My mother and I stayed here; booked on the strength of other tripadvisor reviews. It is all that people have commented on- delightful proprietor; good breakfast; convenient for all that Stresa offers. However, we were in room 24 and were acutely aware of conversations happening in rooms adjacent (including hearing the person on the end of the mobile phone!); and shutters opening in the morning woke us. Also, showers and toilets flushing could be heard. I don't know if this is a problem in other rooms....but would say take your earplugs in case. Otherwise, a nice stay.

We booked to stay 5 nights at the Fontana, largely based on Trip Advisor reviews, and were delighted. Superb location with the centre of Stresa just a 15 minute lakeside stroll away, train station also no more than a 15 minute walk, and the cable car up to Mottarone also 15 minutes! The proprietors and staff were all superbly friendly and attentive - far friendlier than a large hotel chain. We stayed in room 23 which had air conditioning, but (despite weather in the high 20's centigrade and not much lower at night) we did not need. The sun shines on the back of the hotel, so leaving the large doors onto the balcony open was enough for a comfortable sleep. We would happily return and recommend to any family or friends looking to visit Lake Maggiore.

We grew to love this hotel a little more each of the 6 days we spent there. The outside of the building is a little austere, but the reception rooms are attractive in a traditional way. Our room, no. 33 was on the small side but very comfortable. The bathroom was a little bit cramped and windowless, but spotlessly clean, as was the room itself. There is an enormous balcony as has been mentioned previously, but we were a little disappointed that it is a bit 'run down' in appearance. It would be fabulous with just a lick of paint and a few pots of flowers. Even so, it was very pleasant to sit outside amidst the trees and enjoy the view to the lake and Isola Bella. We found the road quite noisy at night with the balcony doors open, but there is aircon, so we were able to keep them shut and still be comfortable.
The breakfast was excellent and plentiful, although the coffee did taste like instant coffee, which was a bit of a surprise in Italy.
Signor Guiseppe and his wife are absolutely charming and very helpful, and all the staff were really friendly.
We loved some of the quirky features of this hotel, especially the chicken who likes to spend the nights next to a ceramic cockerel by the front entrance, and little Palina, a very nervous 'rescue' dog who found a very special place in our hearts.
The hotel is 15-20 minutes stroll into the centre of Stresa along a very pleasant lakeside promenade, and very close to the Alibus stop from the airport as well as the railway station for connections to Milan etc. It's only 10 minutes walk to the cable car to Mottarone, and Carciano embarkation for boats to the Borromean Islands.
We loved our trip to Lake Orta, which we organised with Fabri of Maggiore Discovery (www.maggiorediscovery.com) as well as the beautiful gardens of the Villa Taranto and Isola Bella, the Monastery of Santa Catarina and the Rocca di Angera which we reached by taking the train from Stresa to Arona and then the boat from there.

Stayed for three nights whilst attending a wedding in Stresa. Knew we had made the right decision to stay here from the moment we were welcomed by the owner and shown to our room. We found the hotel spotlessly clean and our room very pleasant, with everything we needed during our stay (including plenty of coat hangers). The hotel has a retro interior, which we appreciated. Without doubt the USP is the owner and the attention he pays to guest needs is second to none. Breakfast is 7:30 to 10am but upon hearing we needed an early start on the wedding day, offered to make it available earlier, a lovely touch. Breakfast itself was a plentiful,, wide continental selection with tea and coffee served as soon as requested. With all the family staying in the area we visited several other hotels, some fancier, but none with the heart of this little gem.
We had such a smashing stay at this hotel that we have rebooked for next year.