Quito Ecuador. How safe is it?

I would like to go there but whenever I do not know I check the US State Department information and then Lonely Planet Forum for South American destinations.
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/ecuador.html

Are you referring to your personal safety or medical safety due to the high altitude?

Referring to personal. Postings on utube are all over the place about dangers of theft.

I hope to visit there in the near future. From what I can tell (from reading up on this destination), you should exercise the same cautions you exercise in any major city. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your hand on your bag. There are probably parts of the city (like any major city) where you shouldn't travel alone after dark.

I'm quite looking forward to going there.

Here's a link on safety in Quito that might be helpful:

https://www.notyouraverageamerican.com/2014/06/25/touring-safely-in-quito/

We're going to a language school for a week in Quito then joining a tour for the Galapagos next year, so I have been doing a lot of research. We're staying in the Carolina Park area which is considered safer.

I read on TripAdvisor of one couple where the husband was robbed at knife point of his camera in the daytime at one of the plazas.
Another wrote that Old Town was pretty creepy in the evening.
Avoid the buses. They drive crazily. They're crowded, therefore, increasing the chance of getting pickpocketed.

I'm hoping there is safety in numbers. I plan to visit the touristy parts of town only in a group with my school or the tour.
Avoiding Mariscal entirely. We're not into the bar scene anyway.

Lonely Planet has a section on safety too. If you are traveling along, there is a list of city tours.

Anyone know of hotels near the airport?

You want to see the center but are contemplating staying near the airport? Why? It sounds like you're getting overwhelmed by bad reviews. Quito has cleaned up a lot over the years. Just watch your valuables like any other city.

Yup that is what is happening. Guess I’ll stay with our in town B.B. But will maybe cut it to 1 night and add to the galapagus.

Guess I’ll stay with our in town B.B

Good idea. Stop reading all the negativity on the web and getting freaked out. Once you get there, you'll test your comfort and play it by ear. You can always change course after one night. That's what I would do. You're better off asking the locals (at your hotel) for advice than anyone here, I'm sure they can tell you what (if any) areas to avoid.

Just read up on areas to avoid at night and then avoid them. We enjoyed our stay and did venture out at night and took precautions that we learned about during our research. Take a cab at night if you need! Enjoy it , we did. Also, Cuenca was a wonderful place to visit too.
We loved the Galapagos! Have a great trip!

You are being scared away BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN TO QUITO!

I have actually been to Quito, have family living there as missionaries and have work colleagues who live there as well.

I loved it. Absolutely loved it. Great shopping, great food, friendly people, warm sun. Felt totally safe and my friends and family report that, while you should be aware of your surroundings, all is perfectly fine.

Thanks Emily I feel much better after reading your post. Since I have never visited Peru and Ecuador I was concerned about personal safety and quality of medical care.

Thanks everyone.

While my experience is dated, it was a very pleasant experience. However, in my opinion, it’s not on par as to safety in the evening hours bouncing around compared to major cities in Europe. Enjoy and use common sense.

HI DOT I spent 6 weeks SOLO in Ecuador when I turned 70. I did not go to Quito. I flew into GYE and took a bus to most of my destinations. One week of 1-1 language lessons in quaint Banos put me at ease. From there I headed south: Cuenca safe and ex pat friendly cafes and such/ nearby very inexpensive spa in a "suburb" called Banos/ then on to the beaches. Again very safe and easy transport and cheap/ I booked air bnb and small family run places using booking. com Weather was great in May. I did not get to the Galapagos Islands since it wasn't in my budget as a retired teacher. ENJOY!