Becks runs up huge hotel bill

David Beckham has run up a £433,157 bill for an 80-night stay at a five-star hotel in Madrid, it emerged today.

Only a fraction of that - £80,303 - paid for the two suites he has occupied at Hotel Santo Mauro since August.

He spent £54,285 in the hotel restaurant, £6,857 on drinks, £9,000 on entertainment, £77,785 on guests, and £74,285 on parking for his five favourite cars - which he insisted shipping from England. The footballer checked into the 37-bedroom hotel with his wife Victoria and sons Brooklyn, four, and Romeo, after signing for Spanish champions Real Madrid.

They have used the former palace as a base to look for a home, and have reportedly found one in the suburb of La Moralej. Friends and relatives account for the guests' bill. They are also largely responsible for the drinks tab, although the England captain is said to have ordered the occasional £36 bottle of wine to be sent to his room.

A friend told The Mirror: "The bill has hit home, but the family must be sure that security and privacy requirements are met.

"Until then it is important that David is comfortable."