The only kibbutz guest accommodations accessible via Jerusalem’s city buses, the Ramat Rachel may be the top choice in the area for families with very active children. Along with an Olympic-size outdoor pool and an indoor pool for rainy days, the resort—and it’s much more of a resort than a hotel—offers night-lit tennis and basketball courts and a playground, along with organized children’s activities. There are refurbished, less-expensive older rooms in addition to 60 newer rooms; all are comfy by kibbutz standards, and some even have balconies with killer views of the desert and Bethlehem in the distance (the hotel is set on a hill). Meals are glatt kosher, and all hotel facilities are wheelchair-accessible. The kibbutz is heavily booked in summer and Jewish holidays, and the pool is filled with locals on weekends. Note: The bus into town runs on schedule but is not that frequent, so this is a better choice for travelers who have cars (there’s ample free parking).