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

4.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

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

Daily full breakfast for a fee
Garden
Exterior detail
Double or Twin Room, Accessible | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Property entrance

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, Princes Theatre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Clacton-on-Sea Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Clacton Pier
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

Double or Twin Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(23 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Double Room

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

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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.

What's nearby

  • Clacton Leisure Centre - 3 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Princes Theatre - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • Clacton Pier - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • West Cliff Theatre - 5 min drive - 2.3 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
  • ‪KFC - ‬1 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

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 9.75 for adults and GBP 4.95 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

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 9.75 for adults and GBP 4.95 for children

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 May 15, 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 May 31, 2026 start from $67, 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.

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

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

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

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.

Are there rooms with balconies at Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

No, there aren't any guestrooms at Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns that offer a balcony.

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

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 485 out of 824 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 219 out of 824 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 84 out of 824 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 824 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 824 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leigh

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room food and bar staff were very friendly
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Christopher

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was clean and staff made our stay
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

David

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Rooms clean
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent, clean room and lovely staff, thank you
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent as always!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Denise

Clean room.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very clean tidy room Wonderful friendly room attendant
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Peter

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Room was clean and well appointed
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carly

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Ashok

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

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