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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 restaurant and bar/lounge

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

Interior entrance
Garden
Daily full breakfast (GBP 8.75 per person)
Property entrance
Double or Twin Room

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$120
includes taxes & fees
15 June - 16 June

Explore the area

Map
Brook Park, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 3TP
  • Clacton Pier
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • West Cliff Theatre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • London (SEN-Southend)

Room options

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

Double or Twin Room

Double or Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Double or Twin Room, Accessible

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the area

Clacton-on-Sea

At The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns you'll be 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from Princes Theatre and 3.7 km (2.3 mi) from West Cliff Theatre. Highlights at this inn include a restaurant, free self-parking and a bar/lounge. .This smoke-free inn offers free WiFi in public areas and a garden. Each morning full breakfast is served between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. .In proximity to this 4-property class Clacton-on-Sea inn you'll find University of Essex.
View more Inns in Clacton-on-SeaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Princes Theatre - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Clacton Pier - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
  • West Cliff Theatre - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Clacton-on-Sea Beach - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • St. Osyth Beach - 10 min drive - 7.1 km

Getting around

  • Clacton-on-Sea Station - 3 min drive
  • London (SEN-Southend) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Colin's Fish & Chips - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Smugglers Cove by Marston's Inns - ‬1 min walk

About this property

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

Inn in Clacton-on-Sea with restaurant and bar/lounge
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Clacton-on-Sea inn is smoke free.

  • 38 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns offers 38 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include a shower and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Languages

English

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  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 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 lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Smoke-free property

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 and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately GBP 8.75 per person

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in 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

What is the cancellation policy 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 offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

As of 10 June 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns on 15 June 2025 start from AU$119.69, 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.

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

Yep, The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

The closest beach to The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns is Clacton-on-Sea Beach (3.1 km).

Does The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns serve breakfast?

Yeah, full breakfast is offered daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

No, The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

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

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

No, pets are not allowed.

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

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 400 out of 676 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 182 out of 676 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 68 out of 676 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 676 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 676 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

Julie

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Gary

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Needs paint up and carpet clean

We had a comfortable stay. Carpet was dirty from what looked like dried lumps of food. Walls were dirty in bedroom. Bathroom very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

malc****

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The property is undergoing an upgrade and will be great when all is done.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Gary

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable stay, room clean and tidy. One problem was TV went off at 22:00 but it was back on following morning so not to bad really. Pub shut for revamp so can’t comment on that
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Craig

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

malc****

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Only problem is you need a car and the bar is closed for a refurb.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well located lodge on the outskirts of Clacton with several eateries around. Ideal for visiting family. We found the room quiet, clean and comfortable, well maintained with ample tea and coffee available. Good bathroom facilities. The king size bed and duvet was very comfortable but unfortunately the requested extra single beds were of very poor quality. One of which it was possible to feel the mattress springs through the sheet, leading to a very uncomfortable nights sleep. Have stayed in Marstons inns before and encountered the same problem with the additional single bed. Over all not a bad place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gavin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Rodney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access, plenty of parking spaces , very quiet, convenient to town and seafront
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

John

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyable 4 day stay would come again
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Denise

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I arrived 1.45pm, check in was 2pm but I was told the room was ready and it was quite quiet. I went to get luggage from the car and then went to the room but it wasn't ready, the cleaner had literally just gone into the room. I asked at reception if another room was ready instead but they said this time that they were really busy and couldn't change room. Whilst it wasn't a huge problem that the room wasn't ready I do wonder if if would have been by 2pm check in. I went away and didn't come back until the evening so don't know. Also Room 201 is at the top of the stairs and every time someone came through the door at the top of the stairs it made a noise so I wouldn't recommend that room. Room overall was quite clean, and hotel overall was clean. Complimentary breakfast while the pub opposite is closed for refurbishment was a nice touch.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Debra

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

6/10 Okay

Rose

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked everything was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren

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

Clean and tidy

Business stay and just right
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leigh

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just love coming back to this hotel and it’s quiet and lots of places to do as we have been this hotel a lot of times and it’s worth it as the staff were great helpful and clean too
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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

Great overnight stay

Great room, extremely helpful and friendly staff, easy check and a a lovely great value for money breakfast experience. Second time we’ve stayed here this year!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leigh

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love coming back to this hotel as we have been there so many times as it’s very quiet and lots to do and places most definitely recommend every one to visit
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

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

Best hotel in Clacton.

I stay here weekly and have done for 18 months, its always immaculate and very comfortable and is of exceptional value. I have stayed in most of the hotels in the Clacton and the region, and for me, this is the best value hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

O'MEARA

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

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

Another fabulous stay at Smugglers

Once again, Room 101 was beautifully clean (Thank you, Charlotte in Housekeeping). Lots of Tea & Coffee, bed was crisp, white and clean, very big and very comfy. USB ports at both bedside tables - perfect! Towels folded neatly, big, white & fluffy. I love coming to Smugglers. Their Carvery is delicious and well worth the money.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025