re: Traveling and safety in Rome and Florence

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My wife and I are traveling to Italy in mid- January. We've never travelled to Europe before and after seeing some news stories about violence perpetrated by migrants I'm a little concerned about picking an area to stay that is safe. Does anyone have any recent experience or a resource so that we can be sure to select a hotel in an area safe to travel around at night? We are looking at a hotel directly adjacent to the coliseum. If you know of any excellent hotels I would appreciate your advice.

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I have been to both Rome and Florence. You shouldn't feel any more concerned in those cities than a major American city. Neither has anywhere near the dense urban feel of New York or Chicago. There are also a lot armed soldiers (I'm talking full military gear with fingers on triggers) around the major tourist areas like the Colosseum and the Vatican.

When I was in Rome I stayed at a hotel near Termini, the major train station. It wasn't the nicest place or area in the city, but I had a very early departure to Florence after my Rome stay and wanted to be within walking distance of the station.

It was a great trip.