I've only ever had acrylics, the french-tip ones. They stick a white plastic extension on your nails and then paint the acrylic on top. I think if you get gel nails, then they only stick a clear extension on your nails, but they still paint the same acrylic stuff on top ?? With the clear ones you pretty much have to always have a colour over the top, but with the french tips, you can wear them as is.
Yeah, i know I dont really know the answer lol but i'd suggest going for the french tips, they don't cost much more than gel. The cost can be between $40 and $80, depending on where you go.
Stay clear of American Nails, because apparently they are one of those places that pay their staff like $2 an hour and you'll get crap service. Also stay clear of any place that has more seats for their customers than staff, because chance is that they keep admitting customers and the staff rotate and work on several people at a time, and then mess up your nails! Its better to go to a hairdressers or beauty salon that is a bit quieter and more professional. The acrylics last for a while, so you don't want to have anyone mess them up!
I hope that helped, good luck!