I would have to disagree with Yamini (sorry Yamini) and say that laminate countertops in a bathroom is not a bad idea at all. I know some colors are dated, however, laminate has come a long way and there are hundreds of color and style choices.

I do not suggest granite in a bathroom because it is a porous material. Articles have been written about how granite is growing mold in the fissures and cracks and even underneath the top, due to high humidity areas, such as bathrooms. There are alternatives to granite in the bathroom if you do not want laminate, such as engineered stones and solid surfaces such as corian. Granite is beautiful, however, and Yamini is correct that sometimes you can get remnants at a reduced cost. This would be the same with most solid surface manufacturers as well as engineered stones. Because those materials are purchased in sheets/slabs, there are often times leftovers from other jobs. It's a good idea to call around and see what is available.

Cultured marble is an option (as Hewitt RS) pointed out and it does offer a wide range of colors now. Some people do not like cultured marble because it can crack (in the bowl) over time. It will depend on how hard your family is on it.

As for the laminate scratching, some manufacturer's (Wilsonart) offer a new scratch resistant finish to give you a little more piece of mind. Some finishes hide scratches better than others. I have two small children and I have laminate countertops in their bathroom. It has been in there for 5 years and I don't think there is a scratch on it. I will have to go and double check. Most items we have in our bathrooms (ie, perfume bottles, cologne, etc.) do not have the tendency to cause scratches. Cost being another consideration, laminate is significantly cheaper than granite. If having an undermount sink is a necessity for you, there are even options available for that in a laminate top.

Engineered stone and Solid Surface offers another nice look and feel. Engineered stone is going to act similar to granite. It is very hard and scratch resistant. My only concern (for my own family) is that I don't want my children hurting themselves or breaking glasses (or other items) on such a hard surface. I would rather have something that is a little more forgiving. Solid Surface (like Corian) offers an integrated sink option as well as being non-porous and seamless. It will scratch easier than granite or engineered stone, but it is completely repairable.

What I tell people all the time is there is no such thing as a perfect countertop and I am not going to convince anyone that one product is better than another. I simply want to make sure that people get good information and then decide what is best for them. I hope this helps.

John