1

Suggest you start by getting to know your way round the transport website http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ whcih includes maps which may help. Get to know about Oyster cards which most people use for travelling about London (including out to Hampton Court).

Unless you've got lots of luggage, the easiest way into central London from Heathrow is on the Piccadilly underground line (dark blue). This passes through Barons Court and Earls Court districts which are known for their rental accommodation, much of it populated by ex-pats from Australia.

The alternative way into London is on the quicker but much more expensive Heathrow Express which terminates at Paddington. This too is a good area to look for somewhere and is well served by bus and underground trains.

For accommodation, simply try googling London holiday apartments. Hope this helps to get you started and maybe someone else can up with something more specific. I have some friends in their late 70's who visit London twice a year and stay in an apartment in Bayswater but that isn't the easiest place from which to get to Heathrow (its between Paddington and Marble Arch)

2

For a ticket to the theatre, use the http://www.tkts.co.uk (beige building in the middle of Leicester Square with dot matrix screens next to it displaying the prices). It's the official re-sell outlet. I can personally recommend Billy Elliot and Stomp. Both are long runnning.

3

be aware that the last week in October is the UK half-term holidays - up go the accommodation prices. Clocks go back last Sunday in October and bang goes an hour of evening daylight.

have a look on holiday lettings or airbnb with a map of London to hand. You want somewhere on the west or south side (not the Olympic areas, it will take hours to get to the places that interest you). Also why come all the way from the USA just for a week - it will take you that long to get over the jet lag! Can you stay longer?

4

I'd second neverwinter about half term - can you make it here the week before?

Depending on your budget, you could try Travelodge hotels, not slef catering I know, but so cheap, it could work out cheaper than self catering..... we paid £35 per night for a double room in Farringdon Road last time we were there, but can recommend the one in Covent Garden for being central (therefore cutting down on transport costs).

5

In addition to avoiding half term, one way of getting cheaper / more affordable theatre tickets would be to go to a matinee (afternoon) rather than evening show.

I don't think I've ever stayed in a hotel or B&B in UK that doesn't have a least a kettle in each bedroom, so you can make hot drinks, sandwiches etc - you will probably need to supply your own plates, knives etc, but might be able to borrow from hotel / B&B. Hostels generally have shared kitchens for guests, but do check. I don't have much experience (well, none, actually) of staying in B&B / hotel / hostel in London, as I've always managed to stay with friends, after a couple of periods of living in hospital / student hostels.

6

#5 Agree ref the maintee thing.

7

Hello there,

If you plan on cooking your own meals I would recommend staying at one of the student halls which offer some accommodation for vistors (http://www.halls.london.ac.uk/visitor/Default.aspx). Depending on the room type, some rooms have their own kitchenette, in others you can have access to the shared kitchen. The price is better than staying in one of the hotels but I would expect that hostels can offer cheaper deals. It depends on your definition of budget.

Personally I have stayed and highly recommend this one
http://www.halls.london.ac.uk/visitor/garden/Default.aspx
which was about 48 pounds/night for a large flat with double room, bathroom and fully equiped kitchen incl. breakfast. The price was for one person, I think for two persons it is somewhat higher, maybe around 60-70 which is still a good deal for London. The hall is very centrally located, near Russel Sq. with three tube stations nearby(Russel square, King's Cross, Euston) and within walking distance to the British Museum. I was a bit worried about the noise at first, because it is an underground students' hall, but it was no issue at all. For current prices you can email them at info.gardens@london.ac.uk

A cheaper option would be this one
http://www.halls.london.ac.uk/visitor/lillianpenson/Default.aspx
which is £50.00 /night for a double en suite room and you can have access to the shared kitchen which is cleaned daily during the week but can be a bit messy in the weekends. You will also have to bring your own cooking equipment. They also have a reastaurant at the basement doing breakfast and dinner at low prices. This one is also centrally located at Paddington, also convenient for the Heathrow Express train and close to two tube stations (Paddington and Lancaster Gate).

I hope it helps. Enjoy your stay in London!

8

These are really good links - well done!