My husband and I made no advance reservations here. We called from the metro station and they said had a room so we went right over. The price on the board was 290 Euro, but the desk clerk said he would give us a "deal" for 190 Euro. (Yes, that should have tipped us off that this hotel was not on the up-and-up, but our guard was down and we ignored the warning signals, we were so tired.) Not much of a deal for a lobby that smelled like cheap air freshener and no breakfast included, but my husband had just arrived in Paris and we were both exhausted, so we paid and went up to the room - which we could tell when we opened the door was unacceptable. Almost US$300 for a room that smelled stale and was so small and dark we turned around without even entering the room and went back downstairs to request a refund. The desk clerk refused, saying he wasn't authorized. We called our credit card company from the lobby, and arranged to have the charges cancelled. We left and found another hotel within walking distance that was ten times as nice, and cheaper to boot, with a thoughtful, professional staff. Since then, Hotel Istria has thrice resubmitted the charges - for a room we did not reserve in advance and never stayed in. I am still arguing with (for the moment nameless) credit card company. It's been a nightmare. Why Hotel Istria management thinks it is entitled to keep our money, when we did not stay at their hotel and we did not reserve in advance (thereby subjecting ourselves to their cancellation policy) I do not know. All I can do is warn others. STAY AWAY.

This is by far was the worst experience I have ever had. The Hotel was terrible, They had BED
BUGS, which is an indication of a very very dirty environment and very poor hygiene. I was
sleeping and suddenly we found that we are covered in bugs which was horrifying. We called the
reception to advise them of the problem, they said we are aware of the situation. WHAT ?????.. I
was shocked. They placed us in another room, however they did not offer us a refund or even a
discount for the stay. Keep away from this hotel, Horrible Horrible.

I found a v good price and booked - I think we paid around 55 euro inc booking fee. First impression was good, v close to station if a little complicated to get to on Metro. The Hotel is tastefully (and recently) decorated compared to other budget Hotels but slightly unfriendly service. Our budget room was located through small courtyard, a separate building to main Hotel. When we opened door it hit the bed, the room was so compact! But for the price we paid it was no problem - room had flatscreen TV, minibar, ok bathroom and ok decor. Area is v nice- local market is fun and the cafes and restaurants are great in Montparnasse, 5 minutes away. We were surprised to find Serge Gainsbourg's grave in the local beautiful cemetary, well worth a visit.

The room wasn't SO small as some told (in England rooms are even smaller). It was good for a couple, specially the bathroom. For us, brazilians, a shower is more commom than a bath. The elevator is really small: only one person with luggage or two people. And you can really hear everything in other rooms. But breakfast is good and you have everything near: supermarket, restaurants, metro. Good site