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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)
Garden
Interior entrance
Double or Twin Room
Exterior detail

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
The current price is NZ$144
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov

Explore the area

View map
Brook Park, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 3TP
  • Place, Clacton Pier
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, West Cliff Theatre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Clacton-on-Sea Beach
    ‪4 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 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(55 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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(9 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
(17 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 3.8 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 - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Clacton Pier - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
  • West Cliff Theatre - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Jaywick Martello Tower - 10 min drive - 7.1 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
  • ‪The Aviator - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Colin's Fish & Chips - ‬3 min drive

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.

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includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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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

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

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 30 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns on 4 Nov 2025 start from NZ$144.29, 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. 449 out of 764 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 205 out of 764 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 78 out of 764 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 764 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 764 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nicky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No protector on mattress or pillows big disappointment , breakfast was good bathroom smelled
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness

Fine but needs a good clean.

Pretty much a contractors stop over. Communal areas dirty bedroom carpets felt grubby and toilet hadnt been cleaned. The room had all the basic needs, tea and coffee facilities and more if you needed it at entrance. Night staff were friendly and helpful on our arrival. Good a/c in the room, firm bed and parking directly outside, just cleanliness is an issue here. Breakfast was ok, depending on your preferences.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

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

Anniversary Trip

Great visit been many time use this hotel regularly
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Anna

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities
All good
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Simon

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

10/10 Excellent

Ian

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

Lovely little hotel

Lovely little hotel at the side of the Aviator pub, check in at the pub was easy and staff are very friendly. The rooms are clean and beds are comfortable and a lovely big screen TV. The food at the pub is good value especially the breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Allan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
But noisy from passing traffic
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Christopher

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

David

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

Nice Inn. Poor pub.

Nice clean accommodation with ample car parking. The inn is in the middle of a retail park with few roadside pavements, so local guidance is needed to find the footpaths and subway to get to stores and bus stops. Unusually for a Marstons the beer in the pub was undrinkable and the wine over chilled to the point of creating crystals.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff and room was lovely.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Kym

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant place to stay overnight
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

steve

Warm welcome cool room

Friendly check inn, our room was already cool with the aircon running
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We had a lovely stay at the Aviator , we will be going there again ,well worth what was charged 🙂
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Glynn

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

10/10 Excellent

STEVEN

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice and easy…plenty of parking…tea making facility was good and if you need more just ask whatever you wanted wasn’t a problem
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Family

That the room was clean, tidy and as we were there during very hot weather, it had air-conditioning. Brilliant. Breakfast was also superb. Will definitely be staying there again when we visit our family.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

6/10 Okay

MICHAEL

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Gordon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice room, very disappointing breakfast
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leigh

Travelled with partner
Well all l can say is it’s lovely comforting room as it’s is our 5th time we stay at smugglers cove but I’ve notice it’s changed to The Activor again it’s no problem at still very happy staying there as we always come back when we visiting my family in Walton which is not far Thank you hope to see you again
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I will come again very clean room and good food very pleased overall.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Craig

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
Nice place but not told were checking in was and was told get 20 percent off meals but this wasn’t the case
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025