Best Hosting for WordPress

[Cidmenor]

I run several WordPress sites. Some are more complex than others (1 is moderately intensive).
I'd like to host all my sites on the same platform, rather than have 1 here, 1 there, etc. I can spend up to $40 a month on hosting. So a few questions:
1) Are there any "premium" shared/cloud hosting platforms out there (I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but some shared hosts are better than others).
2) Should I look at Managed WordPress solutions? Any recommendations?
I am looking to upgrade to something more WordPress friendly. (currently paying about $25/month).
Any honest and reliable hosts? Can I rely on them?

Thanks!

You need to choose a hosting provider whose data center is geographically close to your target audience. Also choose a host that is fairly close to you, since you'll be the one accessing the hosting the most.