Lake Garda, Lake Menagiore or Lake Como?

They are all quite different.

Where were you besides Varenna on Como? What did you especially like there and other places you visited?

What sorts of things appeal?

We stayed in Varenna, but visited Menagio, Bellagio and Tremesimo. We like the laid back feeling, the food and wine of course, and exploring the back alleys. We also took a train up to Switzerland on a day that it was going to rain.

You've seen enough of Lake Como. Been there! Done that!
It's time to move on to the next. Both Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda are just as beautiful as Lake Como, although my personal favorite of all 3 is Lake Garda, especially the North Lake. Maybe because Lake Garda has also the best beaches.
If you choose Lake Garda, visit Sirmione in the South, which is quaint and beautiful, then visit the north lake. Limone is my favorite village, but Malcesine, Riva, Torbole, Torri and all others are beautiful as well. They are all connected by boat service and also private boat excursions. Above Malcesine you have Mt. Baldo, that you can reach by gondola and see outstanding views.
In the area closer to Verona you can also do auto safari (convertible cars not allowed, only hard top, or you'll be dinner to some lions) and the famous Gardaland theme park.
If you choose Lake Maggiore, Stresa or its vicinity is probably the best base also to visit the Borromean islands (Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori). However my absolute favorite side is the northwest shore, in particular the village of Cannobio. Nearby is another gem: Lake Orta. Orta San Giulio is very pretty there.
Try and do a Google Image of the places I mentioned above and decide. Also it will depend on what you want to visit in addition to the lake. For example if you are also visiting Venice or Verona or the Dolomites, then Lake Garda is in that general area. If you are also visiting Piedmont or the North West Alps then Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta are closer.

Roberto has given you plenty to think about. Perhaps these ferry web sites will help, since I have them handy: http://www.visitgarda.com/en/lake-gara-ferries/ or http://www.navlaghi.it/eng/index.asp.

Are you driving or training? Desenzano (near Sirmione) and Peschiera are the train stations on the south end of Lake Garda, about one hour from Milan on the main line toward Venice. Stresa similarly takes 1 - 1.5 hours from Milan, also by direct train, on the line toward Switzerland.

We will be taking the train

You can use a combination of trains, buses and boats at the lakes. Public transportation is excellent everywhere you go.

Looks like we are leaning toward Lake Maggiore. Any suggestions as to towns and hotels?

Terri,

Any of the lakes are a good choice but if you've narrowed down your search to Lago Maggiore, you might consider staying in Stresa. It's a beautiful city with some interesting sight seeing possibilities. One hotel that I would definitely recommend there is Hotel Saini which is close to the harbour and close to some good restaurants. The owner is wonderfully friendly and helpful.

If you choose Stresa, some of the sights you could see....

• The Borromeo Islands - the most elaborate is Isola Bella, which has both a beautiful mansion as well as ornate gardens, complete with Peacocks. There are several islands, and you may not have time to see all of them. Isola dei Pescatori is a great place to go for lunch, as there are some nice restaurants with lakeside patios.
• Mt. Mottarone - great views (if it's not hazy) and a nice day trip for several hours. There's an alpine garden at the mid-point which can be toured.
• Day trip to Locarno - one really nice day trip is to take the scenic Cento Valli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno Switzerland. That will be an all-day trip (don't forget your Passport) and you can return via boat (which may or may not be an Aliscafo) in the early evening. Nothing like a relaxing cruise on the lake! While in Locarno you can explore the town, window shop in the posh Bucherer bling store (who knows, you may be shopping for a CH$ 10K Rolex Watch), visit the Casino, see the impressive Madonna del Sasso Franciscan Monastery or take a trip in the Cable Car to Cardada, which is above the town. There's a nice restaurant/hotel right at the top of the Cable Car line with a patio that overlooks the town and the lake. It's a great place to have a fine meal while watching the Paragliders sail by the patio. That might sound like a lot for a day trip, but it is possible (I know, as I've done it).

The hotel that I suggested is within walking distance from the rail station (it's downhill) but with luggage a Taxi might be prudent.