windrider,
Make sure you review maps on these websites to get an idea of where your hotel is from the Zona Norte. A thorough read through the newbie section of tjamigos website is recommended also.
You mentioned MPs. If you haven't read about them on this and the tjamigos website, I suggest you read about them also. From what I have read, MPs are not recommended in TJ unless you are just looking for a legit massage. Any services more than that are overpriced. One that comes highly recommended is VivaMex Day Spa at 942 Avenida Revoluciูn between 3rd and 4th. I haven't been there myself, but it got a pretty good review for a legit massage at $35 for an hour.
www.vivamexspa.com
http://www.worldsexguide.com/forum/showpost.php?p=115154&postcount=1
Depending on how much you want to spend, you might also investigate the Internet escort scene. There are several listed on this and tjamigos. You can also do a search for Tijuana on the San Diego erotic services section of Craigslist.com. They all advertise the GFE with multiple pops for the session. Of course you can negotiate the same thing with any bar girl or street girl in the Zona Norte, but there are never guarantees on the quality. This subject is also discussed a lot on these websites.
As for transportation from the airport, I know there are buses, but I am not aware of ones that go direct to the border from the SD airport. Maybe if there is a next time, you might want to look at airline ticket prices direct to TJ airport. There are shuttles that depart from the taxi area. They might be cheaper than a regular cab. Coronado Livery or Cloud Nine come to mind. The Livery would be cheaper, but I would recommend calling them before you get here to see what their prices are or if they go to the last border exit. This would also help for your return trip. Cost could be around $45 one way. If anyone else has suggestions here, this is something he might need help with?
Once through the border entrance, you'll find plenty of taxis. They should not charge you more than $3-5 to get you to your hotel.
You'll need to allow extra time to get through the border customs line before you head for the airport on Monday. I've seen it take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour.
I have been to Panama and thought that was great. I heard about Costa Rica, and I know I want to go there someday also. I'll let you know later in the week about the "meet up" on the 18th.