Hey mermaid,
Utila is where I got certified, never diving to AOW in five days. That tells you a thing or two about the atmosphere. Lots of people, esp Europeans for some reason, go there to get certified cheap and fast. It's gorgeous diving in a fun and laid back place.
But then there's the toilet paper and plastic all over the beaches. Unless things have changed a lot since 97 this was a place where people really didn't realize what they had and weren't taking care of it. Since it's so cheap there, so people treat it that way, esp the locals.
Went with the Bay Island College of Diving and really liked their organization. Seemed much more professional than other places I observed and from comparing notes with others. At the time they offered a pkg deal with diving and their little hotel up the street, which was a nice place. People also offer rooms in their houses and sometimes little huts right by the water for rent, so you can find some pretty cool spots if you look around.
I'd say before choosing anywhere to stay, make sure you check out the beach to make sure there isn't raw sewage dumping in where you want to do your shore dives.
Have a great time. And beware of unpurified water, drinks with ice, salads, etc. I got something wicked nasty in Honduras.
:daisysmil