Utila Lodging during Christmas

Hi,

I arrive in Uila on Christmas Eve. (Still don't know if I will be doing a dive course). Any suggestions on where to stay? And should I book ahead or just show up and try to find somethiing. Also, Would like a place where it is easy to meet people. Any suggestions would be welcomed!
Thanks

I'd book ahead, at least the 1st few nights. You can search using aboututila.com.

You may need to book ahead as it can be really busy Christmas Eve to New Years.
We've been to Utila 3 times and love the place - good vibes.
If you're there New Years Eve -you must go to Tranguilla Bar - it's where the party is.
You can try the Country Side Apartments - they have rooms or 1 bedroom apts. Office: 504-425-3004 or home: 504-425-3918
E-mail countrysideapartments05@yahoo.com
You can also try Bayview Hotel - right on the water - ask for Ms Dinnie
We're not divers, but Lonely Planet has some good suggestions: Altons / Gunthers
Safe travelling....

I would make a reservation, also, many of the big dive operations offer free lodging with a course...as far as meeting others, all the places are pretty fun gatherings of folks, and its a very compact town, one main road and 30 places to sleep/eat/dive.

I used UDC, and stayed at their super nice hotel the Mango Inn, up the road above town 5 minutes walk, swimming pool and nice cafe, good scene, both dorm rooms, private rooms and cabinas. Its more peaceful away from the main strip lots of motos and people in the bars till later in evening. On the other end of town, Altons and the Lighthouse looked very nice...more peaceful at that end too..

Thanks for the responses, made a reservation!