Debating on where to stay in Phuket. We'l be there for a week, so want to stay a lower class resort for 4 days as a base for exploring the area then splurge on more of a luxury resort for 3 days of relaxing before heading back to the USA. Looking at these, what do you suggest???
we love a good beach, so please keep that in mind. In our thirties, no kids.

First 4 days, more modest hotel:
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Marriott Mai Khao Beach Vacation Club, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Anantara Phuket Villas
Regent Phuket Cape Panwa
Vijitt Resort
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

Last 3 Days, more luxury resort
Surin Phuket
The Racha
The Shore at Katathani
Mom Tri s Villa Royale

I like Six Senses, Triasa and Amanpuri, but they are a bit too extensive

the jw Marriott Phuket is very very nice and the anantara villas (no direct beach), anantara hotel are right there too, including one of the Marriott vacation clubs--all with beach front..

the renaissance is very nice too, just down the road with a nice beach---you might consider a pool villa for a splurge--very nice..

all of the above are 45 min. from town.

katathani and mom's are very nice but I think the jw and ren. are nicer... these are older hotels.

there is a new hyatt in Phuket...

Note that the Marriotts labeled "Vacation Club" are time-share units so have a full kitchen. That may be either a plus or a minus for you. If I just wanted to relax, I'd probably choose the JW with all of the hotel services. You can use many hotel facilities when you are staying at the vacation club, but the hotel is more refined, nicer than the time share units. I'd opt for a place with direct beach access, not all of the places in this area have it.

I've seen good reviews of the Katathani.

I think I've already voted fro Mom Tri's Villa Royale as the splurge.

If you want a Vacation Club I strongly suggest Marriott Phuket Beach Club over Mai Khao Beach Club. They are almost the same location but PBC is attached to the JW which makes it closer to the beach and to the variety of Marriott restaurants. We really enjoyed the Italian place. Mai Khao Beach Club is not right on the beach. We stayed at PBC a few days over the last new year and are returning for a full week this new year! We loved the place.

I have stayed at both the Katathani and Mom Tri's and like both of them very much. Either one is very acceptable.

You can't go wrong with the places you've listed.

The Renaissance is nice and quiet. Not a lot of kids, where the Marriott properties are more family oriented, although there is an adult pool there. I don't think you can swim in the ocean at the Marriott's unless it is a VERY calm day. More food choices on property and at adjacent turtle mall at Marriotts And Anatara. Having said that is is a short ride...5 min....from the Ren to that area.