What area to stay at in Toronto

I live just outside of Toronto and am looking at taking my niece for a long weekend in the city. I am looking at staying around the Eatons Centre (a big shopping mall) not for the shopping but as the location is easy to access the subway. I would not call the area quiet. You are also near to the a theatre and close to the rest of the entertainment district. We are planning on using the TTC (subway) to go to the CN tower, Aquarium and the Royal Ontario Museum. Depending on what you want to see there may be other areas that are better

As Wendy mentions, around Eaton Centre is convenient, but just east of there can start to get a little sketchy. I used to stay at Bond Place hotel , and one night found homeless sleeping in the lobby. An oversight, I am sure, and a short lived event, but not all guests would appreciate that. It gets a lot of tour groups, so can't be so bad. Check reviews for current feedback. Otherwise, stay west of Eaton Centre. West to Spadina and south to Front St. near Roger's Centre.

You could always stay at the sky dome now Rogers Centre hotel. The location allows you to walk to Union Station for the subway. It’s near many sights.

I seldom go to Toronto but when I do it is usually by train from Montreal. The hotel I like is the Victoria on Young Street, just a short walk from Union train station. If you arrive by car, there is a car park, with attendant, not far away, that is, walking distance.

I like the area around the Eaton Center/Ryerson University. It's got a good college student vibe, affordable hotel rates, plus you have good transit connections to the metro and crosstown trams. The most notable hotels in the area are the Pantages Hotel, Chelsea Hotel, Holiday Inn on Carlton St., and the Courtyard Hotel.

The Eaton Centre/Ryerson area certainly includes Bond Place, as safe as any and at moderate rates. The Chelsea is very large with a range of rooms and prices. Two blocks east is a boutique hotel called the Saint James, much smaller and probably quieter. A few blocks north, near Carlton and Yonge, is a highly modernized Holiday Inn. Carlton, by the way, becomes College on the west side of Yonge. I think the Marriott, a block further north of that intersection, is still operating despite a proposal for redevelopment. All boast easy access to the TTC subway system, essential for getting around.

I think the Marriott, a block further north of that intersection, is
still operating despite a proposal for redevelopment

That would be the Courtyard by Marriott, still very much in business.

If it's in your budget, staying at either the Chelsea Hotel, or Double Tree by Hilton on Chestnut Street would be ideal. A cheaper option in that area would be to stay at Chestnut Residence and Conference Centre.