If u can, never use laminate flooring. Even real solid timber strip parquet is better. And they are nearly the same price. In general natural products always give your home a better 'feel' Artificial material are more suited to commercial areas where their purpose is to stand out.

Gosh no!! Don't put laminate or any other timber flooring on tiles directly! Maybe carpet or vinyl is ok. My neighbour did that and then they had it taken out again. Then the blame game started as to whose fault is it.

Not advisable to put timber on ground floor unless you have done good water proofing to the flooring first. Otherwise you are asking for trouble. Termites love wet areas. And the timber won't last. However, I have solid timber for my ground floor rooms but its got to be hardwood teak. They are more durable and so far i don't have problems.