There’s so much to do at Mammoth Mountain that you’ll likely be scoping out Mammoth restaurants by nightfall. You’ve earned your appetite! The range of restaurants at Mammoth will satisfy your need for a family-friendly environment or provide the perfect setting for a romantic meal.

To start, check out these low-key options:

1.  The Looney Bean
     26 Old Mammoth Rd
     Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
     760-934-1345

     Need a jolt in the morning? This family-owned establishment makes sure
     that you start each day in Mammoth off right. Mingle with other tourists
     and locals as your enjoy a cup of coffee and The Looney Bean’s excellent
     baked goods. If you especially like the coffee that you try, you can always
     take a bag of it home with you.

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Many customers of ABetterStay.com have asked how they can help support the Alabama Gulf Coast during these difficult times?

There are three simple answers:

1) If you can, please come for a visit!  What better way to show your support than to "vote with your feet" and come vist this beautiful coastline.  While there is certainly some inconvenience due to the BP oil spill, there is still plenty to do.  There is no swimming in the Gulf, but the beaches are open.  Most resorts have lazy rivers or pools. There is also great access to the fresh water of nearby Lake Shelby. In addition, there are several great events taking place. There will be fireworks on the beach on the evening of Sunday, July 4th.  Also, there are concerts, including the newly rescheduled Jimmy Buffet show on July 11th and country music star Montgomery Gentry. See more at this calendar.

2) If you would like to help, please consider giving money.  There are a number of great charities out there, all of whom are doing good work.  Some of our staff favorites:

• United Way
• The Nature Conservancy
• NRDC
• Red Cross

3) Alternatively, if you want to show your support , consider buying a t-shirt. Wear it proudly wherever you live and let others know that you support Alabama's Gulf Coast!

Whichever option you choose, please keep the hard working people of the Gulf Coast in your thoughts and prayers.

Perhaps the best cancel policy in the Gulf right now for consumers who are concerned about the oil spill comes from Holiday Isle Properties.  This Destin-based property manager features luxury condo and home rentals in the Destin area.  Many of the 1BR, 2BR, 3BR and 4BR units are ocean facing, right on the beach.  Holiday Isle is offering consumers a Clean Beach Guarantee.  Here is their policy:

We get a 3 day forecast every day - if the beaches are closed or the water is deemed unsafe for your arrival then a full refund will be issued.  At this time - we have experienced no oil of any type.  We posted the video below daily.  We will notify everyone immediately if oil is expected to impact their stay.  We appreciate everyone’s patience in this regard.

As of Thursday June 10th, there is no oil on the beach in Destin!  Here is a YouTube video showing the beautiful clean beach!

As of June 9th, 2010 the beaches in NW Florida are still open.  You can read updates about the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill situation that the State of Florida publishes.  We repeat: Florida beaches are open. Many Alabama beaches are open and for now, the beach in Gulf Shores appears to have very few tarballs washing up and no smell due to favorable wind conditions.  Read about it here.  

Given the uncertainty caused by the oil spill, many vacation rental management companies have changed their cancel policies.  Traditionally, cancel fees can be steep and usually require forfeiture of the entire booking amount if the reservation is canceled at the last minute.  However, vacation rental managers understand the anxiety guests may feel given the situation, so they are willing to offer no or minimal fee cancel policies in order to give guests comfort.  Below is a sample of cancel policies from a few top suppliers in the area:

• Oases Resorts which operates numerous resorts in Panama City Beach has waived any and all cancel fees or penalties
• Sugar Sands Realty which has properties in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is offering guests a full refund less a $50 processing fee. 
• Turquiose Place which is arguably the premiere condo tower in Orange Beach is offering guests a full refund less an $85 processing fee for cancelations more than three days prior to arrival
• The Beach Club in Gulf Shores is also is offering guests a full refund less an $85 processing fee for cancelations more than three days prior to arrival
• The Bel Sole Condominiums, also in Gulf Shores, is offering guests a full refund less a $50 processing charge up to seven days before arrival
• Pirates Bay Condominiums in Ft. Walton Beach is offering guests a full refund less a $50 processing charge up to three days before arrival

Many other resorts and rental companies are offering similar policies.  You can view the detailed policies on the checkout pages of this and many other booking websites.  You can also call our central reservations line at 1-888-828-6745 to inquire.