I've been to Paris many times in my travels and I usually stay in Saint Germain des Prés. Having spent the last four days at Hôtel La Louisiane, I find myself asking why I've ever stayed at my usual, more expensive option.
Read the reviews (mostly good) and you may focus on the words "simple amenities". But this is Paris, where you are not "meant" to dwell in your hotel and lap up unnecessary luxuries! Turn the TV off, go for a walk, explore, watch the people!
What you will get by staying here is a GREAT location, a clean stay and a place with a wonderful history.
Hôtel La Louisiane has been home to great writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and after World War II it was a hub for jazz musicians like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. My own room was once home to philosopher and early feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir.
Hemingway, Morisson, The Stones, Tarantino and many more have stayed here as well.
My stay was clean, the staff were friendly, there was a more-than-adequate free breakfast and the place sits on the corner of Rue de Buci and Rue de Seine which are always hopping, all for what I'd consider an unheard of price for a Paris hotel in a good location.
I’ll likely return to Hôtel La Louisiane but consider this my recommendation to you as well if you’re ever in Paris and in need of a clean, no frills stay with lots of history.