This hotel is a lovely hotel on a quiet street with easy access to the metro and is in within walking distance to almost anywhere.

The rooms are small, which is to be expected in most european cities. There was only one downfall to this hotel and this was that when we arrived it seemed they had no room available for us (despite it being booked well in advance). It was late at night and wer were not amused. They rang another hotel around the corner who put us up for the night, but communicating through secondary school French was very difficult. (French do not speak english to tourists wheather the can or not, you are in thier country...)

We had an amazing trip to Paris and i would definately recommend this hotel to budget travellers. I would also highly recommend a day trip (via bicycle to Versaille) unforgettable.

Location is perfect if you're staying for little time, since it's got a Tube station AND an open-deck bus station right in front. Rooms were not very nice, though, cramped and with little privacy.

Friendly Staff which seemed very organized. Our room was very comfortable. There was a pot in the room to make hot coffee or tea. Great location within the city. The bathroom was good. The area was quiet. It was not a great view from the window, but still provided the distinct feel of Paris. After we checked-out, they were very willing to let us keep our bags in a storage room so that we could see more of the city before our train later in the afternoon.

There were a couple of odd procedures. When you leave the hotel during your stay, they insist that you return your key. To their credit, they always seemed to recognize us immediately when we returned, but it was still a bit unsettling that we did not have our key with us. Another is that they advertise free wireless internet, but there are too many available networks. We used one for a while, but it had a timer that ran out after about an hour. Maybe we would have figured it out if we had stayed long enough. Instead, we just used the computer in the lobby.

I suggest skipping the 10 euro breakfast. It is not very filling. However, I did get them to make a tray of food that I brought up to my girlfriend as a surprise since she was still asleep. That was definitely worth the money.

I've stayed here twice and would say the Istria is a good choice for people who want easy access to the heart of Paris either by hopping on the Metro at Raspail station just outside or walking through the Luxembourg Gardens to the Boulevard St Michel. Situated just off the Boulevard Raspail, it's quiet at night. Yet there's a wide choice of cafes and restaurants five minutes away on the Boulevard Montparnasse.

I'm surprised at the previous post. The hotel is under new management this year and its staff are friendly and helpful. It's a typical small hotel in Paris, the rooms are not large or luxurious, the simple breakfast consists of fruit juice and coffee with croissants and bread but it's clean and pleasant. I paid 70 euros a night for a double room, breakfast extra via booking.com.

Some minor gripes. My fifth floor room needed updating and there was a problem with the shower - staff said replacement units had been ordered. But I'll certainly go back when next in Paris.