Hi Rickiebear
Lake Maggiore is beautiful and Stresa in particular is very elegant.
8 years ago we stayed at Hotel La Palma.Modern stylish hotel with great food especially the desserts,about 20 of them all laid out on a big table as a buffet.Yummy!
My sister in law went 2 years ago and it was still the same.
It's right on the prom so a lake view room would be best,although the lake road is pretty busy.
The pool is across the road on the lakeshore.A good size with plenty of loungers and deckchairs.Great for relaxing.
The shops and the town is about a 5 minute walk along the flat.
Nice restaurants and bars but only average shopping.For serious shopping Milan is only about an hour away on the bus or coach and the station is only round the corner from the hotel.
Ferries go up and down the lake all day to other resorts and into Switzerland.
The Borromean islands are well worth a visit.
One word of warning unlike Lake Garda there are a few mozzies about.So be prepared.
Caio

Thanks, Stressa sounds ideal. We want to go to Milan, and as the bus or train must be cheaper than an excursion, this sounds great. Some of the hotels in the town centre have poor reviews. We had found on called Hotel Flora, it is a little out of town, so will be a 15 minute walk into town.
Thanks again for the tips.

Stayed in Stressa on a package deal when my son got married in Turin.

Train was quick and cheap and is usually on time so that is the way to travel I would suggest. Must say I prefer Lake Garda myself, but nothing wrong with Maggiore-so enjoy.

It was far cheaper to get a package, spend a few days in Turin compared to a DIY staying in Turin, and as none of her family could speak English we could take care of ourselves after the wedding.

I attended a wedding reception in Bognanco, which is about 30mins from Lake maggiore. Much better to stay out of the busy, and relax in the calm, then go out and about during the day from a base.
Would always recommend a good quiet relaxing base, and travel around from there, also a lot cheaper than the resorts, especially Stresa. Train travel very cheap, reliable and quick, as is buses, so no excuses!