Yes the card isn't for everyone. I have had it over a year and here are the benefits I have received for the $395 X 2 annual fees.
1. 140000 points that I redeemed for a 5 night stay at a category 7 property in Manhattan. Cash price was about $1800 for 5 nights. The property has since gone to a category 8.
2. $600 in airline reimbursements. Plus another $300 after 1/1/16.
3. I have used the club upgrades 3 times for 2 nights each at Ritz properties so far. The difference in room rates was about $600 each time. $600 x 3 = $1800. Now would I have paid the difference to stay club level without the certificates? No way, but I did save $100's by not having to pay for food and alcohol.
4. $100 resort credit the three times I stayed at a Ritz property. $100 x 3 = $300.
5. Free breakfast with the gold status at Marriott properties. I have used this benefit probably 8-10 times.
6. 10% yearly points bonus is also nice.
YMMV
