re: Roman Holiday - planning an Italian vacation - Help and suggestions

I think they're going to charge you no matter what - it's called a servizio and is typically 2-3%. Food/drink prices are lower compared to the US and there is no tipping, so I don't mind paying what is basically a usage fee for the table. The one that sucks is in Venice they normally charge a coperto on top of the servizio (I may have this backwards). Tip for OP: in Rome, try to stay near the Jewish Ghetto - its walking distance to a lot in the city and is where most of the good restaurants are. We stayed at a hotel called Xenia Guesthouse when we were there, I highly recommend it.

Re: the Vatican, book a tour to get around the lines/waits. You won't regret it. We used Walks of Italy.