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

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

Choose dates to view prices

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

Daily full breakfast (GBP 8.75 per person)
Garden
Exterior detail
Interior entrance
Double or Twin Room | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a 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

Double or Twin Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(21 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Double Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(54 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(9 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Family Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(16 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Clacton-on-Sea

Located within 2 miles (3 km) of Princes Theatre, The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns places you within a few miles (5 km) of West Cliff Theatre. This 38-room, 4-star inn welcomes guests with a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Princes Theatre - 3 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Clacton Pier - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • West Cliff Theatre - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Jaywick Martello Tower - 10 min drive - 4.4 miles

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
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬1 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 a restaurant and a bar
The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns features free WiFi in public areas and a garden. A stay here includes free parking.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Coffee makers and desks are also standard.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 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 elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Smoking not allowed

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 available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

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

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately GBP 8.75 per person

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

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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.

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

Are free cancellation options available 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 provides free cancellation on some room rates. To learn more, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see around The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

Based on positive ratings, guests enjoy the inn's location in Clacton-on-Sea, which is close to Clacton Pier, West Cliff Theatre, and Clacton-on-Sea Beach. You'll also find Jaywick Sands and Princes Theatre within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the inn.

Does The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns include a casino at the property?

No, The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

No, there is no indoor pool at this inn.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

Couples will appreciate amenities like a bar, a restaurant, and a garden at this inn.

Does The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this inn.

Does The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns serves a full breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Does The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns.

Does The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns have connecting rooms?

No, this inn doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

The closest major airport to The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns is London (SEN-Southend), which is about 25.5 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns.

Reviews

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

8.8

Excellent

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 445 out of 754 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 202 out of 754 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 76 out of 754 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 17 out of 754 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 754 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Glynn

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

10/10 Excellent

STEVEN

Traveled 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 traveler

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

10/10 Excellent

Esther

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aylson

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pablo

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

8/10 Good

Tina

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary

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

6/10 Okay

Mark

Business traveler
Can’t complain for the price, clean and tidy rooms. The food over the road at the bar was good, good value for money.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex

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

Great review

We always stay there for short breaks and its good value for money
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfy beds and pillows. Easy to check in and out
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jackie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed here when my daughter got married near by, Lovely little hotel and lovely bar/restaurant, only had the chance to have the breakfast which was lovely. Defiantly recommend/
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Duncan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff brilliant
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025