Local hotel rooms for family members attending spring graduation have been hard to come by for months, but graduates and families will not starve.

Although area restaurants book customers months in advance of commencement, some are still accepting reservations and catering orders for May 14 and 15, the dates of Penn State's graduation ceremonies.

Toby Klein, reservation manager of the Nittany Lion Inn and Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, said that both hotels have been booked since the Monday after spring 2003 commencement.

"We opened reservations last May and were booked within twenty minutes," Klein said. "Everybody wants the Inn."

Lauren McCamley, assistant front office manager of Toftrees Resort, said they have been booked since June, when the reservations were opened for the weekend of May 14 through the 16. McCamley said there is not a waiting list for hotel rooms, and they will not be taking any names if cancellations occur.

Klein said guests who wish to cancel must do so at least 30 days before commencement to receive a refund.

Cecelia Cabarcos of Comfort Suites, 132 Village Drive, said the hotel opened reservations on June 1 and sold out that day.

The university is opening residence halls on campus for families to lodge in, said Cheryl Wagner, staff assistant for Conference Services. Reservations and other details regarding rooms are expected to be decided by April 1.

Area restaurants are still taking reservations for the graduation weekend, and some have not yet begun accepting names.

The Tavern, 220 E. College Ave., will start accepting reservations during the day on March 15.

Dawn Williams, office manager, said the restaurant will not accept reservations for parties larger than 12.

Josh Longhenry, employee of the Olive Garden, 1945 Waddle Road, said they are planning for a large crowd that weekend.

"We were really full for December graduation, so we are expecting the same for May," he said.

Damon's Restaurant, 1031 E. College Ave., is also preparing for the graduation weekend.

Tom Hoffer, assistant general manager, said the restaurant does not usually fill up until the final month.

Gail Burns, general manager of Mario and Luigi's, 1272 N. Atherton St. said the restaurant will probably not take reservations this year.

"We took them last year, but so many didn't show up or came late," Burns said. "We would love to have the graduates but on a first-come, first-serve basis."

If reservations are still hard to come by for some, catering is also an option for graduation meals.

Lisa DiMartino, assistant manager of Harrison's, 1221 N. Atherton St., said the eat-in restaurant might not be popular among families wishing to drink while they dine, since their restaurant operates on a "bring your own beverage" policy.

DiMartino said Penn State uses the restaurant's catering service of gourmet food.

"We are typically very busy on graduation weekend but are always taking orders," she said.