Take a look at where you want to use the card. I have vendors that won't take AMEX. I agree that Starwood is a good deal, but not if you can't use it. Also, check with your vendors. You may find that you can switch lots of your current payables from pay by check to pay by CC, thereby increasing your monthly spend considerably.

Also, if your main objective is travel to Europe, take a look at the BA Chase Visa. I think the 100K sign-up is gone, but it's still 1.25 miles/dollar and, IIRC, there's a 2 for 1 award ticket deal if you spend > 30K on the Card.

I like the generic travel reward cards, like the Travelocity card (I have one from US Bank that has worked well for me). Having said that, IME these cards are best for domestic redemptions, not TATL travel and definitely not TATL travel in a premium cabin...so if your planning to save up for a luxury ride across the pond, I would look elsewhere.

Whatever way you go, a points/miles card is best. Stay away from cash back cards for business expenses (or so says my tax guy ).