Hyatt's Evans Becomes Doubletree EVP

<H1>Hyatt's Evans Becomes Doubletree EVP</H1>Phoenix - Trading in Chicago winters for Arizona sun and an addiction to Doubletree chocolate-chip cookies, Hyatt veteran Jim Evans has signed on as executive vice president of operations for Doubletree Hotels Corp.

"I think this will be a real nice shot in the arm for my career," Evans said, adding that Hyatt-where he logged 21 years, the last three as senior vice president of sales and marketing-"is solid as a rock and going strong."

Back at Doubletree headquarters-"where the aroma of baking cookies sweeps you off your feet"-the hottest project is Doubletree Club Hotels, the midpriced ($50-$70) brand unveiled in January.

Hinged upon the airline club-inspired Business Club room, the brand marks a departure from the in-room workplace trend. "I was very much a part of Hyatt's Business Plan rooms, which is a good product," Evans said. "But I do believe this new Club concept is the next stage of business services in hotels."

The 24-hour Club rooms will feature a self-service Kinko's business center, Au Bon Pain restaurant (open from 6 a.m. t o 11 p.m.) and Steelcase Inc.-designed private mini-offices, six-person conference room and social area.

The partnership with three national brands marks a first for the hotel industry, said Doug McCorkle, director of marketing for the Club Hotels. "With hotel rooms getting smaller and smaller, we think it probably isn't a good idea to eat, drink, sleep and work all in this really small space," he said.

Jacksonville, Fla., will be home to the first Club hotel, slated for May. Plans call for 75 to 100 properties by the turn of the century, most of which will convert from Doubletree and other brands.

Meanwhile, Evans' newfound cookie addiction shouldn't slow him down. "I'm a physical fitness nut," said the father of three. "The first Saturday I was here, I ran to the top of Camelback Mountain and down in an hour and twelve minutes.