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The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns

4.0 star property
Inn in Clacton-on-Sea with restaurant and bar/lounge

Photo gallery for The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns

Daily full breakfast (GBP 8.75 per person)
Property entrance
Garden
Exterior detail
Double or Twin Room, Accessible

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
The current price is NZ$125
includes taxes & fees
6 Feb - 7 Feb

Explore the area

View map
Brook Park, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 3TP
  • Place, Princes Theatre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Clacton-on-Sea Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Jaywick Martello Tower
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, London (SEN-Southend)

Room options

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

Double or Twin Room

Double or Twin Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(22 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(58 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double or Twin Room, Accessible

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the area

Clacton-on-Sea

At The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns you'll be 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from Princes Theatre and 3.7 km (2.3 mi) from West Cliff Theatre. Highlights at this inn include a restaurant, free self-parking and a bar/lounge. .This smoke-free inn offers free WiFi in public areas and a garden. Each morning full breakfast is served between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. .With a stay at this 4-property class Clacton-on-Sea inn, you'll be 3.9 km (2.4 mi) from Clacton Pier and 3.9 km (2.4 mi) from Clacton-on-Sea Beach.
View more Inns in Clacton-on-SeaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Princes Theatre - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Clacton Pier - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Jaywick Martello Tower - 9 min drive - 7.8 km
  • St. Osyth Beach - 9 min drive - 7.8 km

Getting around

  • Clacton-on-Sea Station - 3 min drive
  • London (SEN-Southend) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Smugglers Cove - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Skinners Fish and Chips - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Aviator - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns

Inn in Clacton-on-Sea with restaurant and bar/lounge
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Clacton-on-Sea inn is smoke free.

  • 38 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns offers 38 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include a shower and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Similar properties

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Esplanade Hotel - Clacton On Sea (Beachfront Hotel) by OYO
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
3.8 out of 5, Good, 263 reviews
The price is NZ$113
includes taxes & fees
11 Feb - 12 Feb
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: GBP 8.75 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately GBP 8.75 per person

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Smugglers Cove Marston's Inns Inn Clacton-on-Sea
Smugglers Cove Marston's Inns Inn
Smugglers Cove Marston's Inns Clacton-on-Sea
Smugglers Cove Marston's Inns
Inn Smugglers Cove by Marston's Inns Clacton-on-Sea
Clacton-on-Sea Smugglers Cove by Marston's Inns Inn
Inn Smugglers Cove by Marston's Inns
Smugglers Cove by Marston's Inns Clacton-on-Sea
Smugglers Cove Marston's Inns
Smugglers Cove by Marston's Inns
Smugglers Cove Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

As of 31 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns on 6 Feb 2026 start from NZ$125.20, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

Yep, The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

The closest beach to The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns is Clacton-on-Sea Beach (3.1 km).

Does The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns serve breakfast?

Yeah, full breakfast is offered daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

No, The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

No, pets are not allowed.

The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 465 out of 791 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 208 out of 791 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 83 out of 791 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 791 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 791 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chanell

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Not a good experience

Check in staff were helpful, but apart from that not a very good experience. The room was not well maintained. There was a big brown mark in the bottom of the toilet, towel rail was broken, cobwebs throughout, walls all scratched, hair in the plug hole, kettle scaled up, lightbulbs not working.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and newly decorated. Bed was very comfy. Quiet area, but good sound insulation anyway. Safe car-park visible from window. Reasonable menu for breakfast and evening meal. Maybe benefit from a small magnifying mirror in bathroom for ladies makeup?
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms are fantastic, the pub serves amazing food and staff are super. Cant recommend enough
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jo-Ann

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very comfortable and clean. Tea & Coffee was ample. Just got a snack from the restaurant and the food was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joyce

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very clean, comfy beds, short walk to the Aviator but the bathroom could do with updating as it was very smelly and tired looking.. I would definitely stay again though and recommend it to family and friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Sarah

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness
The room was comfortable but the cleanliness was very poor. We were kept awake by people running back and forth outside the room. Next morning there were drug/gas bottles in the car park.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Jayesh

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Georgina

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff, the bed was really comfortable and the breakfast was freshly cooked - so much better than the usual heat tray types.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

James

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Bibi Mariam

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Simply cannot complain at this pricepoint for 2 adults and 2 children (double and 2 single beds). Large, well lit carpark immediately outside and check in is in the pub/restaurant. Room was quiet, bathroom was fine, beds were ok. Cant complain and would stay again. (Note:Aviator pub/restaurant has bad reviews which put us off and so we ate elsewhere but... it was absolutely heaving all evening so the locals cant be wrong. Would try eating there next time)
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Mariella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean Room, Helpful Receptionist, Aircon worked, Shops nearby
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A regular stay for us Lovely as always Room could do the some TLC
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

GERALD

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy to find, separate from pub so nice and quiet, very safe
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best hotel we have stayed in

We had a lovely stay, rooms airy and large, fabulous shower, tea/coffee making facilities. Parked the car outside our window. Breakfast was a bit disappointing, my husband ordered a full English, but when it arrived half the breakfast advertised was missing, living in France this is something he misses. We enquired the next day but it was still the same. Delivery the day we left 😔 . Buffet was good. The staff were great and very friendly Definitely book with them again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice quiet area in retail park, supermarkets and food places near by, only 7 minute drive to sea front
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good place for a short stay

The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The cooked vegetarian breakfast isnt amazing so stick to the continental breakfast. The other food in the pub is good. The rooms are clean, beds are good, quiet rooms. I would stay here again. It is only really a 2 days stay place.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Cilla

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Breakfast was great, staff were lovely, but housekeeping wasnt up to standard, Pubic hairs left in bath, grime under toilet seat around rim, beds were very comfortable but rooms were very basic, no drawers, to put clothes in,
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025