I wouldn't call Stresa "jaded." It's one of those Italian places that used to be a posh destination 80 years ago -- Hemingway used to go there -- so it is chockablock with Grand Hotels -- real "A Month at the Lake" stuff -- but now is passed by in favor of other places. (I guess Rick Steves hasn't been!)

However, Stresa does have an international summer music festival every year of some note. (no pun intended). I can't remember if it starts in August, but you'll need to book early if you want to be there at that time.

I've taken to the train from Stresa to Muerren (via Spiez and Interlaken). It was a perfectly pleasant ride.

Stresa is sounding better by the minute. Thanks everybody.

I replied earlier, chiming in that you might enjoy Stresa as we did 3 years ago in August. Now that you're more interested, I'll add a couple details. Regarding someone's "jaded" description, I understand what they meant because it is a bit faded in comparison to the glossy and well-kept Bellagio. However, we also found this to be part of its charm, along with the fact that it was not crowded. We stayed at the Hotel Royal at the north end of town, and the family that has run it for many years was delightful and very acommodating. We had an end room with a stunning view; it had a small pool and extensive breakfast served in its restaurant. It was not in the town center, but we enjoyed the leisurely walk into the center. It was near the smaller of the two ferry stops, where you could catch the ferry to explore the islands, the most charming of which we found to be the Fisherman's Island (fabulous restaurant for dinner there!). The Hotel Royal is not at all fancy, like the Borromean Hotel, but very nice. You do see remnants of its once glorious days when it was a part of the Grand Tour for European travellers a century ago...many old villas, many ready for some TLC.

My favorite hangout spot in Stresa is near the "second" ferry stop that guanciale mentioned at the north end of Stresa, right opposite Isola Bella. It's a bar called L'Idro Volante that is right on the waterfront and it serves very good food as well (homemade ravioli, etc.) This is also the spot where the cable cars go up into the mountains if you like to hike or even just walk around a bit and stare at the view below.

Thanks for more tips on Stresa.

The abundance of knowledge all of you share is incredible.

Thanks again everybody !