London... it's a bit big... need help!

[sanguinary]

Hi, I've travelled throughout the country, but I've never spent any time in our capital. I've just booked tickets for my other half's 40th to watch Billy Elliot, in May next year. So... without spending an absolute fortune, where do we stay for two nights, where do we eat?

I can see a huge range of hotels around the area of Westminster, but am I better staying further a field and using the tube? Currently the tickets cost £180, I'll be needing a train from Newcastle (or Manchester), so that with the hotel I'm probably going to be spending at least £800. I certainly wouldn't like to be spending more than that for two days out. Is it possible?

What do I need to know?!

[sanguinary]

vixen1700 said:

Good secret to know is Travelodge, Drury Lane.

That may well work out! Thanks.

Plenty of food for thought above, thanks for all the responses. Will sit down over the next few days and work out a plan of action. We'll be getting the train down from Manchester I reckon, so I'll look out for decent prices of the better seats.

To be fair, the other half isn't a fan of big nights out, so after the show a couple of drinks will suffice. I'll do some research into restaurants in the area so we can eat before the show.

Cheers!