The room certificates are category 1-4 after you sign up for the card and a category 1-5 certificate for each anniversary of your card membership thereafter.
I think Marriott's credit card will now offer the best opportunity to earn hotel points on charges for hotel stays. IMHO, 5 Marriott points are worth more than 1 Starwood point or 5 HHonors points. The Starwood American Express Card and the Hilton American Express Card still offer better awards for non-hotel charges.