Sounds like a fun trip, Al. The Checkers hotel is a wonderful hotel: I used to work in the building next to it and it's quite elegant. Haven't been in it since Hilton took it over, but I can't imagine it has changed drastically. A word or three of advice: Don't be at the Checkers over a weekend. Downtown Los Angeles is dead over the weekend. Really. If, however, you must be there on a Saturday (don't), I have a phenomenal suggestion for you: go to www.laconservancy.org and click on their "walking tours" section. This non-profit group leads walking tours every saturday moirning at 10 leaving from the Biltmore Hotel (across the street from Checkers) that will show you a side of LA that you won't get ANYWHERE else (they have access to certain areas that the general public doesn't get). In particular, I recommend the Broadway Theater Tour (I've been on it a half dozen times -- simply fabulous), and the Art Deco Tour. Try to make a reservation, but if they say the tour is full, just go to the Olive side lobby at 10 a.m. and try to catch a tour anyway. Well worth the $8 fee.

Also of note within walking distance of Checkers is the Bradbury Building, the Central Market, and Olvera Street.

Finally, enjoy Tijuana. Don't walk, take the trolley...the lines coming back for walking across make you stand for ever amidst the carbon monoxide fumes of the cars waiting to cross back as well.