I know that laminates aren't popular - (not many thumbs up on this forum yet) but when you think about it , many shopping centres use it - what harder life could you imagine. As for the veneers it has already been mentioned that you may need to resand and seal from time to time.
With the above in mind I put a laminate in my lounge a few years ago and have not regreted it - none but the most observant notice that it is not real wood.
I have slate in my kitche which needs annual maintainance, prior to that we had tiles: with slate tiles or concrete you cannot afford to drop plates etc, tiles are the worst because a chip is noticeable wheras with slate it can be resealed and hidden.
All in all laminate is cheaper and maintainance free plus the lower cost means that when you are ready you can easily change the finish.
Denn (the cheap skate)