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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

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

Daily full breakfast for a fee - 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)
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)
Property entrance - 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

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

View all photos for Double Room

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

Double Room

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

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

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

View all photos for Family Room

1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

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

  • 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

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), smoke-free premises, and outdoor furniture
  • 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

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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

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. 488 out of 831 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 222 out of 831 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 85 out of 831 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 831 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 831 reviews

Reviews

Verified

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Christopher

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

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

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

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

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

8/10 Good

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast had a fairly good range, although no yoghurt on both days and no pastries on the second. The room was clean, however there were hairs on the bath room floor, which went on to the floor mat. There were no coffee cups in the room, I did request these, but had to go and get from the restaurant a few hours later. Ac could not be switched on below 19•c it got very warm in the room, the window had security locks, so we’re unable to get enough of a breeze. The food was lovely, a good choice of evening meals.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jane

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

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

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Emma

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Khulisani

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic Stay at The Aviator (Room 104) ​I had a wonderful experience staying at The Aviator. From the moment I arrived, everything was handled with professionalism and care. ​Shoutout to Housekeeping: I stayed in Room 104, and I have to give a special mention to Amber. The clean room was absolutely pristine; her attention to detail was evident the moment I walked in. It’s rare to find such a high standard of cleanliness! ​Wonderful Staff: Beyond housekeeping, the entire staff was friendly and accommodating, ensuring a smooth and pleasant stay from start to finish. ​Comfort & Tech: The air conditioning worked perfectly—it was quiet and kept the room at a very comfortable temperature, which made for a great night's sleep. ​Prime Location: The location is incredibly convenient with several shops nearby. It was so easy to step out and grab anything I needed without having to trek across town. ​Bottom Line: Between the great service from people like Amber and the excellent facilities, I’d highly recommend The Aviator to anyone. I’ll definitely be returning!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

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

10/10 Excellent

Arnold

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place, great staff and food would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jayne

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

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