See all properties

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

4.0 star property
Travelers find a perfect base at this modern retreat where staff go out of their way to help guests explore Clacton On Sea's coastal attractions

Choose dates to view prices

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

Daily full breakfast (GBP 8.75 per person) - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
Exterior detail - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
Garden - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
Property entrance - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
Double or Twin Room, Accessible | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns (Clacton-on-Sea)
Smugglers Cove offers a welcoming atmosphere with modern comforts minutes from local sights. Guests can relax in the garden, enjoy drinks at the bar, or dine at the on-site restaurant. The property provides WiFi in all rooms, and the attentive staff ensure a smooth stay.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Bar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 20 sq m
  • 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
(56 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 20 sq m
  • 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 20 sq m
  • 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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 The Wheel Experience. 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 guideOpens in a new window
View more Inns in Clacton-on-SeaOpens in a new window
Map
Brook Park, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 3TP

What's nearby

  • Princes Theatre - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Jaywick Martello Tower - 9 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • St. Osyth Beach - 9 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • Ipswich Waterfront - 38 min drive - 34.0 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
  • ‪The Aviator - ‬5 min walk

About this property

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

Upscale inn
You can look forward to a garden, a bar, and a restaurant at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking
  • Full breakfast (surcharge) and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns offer comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Electric kettles, daily housekeeping, and desks

Similar properties

Beach nearby
Kingscliff Hotel
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 618 reviews
Kingscliff Hotel

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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately GBP 8.75 per person

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

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

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 Princes Theatre, West Cliff Theatre, and Clacton Pier. Clacton-on-Sea Beach and The Wheel Experience are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

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. 462 out of 787 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 208 out of 787 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 82 out of 787 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 787 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 787 reviews

Reviews

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jo-Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very comfortable and clean. Tea & Coffee was ample. Just got a snack from the restaurant and the food was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Joyce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very clean, comfy beds, short walk to the Aviator but the bathroom could do with updating as it was very smelly and tired looking.. I would definitely stay again though and recommend it to family and friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Katie

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

8/10 Good

Emma

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

10/10 Excellent

Jane

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

10/10 Excellent

John

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

8/10 Good

Michael

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Ian

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

Lovely little hotel

Lovely little hotel at the side of the Aviator pub, check in at the pub was easy and staff are very friendly. The rooms are clean and beds are comfortable and a lovely big screen TV. The food at the pub is good value especially the breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Kelly

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

Jayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable beds.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex

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

Great review

We always stay there for short breaks and its good value for money
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

I liked the look of the pub, it was lovely and clean and very inviting
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great little hotel , away from the chaos of being on the sea front.Friendly staff, clean and
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Simply cannot complain at this pricepoint for 2 adults and 2 children (double and 2 single beds). Large, well lit carpark immediately outside and check in is in the pub/restaurant. Room was quiet, bathroom was fine, beds were ok. Cant complain and would stay again. (Note:Aviator pub/restaurant has bad reviews which put us off and so we ate elsewhere but... it was absolutely heaving all evening so the locals cant be wrong. Would try eating there next time)
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Cilla

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

Diane

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfy beds and pillows. Easy to check in and out
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

steve

Warm welcome cool room

Friendly check inn, our room was already cool with the aircon running
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ciaran

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely clean property. Staff are very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025