🎭 Better than Broadway!!! Why We’re Flying to London for Hadestown Instead of Broadway
A cultural trip that costs less, feels richer, and aligns with our mission at Mapped & Noted
We’re heading to London — not for a vacation, but for work.
At Mapped & Noted, one key part of mission is to showcase culture and immersive experiences where we spotlight how theater, food, and place shape stories. During this trip, we’ll explore how cities stage creativity — both on stage and on the plate.
Our destination this time? Hadestown — in London’s West End, not Broadway.
🎟️ West End vs. Broadway: The Ticket Test
We priced out Hadestown in both cities. Same seats. Same date range. The result?
West End tickets were $50 cheaper for two people, even accounting for the exchange rate.
And based on past experience (Six in both cities), the London version delivered stronger cast energy, better pacing, and more responsive audiences.
Overall better vibes = London wins — again.
🏨 Hotels: Better Value + Smoother Logistics
We targeted 4.5-star+ hotels near theaters, with easy airport access. London delivered on all fronts:
Cheaper premium hotels near the West End than near Broadway
Easy Tube access from Heathrow — versus NYC's longer, more fragmented transit
Walkability, charm, and quiet in a cultural district that doesn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists
We ultimately chose the Great Scotland Yard Hotel. We first discovered it on a previous trip when we stumbled into The 40 Elephants, its stylish cocktail bar (based on the infamous all-female crime syndicate), while walking through the neighborhood. The drinks were excellent, the vibe unforgettable, and we also managed to explore the hotel’s hidden speakeasy, Sibin, which made a strong impression.
✈️ Our Flight Setup: Points + Targeted Upgrade Strategy
We booked United's nonstop SFO–LHR route using:
~113,000 Chase points
~360,000 United miles
Total out-of-pocket spend: ~$3,350 for both travelers (incl. one cash upgrade)
Flight upgrades:
We paid $617 to upgrade one leg to Polaris, which felt absolutely worth it — especially on the return, when the flight is longer and comfort matters more.
The second traveler is on the PlusPoints waitlist for both legs, a move that works better internationally.
We’ve consistently found international upgrades more likely to clear than domestic ones — especially flying from SFO, a Global Services-heavy hub where domestic upgrades are fiercely competitive.
⚠️ Points Are Great — But Taxes Are Real
Award redemptions = amazing. But taxes and surcharges are always cash.
And the only downside of London is coming back — not just because it’s a great city, but because:
UK exit taxes are among the highest in the world, especially for premium cabin flights
It’s more expensive to redeem points departing London than from almost any U.S. city or other international gateway
We’ll break this down further in our award travel review.
🍽️ Culture on a Plate: Paradise in Soho
This trip isn’t just about theater.
We’ll also be reviewing Paradise in Soho, a modern Sri Lankan restaurant reimagining traditional flavors with a London edge. It’s a perfect Mapped & Noted story — where diaspora cuisine meets modern identity in one of the world’s most global cities.
🎭 Why London Wins for Cultural Travel
Broadway is iconic. But London offers something deeper:
A more risk-taking theater ecosystem, from fringe to West End
Locals who engage with theater regularly, not just tourists
Historic, human-scale venues that feel intimate
Cheaper, more flexible ticketing options
And yes — more flights, better upgrade odds, and smoother hotels for the same or less money
🧳 What We’re Covering for Mapped & Noted
This trip is part of our cultural research — and we’ll be publishing:
A full review of Hadestown (West End edition)
A review of The Great Scotland Yard Hotel
A review of Paradise Soho’s modern Sri Lankan tasting menu
Polaris vs. Premium Plus flight experience
A tactical guide to international upgrades from SFO
A London vs. NYC side-by-side: theater, food, and hotels
✈️ Final Thought
If you're based on the West Coast, flying to London may not be as far — or as expensive — as you think. With smart use of points, one well-placed upgrade, and a cultural agenda, you might find what we did:
London delivers more. For less. With better stories to tell.
Follow along at Mapped & Noted — where we explore how people, places, and plates shape global culture.