Have you ever wondered about the story behind the name John Yancey Inn? It’s a question we hear often, and it’s a great one! John Yancey was a respected hotelier from Newport News, Virginia, and the John Yancey Inn holds the distinction of being the first property in what would become his family’s collection across the Hampton Roads area. For our returning guests, you’ll recognize the Main Building as the original heart of the hotel, established in 1962. Later, the Sea Building was added, closer to the oceanfront. And yes, for those with keen memories, there was even a full-service restaurant located in what are now our Easy-Beach Access rooms! The Four Seasons building joined the John Yancey Inn family in the early 1980s, further expanding our offerings.
In 2003, a new chapter began when John Yancey’s family decided to sell the hotel. A family investment group purchased the property, just before the centennial celebration of the Wright Brothers’ First Flight, a significant local historical event. This new ownership group, which also operates other hotels in the Outer Banks, viewed John Yancey Inn as a valuable long-term investment. They made a conscious decision to retain the name “John Yancey Inn,” recognizing its deep roots in the community. As one of the owners, Jeff, explained, “Many past visitors and locals cherished fond memories of their childhoods and growing up with ‘The Yancey.’” This strong connection to the name and the Yancey brand led to the decision to honor that legacy for years to come. The Yancey family themselves were pleased to see their name continue.
Jeff further elaborated on the decision to operate independently: “When we acquired the hotel, it was affiliated with a franchise – Quality Inn – but we quickly realized that both we and our loyal guests preferred the freedom of being a fully independent hotel. This independence allows us to reinvest in property enhancements and room upgrades based on our guests’ desires and needs, rather than being dictated by a large national corporation.” This commitment to guest satisfaction and reinvestment is central to the John Yancey Inn experience.
You might wonder what elements of the original John Yancey Inn remain today. The fundamental layout of the buildings has been preserved, maintaining the familiar structure that guests have come to know. However, every room has been completely renovated to provide modern comfort and style. The dune deck has been rebuilt, the pool has been upgraded, and the picnic area enhanced, all reflecting a dedication to providing updated amenities while honoring the Inn’s history. Our commitment remains to uphold the John Yancey legacy of exceptional customer service, welcoming coastal-inspired accommodations, and family-friendly features for generations to come. And, of course, we continue to boast the best beachfront location in the Outer Banks!
Looking ahead, the future is bright for The John Yancey Inn. We are excited about completing the final renovations in the Main Building during the upcoming offseason of 2022-2023. Following this, we have numerous exciting ideas for further improvements to the property, grounds, and amenities, all aimed at continuously enhancing the guest experience. Have you noticed our refreshed logo? You’ll see it online and on our brand-new sign out front! We are also planning a refresh of the Four Seasons building, likely starting in 2024. We always welcome and value guest suggestions and recommendations as we move forward, ensuring that John Yancey Inn remains a beloved Outer Banks destination for years to come.
