Depends on your definition of "best".    I like true "real" hardwood flooring.   Buying the pre-finish is nice quick n easy..... If your subfloor is even.    Thing about the true "real" hardwood flooring is it will last as long as the house.   That being said.....

 We went with engineered natural maple (only .5 inch thick, its real wood veneer on top 1/8th, plywood is the rest).   We were WAY over budget when building and decided to "skimp" on the floor.  A $150 floor runner stapler and $150 dollars of staples me, my buddy, and my dad put it down in about two days.   After 3 year and that bear of a dog walking on it, so far so good.   But no way will it last a lifetime IMO.   Best thing about engineered is it won't shrink or expand with varying humidity.   BUT, Im sure in another 10-15 years we might be looking to replace high traffic rooms...... Maybe.

 Sanded and refinished the parsonage floors this summer.  Kinda fun, if ya have the right equipment.  Proper lighting and a wide applicator was missing, and found out the next time I do it, I will have the right equipment.

 Im not a huge fan of plastic, but some of it looks nice, and it has its place.  

I like the "characteristic" marks in wood products.

 Pic what looks good to you, you'll be happy.  I like light colored wood, winters too dark for me.