lodging in Stresa

Stresa is not that big so anywhere in the old town is an easy walk to catch the ferry. That being said, I would highly recommend Hotel Saini Meuble run by Gianni. Centrally located and Gianni is very helpful with anything you might need.

Hi Cary, we loved our time in Stresa! You will really enjoy Isola Bella & Isola Pescatori. If you would like an inexpensive hotel, we stayed at Hotel Boston which is one block off the main street. We paid to have a balcony with a view of the lake.

When you're going to the ferry some guys will approach you to offer some private boats or give you the impression that they're the ferry. Instead, purchase the real ferry tickets inside the white building.

Actually the private boat excursions may be just as cheap as the regular ferry. Or at least they were for me and my wife last year. The private boaters are all united in a consortium and they have very competitive prices. After comparing the options, we decided to go with them. It was 10€ only for 2 islands (Bella+Superiore). It's 13€ if you want Isola Madre too.
These are the prices and options with the private boaters:
http://www.isoleborromee.com/index.php
Below is all the info with the regular ferry service:
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/m_illago.html

Below is the hotel where I stayed the last time in 2014. I liked it and it was right across the ferry plaza. They have car parking with an affiliated hotel. Don't recall the names of accommodations of previous trips to Stresa, since it was a long time ago.
http://www.milansperanza.it/en

I like Hotel Eden at Viale della Vittoria 16. They also have a good restaurant. Both room and food are reasonably prices. hoteleden.biz
Karren

Thanks, all. I'm waiting for an answer from Hotel Saini Meuble which three people have recommended via PMs.