B&B and Vacation Rentals
B&B and Vacation Rentals
B&B and Vacation Rentals
Choose the right place for you

FACILITIES

  • Wi-Fi
  • Non Smoking Only
  • Pets Allowed

REVIEWS

  • 9+ Exceptional
  • 8+ Fabulous
  • 7+ Very Good

DISTANCE FROM CENTRE

  • Less than 1 km
  • Less than 3 km
  • Less than 5 km

Holiday rental deals in Colchester

We have selected the best holiday accommodation by the sea in Colchester. Bluepillow allows you to save money, by finding the best rates on the main vacation rental websites in Colchester

  • Castle Reach Apartment by Creative Stays

    • Hotel
    13.3 Exceptional (3)
    With a stay at this apartment in Colchester, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Colchester Natural History Museum and Lion Walk Church. This apartment is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from University of Essex and ...
  • East Gate Inn

    • Hotel
    5.8 Pleasant (99)
    With a stay at East Gate Inn in Colchester, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Colchester Visitor Information Centre and Hollytrees Museum. This 4-star guesthouse is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from University ...
  • 360 Serviced Accommodations - Colchester Marine Quay - 1 Double Bedroom Apartment

    • 2 Guests · 1Bedroom
    360 Serviced Accommodations - Colchester Marine Quay - 1 Double Bedroom Apartment in Colchester provides accommodation with free WiFi, 30 km from Freeport Braintree, 33 km from Hedingham Castle and 41 ...
  • 2 Bed Grade 2 - Dates Back to 1500's

    • Hotel
    With a stay at this apartment in Colchester, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Jumbo Water Tower and Mercury Theatre. This apartment is 3.1 mi (5 km) from University of Essex and 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from ...
  • Park View Retreat - 2 Bedroom Apartment

    • 4 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    Park View Retreat - 2 Bedroom Apartment in Colchester features accommodation with free WiFi, 27 km from Freeport Braintree, 32 km from Hedingham Castle and 39 km from Chelmsford Train Station. ...
  • Luxury 2 Bed Cottage in the Orchard of a 17th Century Manor House

    • 4 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    13.3 Exceptional (12)
    Luxury 2 Bed Cottage in the Orchard of a 17th Century Manor House is situated in Colchester, 28 km from Freeport Braintree, 40 km from Chelmsford Train Station, as well as 47 km from The Apex. ...
  • Catchpole Stays Abbey Field Apartment- A lovely 2 bed apartment with field views near Colchester town centre

    • 16 Guests · 8Bedrooms
    Set in Colchester and only 28 km from Freeport Braintree, Catchpole Stays Abbey Field Apartment- A lovely 2 bed apartment with field views near Colchester town centre offers accommodation with garden views, ...
  • Abbey Field Birch Apartment by Catchpole Stays

    • 5 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    This apartment is located in Colchester. Roman Circus House and Jumbo Water Tower are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Xtreme Gaming and Colchester Natural History Museum. Tenpin ...
  • Woodpeckers

    • Hotel
    Featuring a hot tub, Woodpeckers is set in Colchester. The 4-star holiday home is 36 km from Freeport Braintree. This holiday home is fitted with 1 bedroom, a kitchen with dishwasher, a TV, a seating area ...
  • Light, airy, two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Colchester

    • 4 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    10 Exceptional (1)
    This apartment is located in Colchester. Hollytrees Museum and The Minories Galleries are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Roman Circus House and Colchester Castle Museum. ...
  • Vetrelax Colchester 3bedroom house

    • 7 Guests · 3Bedrooms
    8.8 Fabulous (1)
    Offering a garden and garden view, Vetrelax Colchester 3bedroom house is located in Colchester, 31 km from Hedingham Castle and 40 km from Chelmsford Train Station. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are ...
  • Corporate Accommodation, Contractor Housing & Leisure Stays at Abbeygate One

    • 4 Guests · 1Bedroom
    9.1 Exceptional (125)
    Corporate Accommodation, Contractor Housing & Leisure Stays at Abbeygate One is situated in Colchester, 31 km from Hedingham Castle, 39 km from Chelmsford Train Station, as well as 1.7 km from Colchester ...
  • Detached Coach House

    • 6 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    9.7 Exceptional (25)
    Detached Coach House is set in Colchester, 31 km from Hedingham Castle, 40 km from Chelmsford Train Station, as well as 3 km from Colchester Castle. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are available at ...
  • Vetrelax Colchester Rotary Way

    • 6 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    5.3 Pleasant (3)
    This apartment is located in Colchester. Birch Grove Golf Club and Colchester Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty ...
  • Bright and Cosy Apartment, Colchester

    • 4 Guests · 1Bedroom
    This apartment is located in Colchester. Roman Circus House and Jumbo Water Tower are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Xtreme Gaming and Colchester Natural History Museum. Looking ...
  • Lovely Modern Apartment - Grade 2 Building

    • 3 Guests · 1Bedroom
    This apartment is located in Colchester. Hollytrees Museum and The Minories Galleries are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Colchester Natural History Museum and Xtreme Gaming. ...
  • Vetrelax Colchester Deluxe Apartment

    • 6 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    2.7 Acceptable (3)
    This apartment is located in Colchester. High Woods Country Park and Abberton Reservoir reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Xtreme Gaming and Colchester Natural History Museum. ...
  • Self contained flexible annex in Colchester

    • 2 Guests · 1Bedroom
    Located in Colchester, this apartment is in a rural area. Roman Circus House and Jumbo Water Tower are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Abberton Reservoir and High Woods Country ...
  • Nice coach house

    • 6 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    This apartment is located in Colchester. Birch Grove Golf Club and Gosfield Lake Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty ...
  • Vetrelax Colchester Apartment

    • 6 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    Situated in Colchester and only 27 km from Freeport Braintree, Vetrelax Colchester Apartment features accommodation with quiet street views, free WiFi and free private parking. ...

Bed and breakfast offers in Colchester by the sea

Are you looking for an accommodation in Colchester and do you want to save money? Choose from 13 Bed & Breakfasts in Colchester

  • Prince Cottage

    • 3 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    10 Exceptional (1)
    Set in Colchester, in a historic building, 28 km from Freeport Braintree, Prince Cottage is a bed and breakfast with a garden and barbecue facilities. It is located 31 km from Hedingham Castle and provides ...
  • Woodview B&B Colchester

    • Hotel
    9.2 Exceptional (82)
    Housed in a historic building, Woodview B&B Colchester features accommodation with water sports facilities and free WiFi in Birch, 25 km from Freeport Braintree. ...
  • Baye House

    • 17 Guests · 5Bedrooms
    9.6 Exceptional (14)
    Situated in Colchester, within 1.5 km of Colchester Castle and 6 km of Colchester Zoo, Baye House provides accommodation with a garden, free WiFi. ...
  • The Railway Sleeper Lodge

    • 16 Guests · 7Bedrooms
    8.8 Fabulous (215)
    Offering affordable, clean & compact accommodation, the Railway Sleeper Lodge is just 5 minutes’ walk from Colchester Main Train Station. A convenient 24-hour self check-in service is provided. ...
  • Cuckoo Rooms

    • 14 Guests · 5Bedrooms
    Situated in Colchester, within 1.7 km of Colchester Castle and 6 km of Colchester Zoo, Cuckoo Rooms offers accommodation with free WiFi. Flatford is 11 km from the guest house. London Southend Airport ...
  • Neo Guest House

    • 2 Guests · 1Bedroom
    Located in Colchester, within 3.1 km of Colchester Castle and 7 km of Colchester Zoo, Neo Guest House provides accommodation with a garden and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The ...
  • Shrublands Garden Cabin

    • 2 Guests · 1Bedroom
    Featuring garden views, Shrublands Garden Cabin offers accommodation with a terrace and a kettle, around 32 km from Hedingham Castle. Located 29 km from Freeport Braintree, the property provides a garden ...
  • Donkey & Buskins

    • 2 Guests · 1Bedroom
    Donkey & Buskins, a property with a bar, is situated in Colchester, 30 km from Hedingham Castle, 39 km from Chelmsford Train Station, as well as 5 km from Colchester Zoo. ...
  • Sunrise Studio

    • 2 Guests · 1Bedroom
    Located in Colchester in the Essex region, Sunrise Studio provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is set 37 km from Hedingham Castle, 46 km from Chelmsford Train Station ...
  • Wite

    • 2 Guests · 1Bedroom
    2.4 Acceptable (1)
    Set 32 km from Hedingham Castle and 40 km from Chelmsford Train Station in Colchester, Wite offers accommodation with a kitchen. The property is around 4.3 km from Colchester Castle, 7.4 km from Alresford ...
  • Quayside Deluxe Double Room

    • 6 Guests · 2Bedrooms
    Quayside Deluxe Double Room is located in Colchester, 30 km from Freeport Braintree, 33 km from Hedingham Castle, as well as 41 km from Chelmsford Train Station. This bed and breakfast provides free private ...
  • Winstree Road

    • 2 Guests · 1Bedroom
    Winstree Road is located in Lexden, 25 km from Hedingham Castle, 34 km from Chelmsford Train Station, as well as 45 km from Hylands Park. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking ...
  • Colchester Town, modern, detached, guest house

    • 2 Guests · 1Bedroom
    Situated 29 km from Freeport Braintree, Colchester Town, modern, detached, guest house features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is non-smoking and is set 31 km from ...

Farmhouse or Hotel? Choose from the best offers

Choose the accommodation tailor-made for you for your next vacation: sleep in a farmhouse or sleep in a hotel?

  • Farmstays in Colchester
    Farmstays in Colchester
  • Hotels in Colchester
    Hotels in Colchester

Hotels in Colchester, our top selection just for you

Are you looking for hotels in Colchester? Here is a selection of the best hotels in Colchester

  • Globe Hotel

    • Hotel
    8.2 Fabulous (506)
    This historic Grade II listed building dating back to 1700 is a 10-minute walk from the town centre and train station, and offers renovated, comfortable interiors. ...
  • Holiday Inn COLCHESTER

    • Hotel
    10 Exceptional (3625)
    A modern Colchester hotel just off the A12 road, with free parking, free Wi-Fi and an indoor pool.Holiday Inn® Colchester hotel is just off the A12 road, for direct access to London and Ipswich. The shopping ...
  • St Nicholas Hotel

    • Hotel
    10.4 Exceptional (1937)
    With a stay at St Nicholas Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Colchester, steps from Colchester Castle Museum and within a 10-minute walk of Mercury Theatre. This hotel is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from University ...
  • WIVENHOE HOUSE HOTEL

    • Hotel
    11.2 Exceptional (1877)
    Following a complete refurbishment Wivenhoe House re-opened in the summer of 2012 as a four star country house hotel and home of the Edge Hotel School - the first hotel school of its kind in the UK. A ...
  • The North Hill Hotel

    • Hotel
    11 Exceptional (1327)
    Colchester’s North Hill Hotel provides luxurious bed and breakfast in Britain’s oldest town. ...
  • GREYFRIARS

    • Hotel
    11.2 Exceptional (2364)
    Situated at the top of East Hill at the Eastern end of Colchesters High Street GreyFriars is perfectly located in the centre of Colchesters Cultural Quarter and only a couple of minutes walk from the Town ...
  • Best Western The Rose & Crown Hotel

    • Hotel
    9.9 Exceptional (2425)
    Situated within a 14th-century coaching inn, the award-winning Best Western Rose and Crown Hotel is located just a 15 minutes’ walk from the centre of historic Colchester. ...
  • Colchester Boutique Hotel

    • Hotel
    11.4 Exceptional (664)
    With a stay at Colchester Boutique Hotel in Colchester, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Jumbo Water Tower and Mercury Theatre. This hotel is 3.2 mi (5.2 km) from University of Essex and 0.4 mi (0.6 ...
  • The George Hotel

    • Hotel
    8.9 Fabulous (2784)
    Set in the heart of Colchester, the 500-year-old George Hotel boasts an à-la-carte restaurant and a bar, and offers rooms with free WiFi access throughout. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk and spacious ...
  • Holiday Inn Express Colchester, an IHG Hotel

    • Hotel
    10 Exceptional (5307)
    Located just off the A12, Holiday Inn Express Colchester offers air-conditioned, modern bedrooms with satellite TVs. There is a restaurant, a bar and free private parking. ...
  • Brook Red Lion Hotel

    • Hotel
    8.5 Fabulous (1602)
    Located in the town centre of Colchester, the Grade I-listed Brook Red Lion Hotel is 1.5 miles from the Merville Barracks and 2 miles from the University of Essex. ...
  • Dragonfly Hotel Colchester

    • Hotel
    8.1 Fabulous (2212)
    This property is located a 10 minute drive from Colchester centre, next to the A12 motorway. There is an on-site restaurant and free parking. Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the property. ...
  • Star Anglia Hotel

    • Hotel
    8.6 Fabulous (821)
    With a stay at Star Anglia Hotel in Colchester, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of firstsite and Dutch Quarter. This hotel is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from University of Essex and 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from High Woods ...
  • The Shepherd at Langham

    • Hotel
    8.4 Fabulous (13)
    Located in Colchester, The Shepherd at Langham is a 3-minute drive from Dedham Vale and 6 minutes from Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum. This inn is 7.5 mi (12 km) from University of Essex and 3.3 mi (5.3 ...
  • Warm and Relaxed Lovely 3-bed House in Colchester

    • Hotel
    With a stay at this residence in Colchester, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Hollytrees Museum and The Minories Galleries. This residence is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from University of Essex and 0.7 mi (1.1 ...
  • Lovely 3-bed House Located in Colchester

    • Hotel
    Located in Colchester, this residence is within a 15-minute walk of Colchester Visitor Information Centre and Hollytrees Museum. This residence is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from University of Essex and 0.7 mi (1.1 ...
  • Marks Tey Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

    • Hotel
    ...
  • Premier Inn Colchester (Cowdray Avenue)

    • Hotel
    0 Acceptable (1)
    Whether you're a townie or a towie fan, there's plenty to see and do at Premier Inn Hotel Colchester Cowdray Avenue (A133). There are lots of charming towns and villages to explore, and we're just up the ...
  • Black Buoy Inn

    • Hotel
    Located in Colchester, Black Buoy Inn features a garden, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is situated 37 km from Hedingham Castle, 45 km from Chelmsford Train Station ...
  • The flag

    • Hotel
    13.1 Exceptional (72)
    Located in Colchester, The flag is within a 5-minute drive of University of Essex and Beth Chatto Garden. This upscale hotel is 3.2 mi (5.2 km) from High Woods Country Park and 3.3 mi (5.3 km) from Colchester ...

The best hotels with swimming pool in Colchester

Book your relaxing holiday, by choosing the best deals at hotels with swimming pools in Colchester

  • Globe Hotel

    • Hotel
    8.2 Fabulous (506)
    This historic Grade II listed building dating back to 1700 is a 10-minute walk from the town centre and train station, and offers renovated, comfortable interiors. ...
  • Holiday Inn COLCHESTER

    • Hotel
    10 Exceptional (3625)
    A modern Colchester hotel just off the A12 road, with free parking, free Wi-Fi and an indoor pool.Holiday Inn® Colchester hotel is just off the A12 road, for direct access to London and Ipswich. The shopping ...
  • St Nicholas Hotel

    • Hotel
    10.4 Exceptional (1937)
    With a stay at St Nicholas Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Colchester, steps from Colchester Castle Museum and within a 10-minute walk of Mercury Theatre. This hotel is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from University ...
  • WIVENHOE HOUSE HOTEL

    • Hotel
    11.2 Exceptional (1877)
    Following a complete refurbishment Wivenhoe House re-opened in the summer of 2012 as a four star country house hotel and home of the Edge Hotel School - the first hotel school of its kind in the UK. A ...
  • The North Hill Hotel

    • Hotel
    11 Exceptional (1327)
    Colchester’s North Hill Hotel provides luxurious bed and breakfast in Britain’s oldest town. ...
  • GREYFRIARS

    • Hotel
    11.2 Exceptional (2364)
    Situated at the top of East Hill at the Eastern end of Colchesters High Street GreyFriars is perfectly located in the centre of Colchesters Cultural Quarter and only a couple of minutes walk from the Town ...
  • Best Western The Rose & Crown Hotel

    • Hotel
    9.9 Exceptional (2425)
    Situated within a 14th-century coaching inn, the award-winning Best Western Rose and Crown Hotel is located just a 15 minutes’ walk from the centre of historic Colchester. ...
  • Colchester Boutique Hotel

    • Hotel
    11.4 Exceptional (664)
    With a stay at Colchester Boutique Hotel in Colchester, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Jumbo Water Tower and Mercury Theatre. This hotel is 3.2 mi (5.2 km) from University of Essex and 0.4 mi (0.6 ...
  • The George Hotel

    • Hotel
    8.9 Fabulous (2784)
    Set in the heart of Colchester, the 500-year-old George Hotel boasts an à-la-carte restaurant and a bar, and offers rooms with free WiFi access throughout. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk and spacious ...
  • Holiday Inn Express Colchester, an IHG Hotel

    • Hotel
    10 Exceptional (5307)
    Located just off the A12, Holiday Inn Express Colchester offers air-conditioned, modern bedrooms with satellite TVs. There is a restaurant, a bar and free private parking. ...
  • Brook Red Lion Hotel

    • Hotel
    8.5 Fabulous (1602)
    Located in the town centre of Colchester, the Grade I-listed Brook Red Lion Hotel is 1.5 miles from the Merville Barracks and 2 miles from the University of Essex. ...
  • Dragonfly Hotel Colchester

    • Hotel
    8.1 Fabulous (2212)
    This property is located a 10 minute drive from Colchester centre, next to the A12 motorway. There is an on-site restaurant and free parking. Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the property. ...
  • Star Anglia Hotel

    • Hotel
    8.6 Fabulous (821)
    With a stay at Star Anglia Hotel in Colchester, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of firstsite and Dutch Quarter. This hotel is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from University of Essex and 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from High Woods ...
  • The Shepherd at Langham

    • Hotel
    8.4 Fabulous (13)
    Located in Colchester, The Shepherd at Langham is a 3-minute drive from Dedham Vale and 6 minutes from Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum. This inn is 7.5 mi (12 km) from University of Essex and 3.3 mi (5.3 ...
  • Warm and Relaxed Lovely 3-bed House in Colchester

    • Hotel
    With a stay at this residence in Colchester, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Hollytrees Museum and The Minories Galleries. This residence is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from University of Essex and 0.7 mi (1.1 ...
  • Lovely 3-bed House Located in Colchester

    • Hotel
    Located in Colchester, this residence is within a 15-minute walk of Colchester Visitor Information Centre and Hollytrees Museum. This residence is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from University of Essex and 0.7 mi (1.1 ...
  • Marks Tey Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

    • Hotel
    ...
  • Premier Inn Colchester (Cowdray Avenue)

    • Hotel
    0 Acceptable (1)
    Whether you're a townie or a towie fan, there's plenty to see and do at Premier Inn Hotel Colchester Cowdray Avenue (A133). There are lots of charming towns and villages to explore, and we're just up the ...
  • Black Buoy Inn

    • Hotel
    Located in Colchester, Black Buoy Inn features a garden, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is situated 37 km from Hedingham Castle, 45 km from Chelmsford Train Station ...
  • The flag

    • Hotel
    13.1 Exceptional (72)
    Located in Colchester, The flag is within a 5-minute drive of University of Essex and Beth Chatto Garden. This upscale hotel is 3.2 mi (5.2 km) from High Woods Country Park and 3.3 mi (5.3 km) from Colchester ...

Accommodation and holiday homes in Colchester

In and around Colchester the tourist has at disposal multiple types of holiday accommodation for holidays by the sea, for a lone traveller, a small or large family or even a group.
Colchester offers: 255 apartments, 32 hotels, 24 b&bs, 172 independent homes, 25 villas, 8 farmhouses, 40 hostels and much more by the sea.
The accommodation in this area has positive reviews: the tourists have written 714 reviews with a score of 10.0 Excellent and 46 reviews with a score of 8.0 Very Good, over a total of 25,730 reviews.
For your stay in the gorgeous destination Colchester, the best features are Pets Allowed, Pool, Kitchen, Spa and Parking.

Colchester: the best offers for the best accommodation and holiday homes

How much doeas it cost to stay in Colchester? The more economical accommodation in Colchester has an average cost of 99 pounds per night.
For a weekend low cost in Colchester, instead, are available different offers at a low cost cost around 121 pounds per night. The cheapest weekends anre during the month of July. If instead you were interested in holiday homes or apartments, for medium long stays, the best weekly offers low cost in Colchester have an average weekly cost of 696 pounds. The week with the lowest prices are in the month of July from 20/07 to 27/07.
If you want to organize a holiday in Colchester during the low season, where you can enjoy the destination without the hectic turism, August is the best month. The week with the highes amount of accommodation available at the best price is from 24/08 to 31/08.
If instead you are looking for the high season, the highest amount of accommodation available with the lowest price is in the month of July, during the week that spans from 29/06 to 06/07.

What to do in Colchester

In Colchester, the best accommodation near the sea can also be found near the major interest points. The unmissable interest points are:

Only a few km from the sea you can find 370 accommodation options available at the best price: 255 Apartments, 24 B&Bs, 32 Hotels, and much more. Below you can find the best apartments near the beaches.
A Colchester, furthermore, much of the best accommodation is close to the best beaches in the area: Apartments, B&Bs, Hotels, and much more.

The weather forcast in Colchester

Colchester: during the year, the average temperature throughout the year is around 15°C. The coldest period of the year is in the month of January where the temperature can drop to 7°C. The hottest month of the year is instead in July where the maximum temperature can reach 23°C.
The wettest month of the year is January where there can be up to 11 days of rain.
FAQ

How much does it cost to stay in a B&B in Colchester?

To stay in a B&B in Colchester costs on average 99 pounds per night, here is a link where you can find the best offers for B&Bs in Colchester

What is the best time to go to a B&B in Colchester?

The best period to go to a B&B in Colchester is during the month of July, here is a link where you can find the best offers for B&Bs in Colchester in the best periods of the year

How much does it cost to stay in a B&B in Colchester during the high season?

To stay in a B&B in Colchester during the high season costs on average 98 pounds per nigh. Here you can find a link to the best offers for B&Bs in Colchester in the high season

How much does it cost to stay in a B&B in Colchester this weekend?

Which are the the best B&Bs for families with children in Colchester?

The best accommodation options for families with children in Colchester are the B&Bs and here you will be able to find a number of options

Which are the best accommodation options for who travels with animals in Colchester?

The best accommodation options foe who travels with animals are the B&Bs. Here you can find a selection of options

Can I find a B&B with parking in Colchester?

In Colchester you can find many accommodation solutions with Parking. The best are the B&Bs. Here you can find a selection of solutions

Can I find wheelchair accessible accommodation in Colchester?

In Colchester you will be able to find different types of accommodation that are wheelchair accessible. The B&Bs could be right for you. Here you can find a selection of solutions