The most divisive holiday debates have been revealed – including whether to pinch from the breakfast buffet and whether you unpack or not.

The research, of 2,000 people who holiday abroad, revealed 44% are happy to snag some pastries from the buffet to enjoy later. But 46% wouldn’t dare pop a few nibbles in their bag before heading out for the day.

Over two thirds (64%) will untuck their sheets around the entire bed before getting into bed, while 25% will leave the linen squeezed between the mattress and bedframe, keeping the sheets tightly tucked.

Another 67% think you should always unpack after checking into their accommodation, but 27% are happy to live out of their suitcases.

The research was commissioned by Graduate by Hilton, a collection of hotels in university towns, which recently joined the Hilton portfolio.

The hospitality company also hosted The Great Travel Debate, between Cambridge alumnus Simon Bird and fellow comedian Jessica Knappett, over what makes a good hotel stay.

Inbetweeners star Simon Bird said: “It was great fun to be back in Cambridge for a fiery and full-throated debate with my good friend Jess Knappett.

“I was delighted to learn that the majority of Brits follow my lead and unpack on arrival. ‘Chaos is the law of nature, order is the dream of man’ – that’s my motto.

“I look forward to hearing where the country stands on other travel-related hot potatoes. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion of course. Unless they disagree with me, in which case they could not be more wrong.”

It also emerged 48% reckon hotel guests should stay silent when around other guests, such as when taking the lift in a hotel, but 27% argue it’s polite to make small talk with others.

Another piece of hotel breakfast etiquette is narrowly splitting those polled – with 38% happy to fiddle with the toast settings on the conveyor belt. But 27% are adamant this shouldn’t be touched.

Comedian Jessica Knappett added: “I found it very interesting that Simon and I had such different views when it comes to hotel stays, I had no idea after all these years being friends.

“I just don’t see the need in unpacking my bag, and I’ll always be the one walking around in a robe, wherever I go. Whether it’s breakfast or a nightcap at the bar, I’m bringing that slice of fluffy heaven with me everywhere.”

The research, commissioned via OnePoll, also found 22% have ‘spirited’ debates over the right way to travel. With 52% making compromises while on holiday, and 47% conceding up to six concessions during a one week-long getaway.

But when it comes to enjoying their accommodation, 21% won’t compromise on bringing their own pillows to a hotel. And 18% will proudly walk around the facilities in their fluffy robes.

Kevin Osterhau, president, lifestyle brands at Hilton, said: “I am Team Simon on this debate (sorry Jessica).

“Partnering with Simon and Jessica to settle The Great Travel Debates has been a fantastic way to welcome Graduate into our family, especially given the legendary debate culture at universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

“Regardless of your travel preferences, our hotel taps into those storied traditions that make these universities and their communities so special.

“For guests, it can be more than a place to rest your head, but a way to immerse yourself in nostalgia and collegiate spirit.”