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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 a restaurant and a bar

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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)
Double or Twin Room | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Garden
Interior entrance
Exterior detail

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, Jaywick Martello Tower
    ‪9 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
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room

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

Double Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(55 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
(13 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • 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)
  • 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.
View more Inns in Clacton-on-SeaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Princes Theatre - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • West Cliff Theatre - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Jaywick Martello Tower - 9 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • University of Essex - 16 min drive - 12.7 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
  • ‪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

View from property
Esplanade Hotel - Clacton On Sea (Beachfront Hotel) by OYO
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
7.6 out of 10, Good, 259 reviews
$81 nightly
The price is $98
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
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
  • Limited onsite self parking

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Are there rooms with balconies 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. 459 out of 784 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 208 out of 784 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 82 out of 784 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 784 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 784 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

steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A regular stay for us Lovely as always Room could do the some TLC
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

GERALD

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy to find, separate from pub so nice and quiet, very safe
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

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

Best hotel we have stayed in

We had a lovely stay, rooms airy and large, fabulous shower, tea/coffee making facilities. Parked the car outside our window. Breakfast was a bit disappointing, my husband ordered a full English, but when it arrived half the breakfast advertised was missing, living in France this is something he misses. We enquired the next day but it was still the same. Delivery the day we left 😔 . Buffet was good. The staff were great and very friendly Definitely book with them again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice quiet area in retail park, supermarkets and food places near by, only 7 minute drive to sea front
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

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

Good place for a short stay

The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The cooked vegetarian breakfast isnt amazing so stick to the continental breakfast. The other food in the pub is good. The rooms are clean, beds are good, quiet rooms. I would stay here again. It is only really a 2 days stay place.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Cilla

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Breakfast was great, staff were lovely, but housekeeping wasnt up to standard, Pubic hairs left in bath, grime under toilet seat around rim, beds were very comfortable but rooms were very basic, no drawers, to put clothes in,
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Clean. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

DEBBIE

Liked: Cleanliness
Good just very busy when checking in needed more staff
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Troy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love ❤️
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Roberta

One night stay

We checked in on the 6th at about 6.30pm and the place was very busy. The reception was welcoming had our booking and we checked in quite quickly given how busy they were. When we got to the accessible room we’d booked it was clear and tidy. Unfortunately there were no towels and only half a roll of toilet paper. Went back to reception and it was even busier and no one on the reception desk but one of the staff who was passing by acknowledged I was waiting and said she’d be back. She asked how could she help and I told her about the towels and she immediately went to get them for me unfortunately she didn’t hear me call out I’d forgotten to mention toilet paper. When she got back I told her and apologised and she could not have been nicer and rush to get me one and said though I misheard she take it directly to the room. I left my partner to wait and when I got to the room she was already there with the toilet paper. I was very impressed she did it all with a smile and was extremely welcoming even though she was rushed off her feet. My partner did have a problem when showering as he could not get the seat down to shower. The toilet seat was a bit wobbly . We were very tired and not very hungry so opted to get a Salad from the M&S food place next door but the menu for the restaurant looked as if it could meet the needs of families and judging by how busy it was it was very popular. We’d booked continental breakfast in the morning and it was very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

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

8/10 Good

Emma, London

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was clean & comfortable :)
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything worked
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Amenities
Great all round. Special thanks to Karen too. Hope to visit again
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ross

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Family stay for the airshow

Check in was easy, staff were friendly, breakfast was offered at a reduced rate before stay so added that on and it was good value/tasty! Room was comfortable enough, location was good, we attended the airshow.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Annie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Gary

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The only thing we didn’t like was having to check in at the Pub, but what we did like was the aviator Pub and the staff that worked there. The waitresses, and bar staff were excellent, free and easy parking was excellent. located nicely near shops and eateries.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clive

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trevor

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Made to feel welcome on arrival. Very comfortable bed Walk in shower was very welcome
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice hotel & restaurant
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Joanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Lovely friendly staff, great informative check in. We had a really lovely meal in the pub, food was hot and didn’t have to wait long at all. Situated near a small retail park, very quiet/peaceful. Hotel rooms spacious and very clean however the hotel as a whole including the room we were in could do with a little money spent on it. Mattress’ are very soft!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daryl

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

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

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