Where to stay and where to eat if you go see the Lion King

We (Two adults and a 15 year old) are driving up from Atlantic City the first week of April to see the Lion King and do some sight seeing. We thought instead of the long drive home after the show we would stay in Manhattan.

We are looking for any info on a hotel under $300,something with at least two double beds that is somewhat close to the theater.Just need a clean room to change into evening clothes and to sleep in. and we are also looking for a restaurant that you might recommend that we could have dinner at before the show. .

We enjoy Italian but are open to anything.

If we arrive early and park the car somewhere are we better off leaving it in that garage or moving it to the hotel%26#39;s garage?

We thought we would start the day with Central park, TOTR and stroll the streets a little before changing. Any other ideas?

Where to stay and where to eat if you go see the Lion King

The first week in April is a holiday week so hotel prices are high. The theater the Lion King is in is actually attached to the Marriott Marquis hotel but I don%26#39;t know if you can find a room there for under $300.

Picking Wed. of that week, I looked on quikbook.com The Belevedere is a decent budget hotel not far and is $249 plus tax for 2 double beds. The Warwick is a nicer hotel and is $295 for a superior room for 3 (also on quikbook). Either of these are cancellable and no prepayment. I%26#39;d book one of them and maybe keep an eye out for specials on travelzoo.com

Other nice hotels that are near the theater include

the Westin

Doubletree Guest Suites (all suites)

Renaissance TS

Casablanca

Muse

The Hampton Inn Times Square North would also be ok but get a good price. (If you belong to AAA a lot of the chain hotels offer discounts).

For an Italian meal, Basilica is a small neighborhood place that%26#39;s good value and not as well known as some of the other places like Carmine%26#39;s. I also like ViceVersa or Orso.