So this is how the other half lives.

I went with my parents to the Broadmoor a couple of times as a child. It was their way of "getting away" for a weekend while sticking close to home. I don't remember much, except that they'd give us bags of bread from the kitchen and we'd go feed the ducks in the pond behind the main building, which was pretty much my favorite thing in the world, next to my Dukes of Hazzard lunchbox and my Sesame Street book featuring Grover called The Monster at the End of This Book. (Spoiler alert: The monster turns out to be Grover.)

So when we had the opportunity to go back, I jumped at the chance.

For the uninitiated, The Broadmoor is Colorado's most famous five-diamond resort hotel (according to AAA) and far and away the best thing about Colorado Springs, if you can afford it. And that's a big if in today's economic climate. Everything is pretty much perfect at the Broadmoor, and you'd better believe you're paying for it.

On the plus side, they know things are tough for everyone these days, and the Valentine's Day package they offered put an overnighter in reach, if not exactly dirt cheap. In all, the trip was about $600 for one night, including meals, valet parking, pretty much everyone knowing our name and a little shopping. If you're in the mood for a getaway without getting away, here are a few suggestions . . . or you could just hole up and order room service.

THE TAVERN

* The scene: If there's a spot inside the Broadmoor grounds that feels like old Vegas (or, at least, as much as I've been exposed to), this is it. From the Mayan-influenced art-deco dining room to the lush greenery of the garden room out back to the liver-spotted standards the band was blowing through, the only thing missing here is the distant sound of a jackpot paying out.

* The tab: All in, the packaged dinner for two, which included three courses (including a dessert flight) and a bottle of wine, was about $140 before tip.

THE GOLDEN BEE

* The scene: The Golden Bee is The Broadmoor's Brit pub, assembled from the skeleton of a 19th-century English joint that was dismantled and then shipped to, of all places, Colorado Springs. The wood ornamentation's detail is actually very engaging; the fish 'n' chips and a yard of stout will keep you busy, too.

* The tab: You and your date can get out of there for under $50, drinks included.

These are the only two places where you can wear jeans at night, which contributed to our selection. However, if you're looking to impress, there's more than ample opportunity with the other dining rooms. My suggestion: Save it for brunch in the Lake Terrace room, which, for about $40 a person, offers the most eye-popping collection of choices ever seen on a brunch buffet.

With The Broadmoor, you'll be paying more than you would at any other place in town - but you'll be getting more, too.

The Broadmoor Hotel

1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs

1-719-577-5775

* Scope out the packages section online at Broadmoor.com. You've got one more week for the midwinter meltdown package, which starts at $75 per person per night and includes discounts on spa and retail purchases and complimentary access to the Broadmoor Movie Theater.

* Dogs are welcome, for $35 a night, which includes a special doggie bed, bowls and a treat (like a collar or a chew toy).

* Bring some coin.