Is Big Cypress Lodge worth it? Honest pros and cons
Yes — Big Cypress Lodge is worth it if you want a distinctive, family-friendly stay inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid with easy access to downtown Memphis attractions and on-site activities (Sky High Ride, bowling, archery). It’s less appealing if you expect a conventional resort (there’s no swimming pool) or want a quiet, traditional hotel experience.
In this guide
The big-picture value: who should stay here
Big Cypress Lodge is best for travelers who value on-site entertainment, themed rooms, and a central downtown location. The property is built inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid and markets experiences — indoor swamp views, a glass observation ride, bowling, and a large retail complex — as part of the stay.
If your priority is proximity to Beale Street, the riverfront, or family activities that keep kids occupied without leaving the building, this hotel delivers. If you want a quiet, minimalist boutique or a property with a pool, this is probably not the right fit.
- Good for families who want kid-friendly on-site activities and easy downtown access
- Good for outdoors/sporting-gear shoppers because the hotel sits within Bass Pro Shops
- Not ideal if you expect an on-site pool or a low-key, traditional hotel stay
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Families | Sky High Ride, bowling, children’s play area, family-friendly dining |
| Memphis sightseeing | Short drive or shuttle to Beale Street, FedExForum and riverfront |
| Shoppers / outdoor enthusiasts | Direct access to the 535,000 sq ft Bass Pro Shops complex |
Rooms and themed accommodation — what to expect
Rooms are individually decorated with a rustic, lodge feel; many overlook an indoor cypress swamp or downtown/Mississippi River views. Room types include Interior Room, Duck Cabin, Exterior Room, Fly Fishing Lodge, Terrace Room, Terrace Suite, and Treehouse Room — some have screened porches or balconies.
The Governor's Suite and other specialty units are mentioned in property materials; guest rooms number about 103 in total. Expect hunting-lodge style décor (antler chandeliers, wood paneling) and occasional mounted wildlife displays in public areas and some rooms.
- Room choices include Interior Room (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds) and Duck Cabin (1 King Bed)
- Treehouse Room (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds) and Terrace Suite (1 King Bed) are offered for a different layout/amenity mix
- Many rooms have porches or balconies facing either the indoor swamp or the river/downtown
| Room name | Typical bed setup |
|---|---|
| Interior Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Duck Cabin | 1 King Bed |
| Terrace Room | 2 Queen Beds |
On-site activities and dining — a highlight reel
Big Cypress Lodge includes a lot of on-site options: The Lookout at the Pyramid (top-floor American/steakhouse), Wahlburgers Wild, The Fishbowl bar overlooking a 13-lane bowling alley, The Den Bar & Lounge, and Mississippi Terrace outdoor patio. In-room dining and breakfast are available for purchase but are not included with the room rate.
Guests also get complimentary Sky High Ride tickets and can use the 24-hour fitness center; on-site archery and The Fishbowl bowling offer additional entertainment. The Bass Pro Shops retail complex (including its aquarium and daily fish feedings) is integrated with the property.
- The Lookout at the Pyramid — lunch & dinner, reservations recommended
- Wahlburgers Wild — main-floor menu, breakfast available for purchase
- The Fishbowl — island-themed bar with bowling and sports viewing
- Sky High Ride — glass elevator to the observation deck (complimentary ticket with stay)
| Venue | Typical hours / notes |
|---|---|
| The Lookout at the Pyramid | Lunch & Dinner; reservations recommended |
| Wahlburgers Wild | Breakfast available 7AM–10AM; lunch & dinner hours vary |
| The Fishbowl (bowling) | Bowling lanes with family hours; check property site for times |
Practical logistics: check-in, fees, and useful policies
Standard check-in begins at 4 PM and check-out is 11 AM. An early check-in before 4 PM may be possible for a $50 + tax fee, subject to availability. A $100 authorization hold is placed on the guest’s card at check-in.
Parking (valet or self) carries a required nightly fee charged to hotel guests; valet is recommended because the lot is gated and monitored. The lead guest checking in must be 21 or older, although children of all ages are welcome to stay.
- Check-in: 4 PM; early check-in may be available for a fee
- Check-out: 11 AM; late check-out fees apply unless pre-approved
- Required overnight parking fee per night for guests (valet or self-parking)
- A $100 authorization hold at check-in and photo ID/credit card required
| Policy | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum check-in age | Lead guest must be 21+ |
| Parking | Required nightly fee for overnight guests (valet or self available) |
| Pool | No swimming pool on-site |
Pros — what stands out
Entertainment-rich property where you can spend a lot of time without leaving the building: bowling, archery, aquarium/fish feedings, Sky High Ride, rooftop dining, and Bass Pro Shops under the same roof.
Central downtown location within walking or short shuttle distance of Beale Street, the riverfront, and Memphis venues, plus complimentary on-demand downtown shuttle service for guests (confirm current shuttle hours via the property).
- Unique setting inside the Pyramid — indoor swamp, cypress trees, and observation deck
- Family-friendly activities and children’s offerings
- Complimentary Sky High Ride tickets and fitness center access included
- Multiple on-site dining and bar options
| Strength | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| On-site entertainment | Keeps families and groups occupied without travel |
| Location | Short drive or shuttle to Beale Street and riverfront |
| Theme and decor | Distinctive lodge-style rooms and public spaces for a memorable stay |
Cons and potential deal-breakers
There is no swimming pool; the indoor swamp and water features are not a substitute for a pool. Several guest reviews and listings note that some visitors expected a pool and were disappointed.
The themed décor and public spaces can be noisy or busy, especially on weekend nights and during events. If you want a quiet, understated hotel or minimalist design, this property’s loud, rustic theme may not suit your taste.
- No on-site swimming pool despite water features in the Pyramid
- Can be loud or crowded because the hotel shares space with Bass Pro Shops and many entertainment venues
- Some spa availability problems have been reported by guests — confirm Big Cypress Spa by Gould’s hours and bookings before arrival
- Parking and some services carry extra fees (overnight parking, spa treatments, etc.)
| Issue | What to check before booking |
|---|---|
| Pool | Don’t expect a swimming pool — verify if this matters |
| Spa availability | Confirm spa hours/appointments (spa closed on Mondays) |
| Noise | Ask for a room away from busy public atrium spaces if you prefer quiet |
Tips: how to get the most from a stay
If you want quieter rooms, request a Terrace Room or an Exterior Room with river/downtown views rather than an interior room facing the atrium and swamp. Book early for The Lookout at the Pyramid and for any spa or activity reservations you care about.
Take advantage of the complimentary Sky High Ride tickets and the on-demand shuttle to see Beale Street without driving. Confirm shuttle hours in case of schedule changes and ask the front desk about early access to facilities when arriving before 4 PM.
- Request specific views (swamp vs. river/downtown) at booking to match your preference
- Reserve The Lookout and spa treatments in advance — spa is closed Mondays
- If traveling with pets, the hotel accepts up to two dogs (fee applies) — verify rules and fee at booking
- Confirm parking fee and whether you prefer valet for gated monitored parking
| When to visit | Why |
|---|---|
| Spring or fall | More pleasant weather for riverfront walking and outdoor terrace use |
| Avoid major holiday weekends | Property is busiest during peak Memphis event times |
| Weekdays | Likely quieter public spaces and easier reservations |
