London trip

Hey - never been to London and I'm down to only needing a hotel. I usually stay Hiltons but dam they look expensive.

Any suggestions about areas to stay? I just want to be near the action leading up to the game and such, but not necessarily near Wembley.
Also, should I stick with name brand hotels only? I don't want something weird... just something I'm used to. Gotta concentrate on turning brits into Who Dats.

Any help would be much appreciated!