Big Cypress Lodge

This hotel offers a truly unique lodging experience, set within a massive pyramid that houses an expansive outdoor-themed retail store, creating an immersive environment unlike any other. Its signature feature is the distinctive cabin-style rooms, many with private balconies overlooking an indoor lake and the store's impressive displays, providing a captivating and memorable stay. Guests consistently praise the spacious and comfortable accommodations, often highlighting the luxurious bathrooms. The property is an ideal fit for families seeking engaging activities like bowling and a scavenger hunt, couples looking for a romantic and distinctive getaway, and outdoors enthusiasts who appreciate the hunting and fishing theme. While the hotel provides numerous on-site dining options, it is advisable to explore external choices for breakfast, as guest feedback on the buffet is mixed. To fully enjoy the ambiance, consider requesting an interior room for the unique view and be prepared for potential early check-in charges.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that contribute to its unique appeal. Guests frequently highlight the impressive observation deck and sky lift, providing breathtaking views and a memorable experience, with complimentary access for hotel guests. The fitness center is well-equipped and spacious, though some noted a lack of water fountain maintenance. An indoor bowling alley, known as the Fish Bowl, provides a fun activity, though it can be booked for private events. The expansive Bass Pro Shop within the pyramid offers extensive shopping opportunities. Several lounge areas and bars are available for relaxation, though some guests found the drink prices high. While vending machines and ice machines are present, some reviews mentioned issues with them being empty. Guests can also enjoy unique features like aquariums, alligators, and a soothing waterfall. Some guests noted that the spa was closed during their stay, and there were occasional complaints about slow internet connection.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The rooms are generally described as beautiful, spacious, and well-appointed, offering a distinct cabin-like ambiance. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep, though some noted issues with mattress firmness or movement transfer, and a few found the pillows too hard. The bathrooms are a highlight, featuring large jet tubs and impressive walk-in showers, though some guests reported maintenance issues like broken fixtures, exposed wires, or black mold from the jets. Many rooms boast private balconies or terraces, often with rocking chairs, providing unique views of the interior store or exterior surroundings. While the faux fireplace adds to the cozy atmosphere, some found the room lighting to be dim. Complimentary snacks are a welcome touch, but the in-room coffee makers received consistent negative feedback for poor quality. A significant number of guests experienced noise disturbances, citing thin walls, hallway sounds, or early morning cleaning activities.

Dining & Food Quality
Guest feedback on dining experiences is varied. The Lookout Restaurant at the top of the pyramid consistently receives high praise for its excellent food quality and attentive service, offering a memorable experience with stunning views, though some noted it can be pricey. Wahlburgers is also frequently mentioned for its delicious food, particularly the burgers. However, the breakfast buffet is a recurring point of dissatisfaction; many guests found it to be overpriced for its basic quality, often served cold, and compared it unfavorably to complimentary breakfasts at other hotels. Some also reported limited seating and inconsistent service at breakfast. Room service availability is a common complaint, with guests noting it closes too early or is unresponsive. While various bars are available, some found the drink prices to be high and the selection limited.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant draw, offering easy access to downtown Memphis and various attractions, including the zoo and the convention center. Many guests highly commend the complimentary shuttle service, finding it a convenient and efficient way to explore the city without worrying about transportation or parking. However, some guests noted concerns about the immediate surrounding area, describing it as dirty. Parking is a frequently discussed topic; while valet service is generally praised for its efficiency and friendliness, guests are often surprised by a mandatory parking fee, even if they don't use valet or have a car. There are also recurring concerns about the security of vehicles in the shared parking lot, with reports of break-ins, leading some to advise caution regarding valuables.

Staff & Service
Staff and service at the hotel receive mixed but often strong feedback. Many guests praise the friendly and attentive staff, highlighting their helpfulness and willingness to go above and beyond, with numerous positive mentions for specific individuals who provided exceptional service, particularly bellhops and shuttle drivers. The shuttle service is consistently lauded as a convenient and excellent amenity. However, a significant number of reviews express dissatisfaction with the front desk staff, citing issues with unfriendliness, perceived disinterest, and occasional incompetence, especially during check-in. The hotel's policy of charging a fee for early check-in is a common point of frustration for many guests. While housekeeping is generally seen as effective, some noted that daily room cleaning needs to be specifically requested. Valet service is largely efficient and courteous, though some minor issues were reported.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several unique aspects and policies during their stay. A deposit is typically required at check-in, which some guests found unexpected. A notable and unusual detail is the hotel's practice of shutting off electricity from midnight to 6 AM, which was a significant inconvenience for some who were not informed in advance. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their animals, though finding suitable outdoor areas can be a challenge. Some guests reported being approached by representatives selling timeshare packages, which was not always a welcome interaction. It is also important to note that rooms do not include a microwave, and there are no on-site laundry machines or a swimming pool. Guests appreciated unique amenities like a scavenger hunt for children and the festive touch of a Christmas tree in rooms during the holidays.