Replies

"...including the tip in the bill as a percentage of the price of the meal such as is done in Germany."

In my experience, tips are included in bills throughout Europe; actually normally called service charge. However, when a waiter knows the tip is included, where's the incentive to actually provide good service? From what I've seen, mediocre service is what is provided throughout Europe. In the U.S., you at least get great service on occasion. I tip very well when the service is above and beyond, 15 - 20% when it's good, less when I get less service. On occasion, I leave nothing or a tiny amount. Once in an airport in Mexico, I took out the smallest bill I had, tore off a corner and left that after a very irritating bartender really aggravated me!

I don't know if this was an anomaly or a coming trend but I was in Cooperstown NY this week at the Otesaga Hotel at their Hawkeye Bar and Grill and when I got the bill there was a 17% service charge included.