Hi Phil
Middlesbrough not being the tourist mecca of the North means that most hotels are functional.
The Parkmore in Eaglescliffe is very nice, a Best Western Hotel, so if you have a look at their web site you could probably get a better rate than phoning direct, it has a gym and swimming pool and is very close to Yarm for shopping abd some nice eating places.Situated very close to it is the Clairville, much cheaper and no similar facilities but tidy and in a good position.
The Parkmore 01642 786815
www.parkmorehotel.co.uk
The Clairville 01642 780378
Ed Kaps