alternate driving route

I would like to try a new route to Melaque.I am thinking of crossing at Nuevo Progresso and taking 101 to Ciudad Victoria and continuing 101 to highway 80 which will bring me to highway 57.The other route would be 101 to Ciudad Victoria..then south on 85 toCd.Valles ...then west on 70..which would take me to SLP. I would be interested in hearing about the pros and cons of both these routes and of recommendations for hotels and "must sees". Thanks.

[RVGRINGO]

Both routes are quite good and have only a few construction zones which will make little difference in your travel time. I always stay in Cd. Victoria, usually at Hotel Sierra Grande in Centro, but there are others on the same plaza. All have parking. Early breakfast can be had at the little Chinese restaurant half a block off the plaza. I was last there just two weeks ago, having crossed at Nuevo Progresso, 4.5 hours north of Cd. Victoria.