A hotel was maintaining a discreet silence last night amid rumours that David and Victoria Beckham are to hire the entire building when Royal Ascot heads north.

The Beckhams are planning to attend the five-day meeting, which is being held at York next year while the event's traditional Berkshire venue undergoes a £180m facelift.

But management at the four star Aldwark Manor House Hotel, near Alne, just outside the city, have refused to confirm or deny reports that the Beckhams will be staying at the Victorian hotel, set in parkland, just a canter from York Racecourse.

Nor would they comment on reports that Victoria, who is said to be picking up the bill as her treat, has hired the entire 55 bedroom establishment to ensure complete privacy.

The hotel has a leisure and spa complex, a two AA Rosettes awarded restaurant and its own 18-hole golf course.

England captain Beckham, whose 29th birthday was at the weekend, will miss this year's Royal Ascot as he will be with the England football squad for the European Championships in Portugal.

It is believed Victoria made the hotel booking within the last few days, sending out a message to the world that the couple mean to stay together despite speculation about her husband's love life.

The Beckhams will be among an anticipated 250,000 spectators converging on York for Royal Ascot.

Accommodation is expected to be at a premium in and around the city with some hotels expected to triple their rates and some residents renting out their homes for thousands of pounds for the week.