This was renovated around 5 years ago and looks to have been left to deteriorate, such that the original carpets are worn / dirty in hallways, room I stayed in; there was mould in shower joins; the fitted coffee shelves on the fitted headboard were literally hanging off, both sides; the mattress was very old, tired, with springs sticking through, the cushioning long since melted away; the shower soap dispensers were broken and empty. The shower sliding door hinges at the bottom were detached and not affixed, such that the door was loose. There was only sound, without picture on the room TV. Staff said they would come and see; but did not. The windows were dirty, still with remnants of Santa stickers, half peeled off from when I presume a family stayed there long term.
The only positive was that there was a small bourbon biscuit for one, albeit it was a triple room.
Turning to breakfast, it was so, so sad and depressing. It comprised rice crispies in 2 out of 3 dispensers and a museli in the 3rd. They all looked so tired and stale. There was beans, boiled eggs, tomatoes and sausages. There were nil fruit. Nil pastries. The staff did toast and coffee to order. That's it.
The difficulty is that Middlesbrough has only 4 national chains, which are typically sold out with workers / contractors. Therefore this sort of "hotel" is the next available level. The price is relatively cheap.
A member of staff helpfully ordered a taxi for me and provided hot coffee / toast - thank you.