We enjoyed staying right on the Malecon for three nights in Progreso, but for longer stays, the views of the beach, people, and water are not enough to outweigh the drawback of the shouting of young men vying for the attention each new pedestrian to appear on the Malecon, trying to sell a special spot on the beach, or tout their sponsor's restaurant, or a marquesita stand (which are everywhere.). These shouting men, (carnival barkers, really) are an easily tolerated nuisance, in the short term, but it is ceaseless, and ultimately, very annoying. Their constant loud shouts (often just shouting at and to each other!) diminishes the experience of Progresso's Malecon They also station boomboxes playing their favorite music so loudly that they are forced to shout just to be heard over their own noise.
The hotel was fine, overall. The staff worked to make our stay comfortable and pleasant. The nuisance shouting declines dramatically by sundown, and by 10pm the Malecon was, in our experience, quiet.