Big Cypress Lodge

As Missourians and Big Cedar frequent visitors, our expectations and anticipation were high for our recent girls trip to Big Cypress in Memphis. The call to the resort to make reservations only heightened this excitement. The resort agent promised a nice welcome basket and Birthday surprise, as the trip’s purpose was to celebrate my 60^th. Our arrival was without difficulty, the pyramid was easily found from the interstate and the valet attendant was helpful in directing us to the checkin desk. Our disappointment began at checkin. The attendant that checked us in was only minimally friendly and offered no extra information. His rehearsed presentation of details was not helpful. There was no mention of the Birthday «surprise». The bellman was called. He was very informative, helpful, friendly and our expectations were rekindled. The facility décor and furnishings were definitely over the top in quality and comfort. The outdoor Bass Pro appreciation was carried through every fixtures and piece of furniture (not surprising to us as Big Cedar fans). The room was nice size, design and décor was beautiful. Each detail met our expectations. The welcome basket was on the table and the night time cookies were delivered. After dropping off our luggage, we went for Lunch at the 1^st of the 2 resort restaurants (Big Ben’s) The food was ok, but the service poor! We experienced long waits (though the restaurant was not overly crowded).
The $ 20 per day resort fee covered tickets for the elevator each day of our visit. The elevator was the only resort opportunity available, besides the shopping experience in the «typical» Bass Pro store. (No pool, no hot tub, no spa…) there was a bowling alley with an underwater theme, but it had an additional charge. The elevator trip to the Lookout restaurant was nice, but not especially remarkable. The restaurant was good and the service much better than the lunch experience. The observation deck and views of the Mississippi and Memphis were great.
The evenings on our «screened porch“we’re interesting and not at all what I would expect from the outdoor loving Bass Pro organization. The lack of daylight and the darkness of the décor presented a somewhat claustrophobic experience. Being an inside facility could be more outdoor like with some access to daylight. (Maybe some influence from the Gaylord Opryland Hotel would be helpful.). The neon t-​shirt light in the store was not the best of views and it never went off! Overall, we were very much looking forward to checkout and enjoyed the wonderful service at the downtown renowned Peabody Hotel for the 3^rd and final night of our trip. While the rooms at the Peabody were much smaller, the over the top service and facility made our stay MUCH more enjoyable.
Suggestions to Johnny Morris and Bass Pro: 1) rethink the resort offerings (there needs to be more benefit for the resort fee); 2) the expectation of friendly service needs to be more consistent. Our 3 – 4 trips to the front desk were met without the extra friendly service expected and 3) PLEASE, surely there is something that can be done to address the lack of ambient light!
We are not planning to return to Big Cypress nor will we recommend this resort.

We just got back from a mother-​daughter-​trip to Memphis where we had the pleasure of staying at Big Cypress Lodge. While we arrived with high expectations, I can say that those were not only met but even surpassed. Big Cypress Lodge is the best hotel we have ever stayed in so far!
So, what is so special about Big Cypress Lodge? First of all, the location, obviously. The hotel is located inside the Memphis Pyramid (former arena on the Mississippi River) above a Bass Pro Shop. Second, the atmosphere. Although you are inside a huge building, you feel as if you are in a cosy cabin overlooking a swamp. Our room was decorated with great attention to detail, for example the light switches with a deer or bear finish, the carved fish above the wardrobe, the tree branches in the bathroom serving as a towel rack, the rocking chairs with their accompanying tree trunk table on the porch, and of course the electric fireplace (that we left on all night) that added even more to the feeling of comfort. Last but not least, the hospitality we received upon our arrival. Tony, our receptionist, was very warm and welcoming. He informed us about the services and how to use the elevator passes to the overlook. He also made sure my daughter got her birthday cake (a sweet surprise!) before departing, as it had not been delivered to our room the night before.
Our stay was a big treat and very special experience. Even though the hotel is on the pricey side, I feel that you get your dollars’ worth. I highly recommend Big Cypress Lodge to anyone considering himself/​herself an outdoor person.

The hotel is beautiful, the check — in took a little long, the girl was pretty new. She kept going over to a room asking questions, and the girl would answer but never come out and help her. She was very sweet and kept apologizing. The room was around $ 280.00 but after all taxes and fees came out to around $ 350.00 per night … which seems a little high! All in all, beautiful place and would love to stay again (my husband may not let me due to the price)

So I felt a tad weird walking luggage/​suitcases into a bass pro shop, however the staff was very nice and made checking into the lodge very comforting.
Once we got to the room, all I can say is wow. Huge bathroom with a big jacuzzi tub, big shower with a bench and rain type shower head with great pressure and hot water. The décor is a lodge theme throughout the bathroom and sleeping area. Beds and pillows are very comfy and there is a fire place in the room.
The hotel gives you 2 free passes to visit the sky deck viewing area so if you can see Memphis and the Mississippi River 280ft above ground.
Highly recommend it for anyone.

So, while my family isn’t into anything camo, guns or hunting, we really enjoyed the hotel and its rustic, luxurious feel. The room, pretend fireplace, large patio, bathroom, cookie service and free mini duckies for the kids really are nice.
However, I do have one major complaint as a mom with a seven-​year-​old and an 18-​month-​old who didn’t sleep well during our recent spring break vacation to Memphis. The resort only has two restaurants m: NO QUICK SERVICE ANYTHING. That turned out to be a huge problem on our final night there with three out of four of us sick and hungry at 5:40 on a Saturday night. The restaurants fill-​up crazy fast and room service is obviously expensive and slow. There are no places remotely close to walk to for food alternatives and we weren’t going to order a pizza either. Bottom line, my kids ate dinner from the poorly-​stocked snack machine down the hall. The drink machine was out of most things — including water — so, the kids got orange soda as their beverage.

We just checked out of this hotel this morning and were a little less than satisfied.
The room itself was beautiful, the deck overlooking the store was such an experience, and that’s what we paid for!
However, being in hospitality previously, I will say that the customer service and the hospitality of the hotel was seriously lacking. The staff had no idea about anything. There is no spa on site, like advertised, which was a major bummer. When I called about it prior to the trip, they didn’t know how much a massage was in room, and said j should just call the third party lady who does them?
They could not deliver a corkscrew to our room because they didn’t have any. However they have a wine list! I’m not sure how they wouldn’t have one we could use… We had to use our keys!
We also asked for two wine glasses, and they gave us champagne glasses. Not a big deal because we’re not high maintenance, but a nice hotel like this, the staff just NEEDS to know the difference when we’re paying over $ 400 a night.
It kind of felt like the staff was just on a schedule in between working in the store and the hotel.
Also, the bed was odd. Comfy, but it was a king with a queen mattress pad? a little uncomfortable on the edges.

amazing place from start to finish! Beautifully decorated, well appointed room, The staff was extremely courteous and willing to help in any way. I will return… it was GREAT

I know this is a new hotel, and a concept never really done before, so of course it won’t be perfect, but it was really wonderful! It was the weekend before my birthday, and my husband got us a room at the Big Cypress Lodge, to get away from the kids for a night. I expected it to be noisy with the store below, but it was the quiete
Upon afternoon check in, I felt like the lobby was a bit hollow, but promising. Despite hand-​painted lights and a custom medallion inlaid into the floor, it lacked some warmth– the LED lights (while eco-​friendly) above the hospitality staff desk didn’t help, and I think the lobby needs a large warm red or coppery oriental rug to cut the echo of the tall room. Staff was very friendly, and Scott explained how to use the key cards (tap your card against the black circle to take you to the right floor AND to get you into your room) to work the elevator and doors.
I exited the elevator on the 3^rd floor, and wow! What a gorgeous common area! Fireplace, leather sofas, stuffed bear, and player piano set a very shi-​shi tone, while natural wood and warm leather keep it luxe but cozy. There is a bar but no bar «stuff» or bartender. I imagine if renting a whole floor for a wedding or something this is what it would be used for. The space for the spa, just off the elevator, was a ghost town, but again– if the moment called for it, I can see it happening.
We enjoyed the Lookout restaurant atop the Pyramid, which as of now only serves heavy hors d’oeuvres/tapas type food, but there is a menu being planned as I type this that includes a $ 40 steak. Soon, the restaurant menu will catch up to the stellar service and beautiful panoramic views the location has to offer. Our servers were on top of our drinks, and let us know each stage of food prep. They kept everything until it all could come out at once, which doesn’t really make sense, when it is just tapas. It actually would have worked better if it came out as it was ready. The pimiento sliders were pretty good, though missing some moisture– mayo helped, but maybe some lettuce or a pickle would be better– or just put the homemade artisan pickled veggies on the sliders. They were to die for. The venison meatballs were so-​so, with a sweet asian glaze. I liked the cheese board– the charcuterie was outstanding, but all of the cheese was crumbly, so it was hard to keep on the delicious toasted hoagie points.
After dinner, we returned to that hotel lobby and relaxed in front of the fire, and enjoyed Elton John tunes from the soothing player piano. I have to say it was downright romantic! Before long, we were back in the room, where we flicked a switch and the «fireplace» and some blue lights flickered on the ceiling. We liked the vibe so much we left it on all night. The hot tub had some serious bubbles, and the in-​house shower gel worked great to make some high foam, which was accented by the special hot tub light, which projects a shadow of branches onto the hot tub with the flip of a switch. Our shower was gorgeous, and the water closet actually had a working door, which was great for privacy. Anyone sharing this room would be able to use the bathroom without interrupting someone who needed to touch up makeup (in the too-​low-​for-​me lighted makeup mirror) or wash their face. Details are what make a hotel, and this place is not shy on detail!
Our balcony was over the Sunglass Hut building, and looked across the store to the bowling alley and elevator shaft. Screens protect the store from flying objects, but also provide a little privacy for hotel guests. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen or anyplace I’ve ever stayed before. Two posture-​correct rocking chairs and a small table outfit the balcony for cocktails or room service dining.
Our room was beautiful, with hand-​carved elements, stained-​glass door on the bar/​coffee area, an antleriffic chandelier, a mini-​fridge, safe, closet, television, and complementary bathrobes. There was also a basket of carbs on the bed (popcorn, two types of potato chips, and a box of mini cookies), and a chocolate chocolate chip «Nothing Bundt Cakes» mini bundt cake resting on the console table in the entryway with a birthday card for me from management. What a special thing! I ended up eating that for breakfast with my coffee in the morning, and tossing some of the Swiss Miss mix in the coffee. Absolutely delicious!
For the money, the size of the room is generous for a downtown hotel in any city. When you book, talk to someone directly on the phone, because the website said we had to book two nights on a weekend, but it turned out that we didn’t. Don’t be afraid to check this place out, because every experience comes with a lesson learned for the staff and hotel. It is well on its way to earning the Best Hotels in America mention it was just given! (
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What a great place to stay! We only spent one night but it was awesome. Our 6yr old son loved the room, the patio over looking the store below, the bowling and the observation deck! Great time for all!

This hotel is fantastic! Every room is a luxurious cabin complete with lots of leather and wood, an extra comfy bed, electric fireplace and spa-​like bathroom. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and plush. Interior rooms have balconies overlooking the store. Every detail of the design is beautiful and well thought out.
The customer service was excellent! I can’t say enough about Nicollette! She was one of the most friendly and helpful hotel staff members I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with.
Note: This place can get really busy on the weekends, but wasn’t crowded on a Monday.

Excellent Hotel, excellent attention to detail! Amazingly comfy bed and pillows (I’ll be inquiring about purchasing a set of pillows at check out even). Was so impressed by CS of night crew I sent the following email to manager:
My husband and I are avid auction-​goers, and stay at hotels with great regularity. It is common for us to check in late, as we operate on the night shift because my husband works nights. We stay in hotels at least monthly, and generally have very little interaction with day shift employees. It is uncommon for us to be astonished, if you will, or swept away by the excellent attitude and customer service of staff, especially night staff. Last night, however, each and every employee we came in contact with was impressive, charismatic, and impressed us. It’s not just the excellent service they provided, though. Here’s what really stands out to me about each of them, from the front desk check in gentleman I am not 100% sure I have his name correct to Larry, the friendly, knowledgeable and classy bellman to the lady who took my room service order to the man who delivered it: they weren’t just DOING their jobs, they all appeared to truly ENJOY their jobs. The words above will be under 5 stars on Google, Unilocal,and
. Bravo

Amazing hotel in Bass Pro Shop! Super fun for kids. We stayed one night and our room was like a cabin in the woods. Attention to detail with nothing missed. Beds were great and the décor is so beautiful. Worth the price. Had a wonderful time.