If you were replacing a countertop, what would you choose?

I have heard good and bad about everything from Formica to granite. I want something durable. Where I live granite is about the same price as the poured solid surface ones.

I liked the solid surface countertops that had the sink built in, but I was told that they stain terribly and are hard to clean.

I've heard that unless you "seal" granite occasionally it can stain and it will never come out. Is this true?