Lake Como vs Lake Maggoire???

Maggoire. I have stayed in Stresa, Baveno and Cannobio. My favorite place is the little village of Cannobio. It is very close to the Swiss border and a charming place. You can take the boat around the lake. In Baveno, you need to have a car to get anywhere. In Stresa, you can stay on the water front and be across from the boat docks. Go see the islands, eat at the restaurant on one of the island (Verbania is the restaurant name, I believe)...out on the deck overlooking the lake. You can take a combo train, boat ride all around the area (check out centovalli excursion out of Stresa). There is a cable car, lots of lovely gardens, waterfalls, little valleys to see. it is my favorite lake.
If you want hotel advise or restaurant advise, send me a private email and I will reply.

Jackie, The answer will depend on what type of "experience" you're interested in? You might find it helpful to have a look at the Italy 2012 Guidebook and read the descriptions of both areas. How much time do you have? Could you visit both locations? Lago di Como and especially the small town of Varenna are a favourite of many here (including me). It's a beautiful smaller town and a great place to practice Il Dolce Far Niente. Varenna is a good home base for exploring other towns on the lake such as Bellagio or Menaggio. Lago Maggiore and Stresa are also extremely beautiful (IMO). Stresa is somewhat larger and more "posh" than Varenna, and one of the big attractions for many visiting there is to tour the Borromeo islands such as Isola Bella which has an elegant Mansion and ornate gardens. That's also a good location to take a day trip to Locarno (Switzerland) on the scenic Cento Valli Railway, returning by boat in the late afternoon. If you want a few thoughts on Locarno, post another note. Good luck with your planning!

I have not been to either one yet, but after reading up on both I picked Maggiore for my trip Next month. Seems to me as if there is more to "do". I'm sure they are both wonderful, though.

We loved both, but I think if I could just pick one it would be Lake Maggiore. Visiting the islands by ferry is a fantastic experience. Also, the cable car to the top of the peak has incredible views all around. There is also a botanical garden at Villa Taranto across the lake from Stresa which was beautiful in June. Stresa itself is a lovely town with a park and walkway along the lake front that has beautiful flowers.
Teri

Paul, NO, Lago di Como is definitely not just for honeymooners. I'm also a solo traveller, and I quite enjoy staying in Varenna and exploring towns such as Bellagio and others.

We loved Cannero. There is a hotel right at the ferry stop. Small town but nice restaurants. Lots to see along that side of Lake Maggiore. We got up early and drove to Malpensa for a flight back to IAD. No traffic as it was about 6AM