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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

Choose dates to view prices

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

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

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
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
  • 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)

Highlights

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

Highlights

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

Highlights

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

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
  • 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

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

View from property
Esplanade Hotel
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
7.6 out of 10, Good, 259 reviews
$119 nightly
The price is $143
Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Esplanade 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 does it cost to stay at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns?

As of Dec 12, 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 Dec 19, 2025 start from $61.48, excluding 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.

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).

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

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 457 out of 780 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 208 out of 780 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 80 out of 780 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 780 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 780 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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Emma

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

John

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Family

That the room was clean, tidy and as we were there during very hot weather, it had air-conditioning. Brilliant. Breakfast was also superb. Will definitely be staying there again when we visit our family.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jackie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed here when my daughter got married near by, Lovely little hotel and lovely bar/restaurant, only had the chance to have the breakfast which was lovely. Defiantly recommend/
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alli

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms are modern and clean. There are USB points next to the bed, plenty of tea & Coffee and large bath towels. The beds are huge and comfy and it's just a lovely stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 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

2/10 Terrible

Nicky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No protector on mattress or pillows big disappointment , breakfast was good bathroom smelled
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025