Big Cypress Lodge — Attraction in Memphis

August of 2023, my family and I traveled from Ohio to Memphis to visit some family. While we were out here, we stopped in at the Bass Pro Pyramid and while we were walking through, some sales or canvassing people were stopping people asking if they’d like to come back to stay at the hotel. They stopped us, and told us if we stayed, we’d just have to attend their presentation showcasing their new locations around the country. They said we’d get $100 gift cards for buying the package and showing up to the presentation, and another $50 for booking before a certain date. With our stay we were promised; 1 Free game of bowling, access to the rooftop lounge, unlimited access to the elevator/bar on the top floor. They said we would not have to pay anything upon arrival, everything was covered in the payment of $249 that we would pay that day (in August had we decided to sign up for it). They said our checkout time would be 10 AM, and we’d have access to carts to help us get our things to our room. As an engagement present, my mom decided to buy the package for my fiancé and I. I get a phone call about 3 weeks before our reservation date, and the guy is asking if my fiancé and I “still qualify”… yes? Even though it was established when my mother purchased the package, she was answering these questions as herself. Whatever, so I ask “What do I need in order to check in?” He says: A major credit card. They won’t charge anything or pull any money off, they’re just going to take down your card information for any potential incidentals, and your ID.

My fiancé and I put all of our money into the credit card thinking it wouldn’t even be charged until our check out date. They tell us too late that we can use a debit card. But they tell us this information about 3 hours after our check in time. They pulled out $100 IMMEDIATELY. We didn’t even get hand soap in our room! We absolutely DID NOT get a free game of bowling. We had access to the rooftop lounge, but absolutely no employee in site for drinks or snacks. We couldn’t even get a s’mores kit because they weren’t lighting the fire pits. We did have access to the rooftop bar/elevator but we didnt even use the wristbands because I’m 8 months pregnant and can’t go up THAT high. They then scheduled our “presentation” for 8:30 AM the day after our arrival. So now not only did most of our first day in the hotel was wasted trying to figure out how to check in (because they wouldn’t refund my mom), we had to go to bed early to get up stupid early to sit through - NOT just a presentation of their new locations… but a TIMESHARE presentation. We were handed our gift cards and were told we could use them ANYWHERE in the building; stores, restaurants, etc. That was also a lie. We were absolutely NOT able to use them at ANY of the restaurants in the building, we couldn’t even use them for room service. We ended up eating at Walburgers on our own dime. But ONE SANDWICH for $16 and it DOESNT COME WITH FRENCH FRIES AT THE VERY LEAST? We couldn’t even get lids that fit on our cups. The manager kept checking in on us, not sure if she was worried that we weren’t going to pay or what. The whole thing was just unsettling. $55 for two sandwiches, two orders of fries (that should have been included with the $16 sandwiches in the first place), and two drinks and we were up all night with our stomachs turning. Not to mention there’s a loud lawn mower sounding noise that came from the store somewhere (not the jet bathtub - that was used the first night and the self drying only lasted about 10 minutes). No the noise I’m talking about lasted 2 hours. We couldn’t get any sleep the whole time we were there because we were just FILLED with anxiety about what they would try to charge us for. We didn’t touch ANYTHING, no TV, no fireplace, we didn’t even touch the showering soaps in the bathroom or the towels! Now that $100 “incidental fee”? Yeah they are refusing to give it back for 7-10 business days. I checked out over 24 hours ago at this point!!! FYI I took pictures on arrival,...

We reserved a suite. It cost $490/night.

The “suite” was a regular-sized hotel room. The shower had mold everywhere.

The “view” was of a walkway where anyone could peer into our room.

With the curtains closed, there was no good lighting. I could not see well enough to put my makeup on in the bathroom.

There was dust everywhere. No one answered the phone for the front desk, room service… nothing.

I paid the same cost as half of my mortgage for a two-day vacation.

On top of that, they charged my card three times $87 for a “parking fee” when anyone who visits the store and the restaurants here can park for free.

People were even living in their parking lot in RVs.

The online reviews giving five stars seem like a farce. Look at the TripAdvisor reviews for some real insight.

We did not get a guest basket, also.

REVIEW UPDATE— It’s been one of week and one day after check out and speaking with Taffy Jones (the manager). She refused to give me an itemized receipt for my stay.

She promised to call me after she “looked into” the many, awkward charges on my credit card. I have heard nothing back. Some charges have dropped off of my card but there are still very odd amounts remaining on my statement.

I’ve noticed many other guests posting similar reviews to mine since I first submitted my review.

It’s become more and more obvious this place is a scam. Prospective guests be weary!

ANOTHER UPDATE:

So many terrible reviews coming out… lots of scamming.

I still do not have an itemized receipt for my stay. (See screencaptures of other reviews recently). Looks like the PR department is keeping the hotel in a 4 star category when it is really 1-2 stars.

Another thing to note is that the staff laughed when I called to request a check out to move to another hotel. The woman on the phone (my cell phone, by the way, not the room phone) said “Haha. They ain’t gonna let you leave without paying for the room tomorrow. Good luck.”)

ANOTHER UPDATE:

Both myself and my friend have come down with some kind of foot fungus.

I have not have a foot fungus issue since I was a kid in camp.

The lack of cleanliness of this hotel is absolutely uncalled for at the price point.

A cheap motel might have been better.

Beware travelers. Do not stay here. They are manipulating the Google reviews so it looks like they are more than a few stars. Don’t waste your money.

FINAL UPDATE:

It took four months and way too many phone calls to the hotel, Expedia (who provides the booking platform for AMEX travel), American Express Travel and American Express dispute center BUT we FINALLY got our money back for the second night we were forced to stay at this place.

No one should have to pay for a reserved room when the room is unsatisfactory.

And no guest should have to go to this much trouble when asking for reimbursement for a second night we could not “contractually” get out of.

This place ruined what was supposed to be a wonderful trip to Memphis.

Don’t let it happen to you.

Also, don’t give up if they tell you they can’t refund your money. They fight really hard to defend this over-priced, below sub-par facility BUT if more people speak up, I hope that will change.

Again, guests beware. Book The Peabody or...

Overall: I would say if you are looking for a place for a 1-nighter, definitely not a bad choice at least for the experience. However, I wouldn't stay more than that. Also, if you do stay, don't bring valuables in your room. Considering the cost, I could have gotten a hotel room as clean for half the cost, just without the "lodge experience."

Rooms: The rooms were excellent. Very clean, no mildew smell, they even had a christmas tree in the room to welcome you. Being able to view the store from your balcony (the store itself is super impressive) without being exposed to the elements is definitely a great experience. The ambiance of the room is great too. they definitely put a lot of effort into getting the experience just right for the "upscale lodge-like experience"

Service: this is where I'm going to ding them hard. Staff was never particularly rude, but i can't say I'm particularly impressed by how they treated me when i did interact with them. That however, wouldn't much constitute a drop though. However, there were 2 incidents.

The first - After I checked in, I went for a walk. Coming back, my keycard didn't work. Came down to the lobby, and i find out they gave my room to someone else and they were trying to remedy the situation (giving the other person a different room). The fact that this could happen at all is bad, but after they fixed it, they gave the other person extensive apologies ("This hasn't happened before, let's give you discounts on your room"). Me, though? The person who could have had their stuff stolen/damaged if the other person had less integrity? I pretty much got a "woops, lulz". After leaving said feedback, I get a "we'll let our team know your feedback". If you stay here, assume your valuables are at risk of theft since they might give someone else access to your room.

The second - The lounge/social area is open 5-10pm. I went to bed thinking it'll quiet down after 10. Instead, the noise kept going, including someone mashing on the piano HOURS after 10 (I guess they ignored the sign that says "don't touch the piano"). It finally got quiet a little after midnight. I understand you want to accommodate your guests who want to continue having fun, but you should also accommodate your guests who want to go to sleep before midnight. If they aren't going to do anything about noisy guests, they should allow people with normal sleeping schedules to sleep far away from the lobby.

Location: It's right by the river, so great access to a lot on the mississippi, and about 1 mile from all the interesting sights and activities in memphis. With a shuttle system, you can easily get anywhere interesting with little effort (and 1 mile isn't that bad of a walk if you want to do that). Getting to the location was easy too.

Ammenities: Being directly in a bass pro shops meant you could easily come and go as you wished. Breakfast was very solid, with a decent selection of items. The "hotel-only" time in the overlook restaurant was also very nice, with free passes to the elevator to it. Valets were also very helpful and were good. No problems with my car...