Let’s meet at room 3402 later were words that were being passed around as our luggage was being stowed off the bus and we were being herded to check out the rooms and amenities at Widus Hotel in Clark, Pampanga. It was Lakbay Norte’s last night and a strange bond seemed to link the busload of travelers that were pure strangers just a week ago.
A gurgling fountain set on dark slate rocks in the middle of the lobby surrounded by minimalist white walls gave me a good preview of what this hotel has to offer. Formerly dubbed Hotel Vida, the hotel has now been transformed as the hotel component of the Widus Resort and Casino.

A quick tour of the premises revealed a well-equipped gym, a cozy spa, a curious sundry shop and an expansive lawn with a huge pool that has slides for kids and a sunken bar for the older peeps.
Widus’ rooms are equally impressive. We were bunked on a Family Junior Suite and wow; it was simply beautiful. The white clean walls contrast with the warm tones of the comfy sofa and the dark wood of its cabinets. The room’s soft warm light seemed to be inviting us to just lie down, relax and never go out again.
The room’s amenities include a bathtub with 8” shower head, a refrigerator, microwave oven and a 32” LCD TV with cable; perfect for staycationers. But the thing I like the most about it is the verandah. I’m really just a sucker for balconies, I can stay there forever, writing, sipping coffee or just staring into the horizon for hours on end.
After resisting the urge to lie down on their soft bed, I headed to our rendezvous at room 3402; party time! The Lakbay Norte guys were all ready with beers and yakisoba’s for a night of Pinoy Henyo. The room erupted with hoots and laughter as the game started and I fear the room’s walls were not soundproof enough for the racket going on.
Early the next day, everyone headed to the Salt Coffee Shop for breakfast, one of the three dining options in the hotel. It was the most extensive breakfast buffet I’d ever seen; fruits, sausages, bacons, hash browns, baked goodies, and all sorts of fresh and fried stuff. They seriously seemed to have everything!
After a week of shuffling around various hotel rooms around North Luzon during the whole Lakbay Norte 3 tour, I’d have to say hands down, Widus Resort is the finest hotel of the bunch. The best was indeed saved for the last.

    Widus Resort and Casino
    5400 Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone
    Angeles City, Pampanga
    Telephone: (045) 499-1000 
    Room Rates: Click Here
    GPS Coordinates: 15.190275,120.525255 | Click to view location on Google Maps