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

4.0 star property

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

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
Brook Park, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 3TP
  • Place, Clacton Leisure Centre
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Princes 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 | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Double or Twin Room

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

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Double Room

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

View all photos for Double or Twin Room, Accessible

Double or Twin Room, Accessible | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(14 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Clacton-on-Sea

The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Clacton Leisure Centre and Princes Theatre. This 38-room, 4-star inn welcomes guests with a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.
View more Inns in Clacton-on-SeaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Clacton Leisure Centre - 3 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Princes Theatre - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • St. Osyth Beach - 9 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • Jaywick Martello Tower - 9 min drive - 4.9 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
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min walk

About this property

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

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

View from property
Esplanade Hotel - Clacton On Sea (Beachfront Hotel) by OYO
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
7.4 out of 10, Good, 267 reviews
$51 nightly
The price is $61
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Total with taxes and fees
Esplanade Hotel - Clacton On Sea (Beachfront Hotel) by OYO

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.

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

As of Mar 27, 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 Apr 19, 2026 start from $72, 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.

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 Princes Theatre, West Cliff Theatre, and Clacton Pier. You'll also find Clacton-on-Sea Beach and Jaywick Sands 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 amenities will couples enjoy 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, 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.

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.

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

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 479 out of 811 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 213 out of 811 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 84 out of 811 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 811 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 811 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Pablo

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Kelly

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The hotel itself hadn’t been hoovered and the carpet was covered in bits, this was also the same in the room with the bathroom having stones and other bits all over it. When we asked for the room to be made up the beds weren’t properly made and again no hoovering. Also for a family room there is no sticky bath mat for kids not to slip. The main bed was great the two single beds felt like the springs were going to come through the mattress. The breakfast was ok and some of the bits were decent enough, poor choice of hot drink options when it comes to tea, however the staff were very friendly and tried to be helpful. Overall the stay was ok, it just seems to need some real attention on cleanliness and spare beds
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent from check in to check out…
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Mrs R S

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Reception was very welcoming and we had a good evening meal in the restaurant. Breakfast however was very slow both days. I decided to have poached eggs on toast the second day and they were very undercooked so I couldn't eat any of it. I would have complained but after waiting so long for it to arrive there really wasn't time to reorder. Our room was ok except the bathroom was a disabled wet room instead of a standard bathroom, which we didn't book. I would definitely go there again for an evening meal but I don't think I would stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Hhh
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean room, quiet, bed was comfortable. Had everything I needed. Even had a bath which I enjoyed. Complimentary tea/coffee /milk, extra available in the foyer. Didn't have any food as was visiting family
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Business traveler
Liked: Amenities
Clean and
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nick

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Rooms had everything we needed, clean and tidy. Food at the restaurant was good and the service was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

trevor

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shaun

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pablo

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Mark

Business traveler
Not the greatest but not the worst, standard
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Rafina

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unorganized
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Again the room wasn't made up properly. Previously I've been sent down to a room that wasn't clean. Ended up watching the ladies do the house keeping. I was having a really nice day. Prices a little higher than I am used to, but not too expensive. I had some nice drinks and my girlfriend and I had a meal. By time you factor in the cost of the room, drinks, and a meal it's about 120 quid. Should be a nice time away. Then you find. Even after my girlfriend phone reception. That the room is made up of 2 singles instead of a double bed. Okay the lady did come and change it. But I was met with excuses. We are short staffed, someone else got it wrong. That kind of thing. I spend a lot of money with hotels and this kind of thing is becoming all too common. Also room 101 had terrible outside noise coming into it. It's an accessible room so sadly we can't always book elsewhere. It's either people above or those coming in and out smoking all night that stop you sleeping.I was going to book 2 nights but I can't risk going to work tired on Monday Room wasn't right and too noisy for a work night sleep
How we found the room
After they'd had to change it to what we requested. Surely it should have been like this when we checked in?
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice room clean and everything you need. My only complaint was the mattress it was awful just how I imagine that a prison mattress would be.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Rafina

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Holes in the walls , mold in the toilet not clean at all the bed was so uncomfortable as they pushed two singles together
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracey

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jake

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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