Whistle-blower Edward Snowden splurges on high-priced hideout

Edward Snowden is no Jason Bourne on the run. As a defence contractor who enjoyed a "comfortable life" and six-figure salary, his hideout was not going to be some dingy love motel in Mong Kok's Shanghai Street.

Snowden arrived on May 20 and stayed at The Mira Hong Kong on Kowloon's bustling Nathan Road for a total of 21 nights before "checking out" on Monday afternoon. He claims to have picked the city as a hideaway because of its reputation for freedom and free speech.

But what was life really like for the most sought-after man in the world during his three weeks holed up at a futuristic-themed five-star hotel near Kowloon Park? Not too bad at all, actually. First, each room comes with free Wi-fi, an "ultra-smart" infotainment system, Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs and a marble bath.

But the bills in one of the world's most expensive cities might explain why - says a journalist from The Guardian, Ewen MacAskill, one of those who broke the story of US government surveillance - Snowden is close to maxing out his credit cards.

According to the Mira, the rate for a prepaid standard room for a long stay is about HK$2,000 per night on non-peak-season weekdays. Having not booked through a tour agent or operator, his three-week bill is estimated by the Post at HK$44,000. Including a 10 per cent service charge would bring the total room tab to HK$48,400. That is if he did not feel like paying the extra HK$130 per day for the breakfast buffet.

Snowden told The Guardian he had left the room "about three times" and mostly used room service.