventional deluxe and superior rooms and suites focused on comfort and convenience.
The Guest House is best if you prefer predictable, larger-hotel room choices and connecting-room options.
Big Cypress has multiple on-site outlets mixing steakhouse dining, a Wahlburgers concept and themed bars.
Go to Big Cypress for a mix of scenic steakhouse dining and casual, theme-driven outlets all under one roof.
The Guest House features several on-site dining options including EP's Bar & Grille and a coffee shop/cafe.
Pick The Guest House if you want a straightforward full-service hotel dining setup with an on-site restaurant and cafe near Graceland.
Big Cypress does not have a swimming pool; its signature amenity is the indoor cypress swamp, aquarium feedings, and the Sky High Ride.
Choose Big Cypress if the Pyramid attractions and indoor-nature setting are the reason you're visiting.
The Guest House provides a seasonal outdoor pool and positions proximity to Graceland as its main draw.
Pick The Guest House for a more conventional hotel pool and the convenience of being next to Graceland.
Big Cypress has an on-site spa by Gould’s, a 24-hour fitness center and several bars for evening entertainment.
Big Cypress combines a functioning spa and active nightlife inside a single, activity-packed building.
The Guest House supports conferences and events and offers fitness and leisure facilities for guests.
The Guest House is the practical pick for groups and business travelers who need meeting space next to Graceland.

Big Cypress — on-site bowling, Sky High Ride, aquarium feedings and themed rooms keep children busy.

The Guest House — immediate adjacency to Graceland and Elvis-focused atmosphere simplify visits.

Big Cypress — staying inside the Pyramid with indoor swamp views is a one-of-a-kind Memphis experience.

The Guest House — larger room count and conference facilities suit groups and events near Graceland.
Big Cypress Lodge is downtown at the Pyramid and is minutes from Beale Street; The Guest House is south of downtown next to Graceland, requiring a drive or shuttle to reach downtown.
Big Cypress charges a required overnight parking fee per the Pyramid parking policy; The Guest House lists secured parking with a surcharge and offers scheduled airport shuttle service at no charge.
The Guest House at Graceland has an outdoor seasonal pool; Big Cypress Lodge does not have a swimming pool.
Yes. Both welcome families, though Big Cypress requires the lead guest to be 21 at check-in; The Guest House allows children (up to 2 children 17 and younger may stay free in existing bedding per supplier).
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