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

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

Interior entrance
Daily full breakfast (GBP 8.75 per person)
Double or Twin Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Garden
Property entrance

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
Brook Park, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 3TP
  • Clacton Pier
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • West Cliff Theatre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • London (SEN-Southend)

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Room options

Double or Twin Room

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Double Room

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Family Room

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double 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
  • St. Osyth Beach - 10 min drive - 4.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Colin's Fish & Chips - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Smugglers Cove by Marston's Inns - ‬1 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.

Languages

English

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

  • 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 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.

Is The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns a good place to stay for couples?

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, this inn doesn't have a spa tub.

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.

Are there connecting rooms at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

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.

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

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 400 out of 676 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 182 out of 676 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 68 out of 676 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 676 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 676 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

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

sheila

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
My reservation was for a twin room but they give us a double , room but to be fair the young lady went and made the reservation in to a twin , and on booking form was ment to get breakfast but on arrival got told restaurant was closed, but we did have a comfortable sleep ,
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I always stay here
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Gary

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Needs paint up and carpet clean

We had a comfortable stay. Carpet was dirty from what looked like dried lumps of food. Walls were dirty in bedroom. Bathroom very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

malc****

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The property is undergoing an upgrade and will be great when all is done.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Gary

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable stay, room clean and tidy. One problem was TV went off at 22:00 but it was back on following morning so not to bad really. Pub shut for revamp so can’t comment on that
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Craig

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

malc****

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Only problem is you need a car and the bar is closed for a refurb.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

David

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well located lodge on the outskirts of Clacton with several eateries around. Ideal for visiting family. We found the room quiet, clean and comfortable, well maintained with ample tea and coffee available. Good bathroom facilities. The king size bed and duvet was very comfortable but unfortunately the requested extra single beds were of very poor quality. One of which it was possible to feel the mattress springs through the sheet, leading to a very uncomfortable nights sleep. Have stayed in Marstons inns before and encountered the same problem with the additional single bed. Over all not a bad place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gavin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Rodney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access, plenty of parking spaces , very quiet, convenient to town and seafront
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

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

8/10 Good

John

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyable 4 day stay would come again
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Denise

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I arrived 1.45pm, check in was 2pm but I was told the room was ready and it was quite quiet. I went to get luggage from the car and then went to the room but it wasn't ready, the cleaner had literally just gone into the room. I asked at reception if another room was ready instead but they said this time that they were really busy and couldn't change room. Whilst it wasn't a huge problem that the room wasn't ready I do wonder if if would have been by 2pm check in. I went away and didn't come back until the evening so don't know. Also Room 201 is at the top of the stairs and every time someone came through the door at the top of the stairs it made a noise so I wouldn't recommend that room. Room overall was quite clean, and hotel overall was clean. Complimentary breakfast while the pub opposite is closed for refurbishment was a nice touch.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Debra

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Rose

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked everything was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren

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

Clean and tidy

Business stay and just right
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leigh

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just love coming back to this hotel and it’s quiet and lots of places to do as we have been this hotel a lot of times and it’s worth it as the staff were great helpful and clean too
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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

Great overnight stay

Great room, extremely helpful and friendly staff, easy check and a a lovely great value for money breakfast experience. Second time we’ve stayed here this year!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leigh

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love coming back to this hotel as we have been there so many times as it’s very quiet and lots to do and places most definitely recommend every one to visit
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

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

Best hotel in Clacton.

I stay here weekly and have done for 18 months, its always immaculate and very comfortable and is of exceptional value. I have stayed in most of the hotels in the Clacton and the region, and for me, this is the best value hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

O'MEARA

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025