I would recommend staying anywhere but the Surawongse for your first time in BKK. Honestly, with that location, I wouldn't stay there if it was free. Stay at one of the places in Ratchaprasong - the Athenee is one - or along Suk. Marriott Suk 57 (Bangkok Marriott) is fine as well.

As for transportation, taxis to/from the airport are fine, but otherwise, avoid them. Tuk-tuks are the same. Uber/Lyft/GRAB are bad options as well. Any vehicle on the street that's not a motorcycle will take you way more time than you expect to get anywhere. Use public transportation whenever possible and hoof it the rest of the time.