I had a choice of whatever I wanted in my sewing room which is in the basement and I chose carpet. It is softer on the feet and legs and warmer in the winter. I think it is easier to maintain.
I had a lot of hardwood floor put in when we built the house 5 years ago and I now know why it went out in the 70's. It is a lot of work to keep it looking nice. Just dusting doesn't cut it. The main pathways have to be cleaned and the wet swiffer type cloths don't do a good enough job. I tried the old type of cotton string mops but that left it streaked. It requires hands and knees scrubbing at least once a month. There is only my husband and myself and a small non-shedding Havanese in our house.
We also have ceramic tile in the kitchen and baths. I made the mistake of light grout - next house darker grout. Sealing grout does not necessarily stop stains. Again another periodic hands and knees scrubbing.
I don't know about laminate-never had it.
I am not a neat freak but want to keep our house looking nice and I am tired and sore from the hands and knees cleaning (just finished doing it).