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

Property class: 4

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

A buffet setup with various food items and serving utensils. - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
A bar area with wooden paneling, multiple hanging pendant lights, and a variety of bottles and alcohol displayed on shelves. - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
A multi-story building with a beige facade, a covered entrance, and a paved walkway leading to the entrance. - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
A neatly made bed with a wooden headboard, a small bedside table with a lamp, and a framed artwork on the wall. - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
A building with a sign reading "The Smugglers Cove" and outdoor wooden picnic tables. - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
A garden, a bar, and a restaurant are just a few of the amenities provided at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Bar

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

A hotel room with two beds, a framed picture on the wall, and a window with curtains.

Double or Twin Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(25 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a television, a window with curtains, and a framed picture on the wall.

Double Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(66 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double or Twin Room, Accessible

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a window with curtains, a wall-mounted lamp, and a framed picture on the wall.

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(19 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Room

A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables, a headboard with a light fixture, a framed picture on the wall, and a door to the right.

Family Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Clacton-on-Sea is home to The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns. Jaywick Martello Tower and Mistley Towers are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Clacton Pier and Clacton Leisure Centre. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Brightlingsea Open Air Swimming Pool or The Royal Oak. Visit our Clacton-on-Sea travel guide
View more Inns in Clacton-on-Sea
Map
Brook Park, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 3TP

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

  • McDonald's
    6 min walk
  • Costa Coffee
    3 min drive
  • Saffron Indian
    17 min walk
  • KFC
    1 min walk
  • Smugglers Cove
    1 min walk

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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
  • Phone

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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately GBP 9.75 for adults and GBP 4.95 for children

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Frequently asked questions

Is The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns located?

Situated in Clacton-on-Sea, this inn is within 3 mi (5 km) of Clacton Leisure Centre, Princes Theatre, and West Cliff Theatre. Clacton Pier and Clacton-on-Sea Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

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

8.8

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 516 out of 877 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 232 out of 877 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 90 out of 877 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 877 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 21 out of 877 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, comfy bed, extra pillows, fast free wifi. McDonalds, KFC, Subway, Tesco all within walking distance.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Maher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It is located with driving distance from the beach. I stayed 6 days as I was attending a family gathering. Clean and practical stay. Good breakfast.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff are very friendly and recognise me as i return every fortnight which is nice
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location and a great breakfast in the pub, great value as well
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Lyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was fine. Very convenient Local retail park walking distance. Breakfast in the pub was hit n miss. Only one poor staff member serving. Got the order wrong. Food mediocre
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay for a family of four in a great location with lots of options for food nearby. Breakfast and pub dinner were superb and very good quality. Thank you for a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elaine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
lovely staff friendly and helpful room was spotless, had everything we needed food was lovely , well served , great value will stay again , bed exceptionally comfortable , pillows so good i've googled the make , and have them on order .
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff very friendly. Room good size, clean and aircon was very much appreciated. Breakfast, although a separate charge, was very good. Lots of choice. Plenty free parking.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff friendly at check in, room clean and bed comfortable. Air-conditioning in room. Plenty free parking. Breakfast was good, lots of choice (extra charge) Lots of shops nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

June

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A bit unusual checking in at the nearby restaurant, as we arrived fairly late, it was lucky the restaurant was still open but no problems the bar staff were very helpful and quick to issue the key cards. Room was quiet, didnt hear any other guests, although there was some noise (motorbikes) from the road outside at about 11 pm. Parking was plentiful but disappointing the EV charging station was not working, had to find charging elsewhere Morrisons.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

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

8/10 Good

Christopher

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

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly and inviting
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Plenty of tea and coffee. Great breakfast at the pub and lots of other food outlets around. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location with the pub and a McDonald's then there is a Lidl and M&S food nearby
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room for the price. Helpfui staff. Great bed
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Room was clean and well appointed
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

10/10 Excellent

Georgina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff, the bed was really comfortable and the breakfast was freshly cooked - so much better than the usual heat tray types.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff and room was lovely.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ross

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Mariella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean Room, Helpful Receptionist, Aircon worked, Shops nearby
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jean

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