yes, get the card. another bonus is bonus night credits at certain spend levels but if you're not going to stay at marriotts long term it probably doesn't matter much (but the nights do rollover).

i use mine for all marriott stays and rarely at other places. the weeklong vacation stays are the best bang for the buck, gift cheques are good if you're elite...

one thing, if you haven't yet joined marriott rewards, pm me your email and I can send you a referral link that will get you (and me) up to 5000 bonus MR points...