Crown Prince hosts PM at £9k-a-night suite

Have the freebie-loving ways of his new Business Minister, Lord Mandelson, rubbed off on the Prime Minister? On his tour of the Gulf states, Gordon Brown was put up last night in a £9,000-a-night suite (pictured) at the seven-star Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Like Mandy, who has a penchant for staying aboard the yachts of Russian billionaires, the PM did not have to stump up a penny. The bill was generously footed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

With rooms starting at £650-night, the Emirates Palace is considered the equal of the famous Burj Al Arab in neighbouring Dubai – where the Prime Minister travels today – the only other seven-star hotel in the world.

On its website, the Emirates Palace describes itself as "fit for a king and deserving of an emperor". It adds: "Fairytales come to life as your senses are treated to an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. Breathe the air of luxury that fills every corner of this serene paradise."

The Prime Minister's luxury suit is described as a "private palace within a palace", with a domed living room, three bedrooms and bathroom with a "rain shower". It also comes with its own butler.