VAT REFUND ????

No. It has to be something you can pick up and move, not services. And, it has to be derived from participating merchants. And, you have to spend X amount in one place.

Any info you see that says you can get a refund of such items is aimed at non EU businesses rather than individuals.

actually, if you are on business travel, there are some tax advantages with claiming VAT, either in direct refunds for service related items or in claiming expenses for US taxes. But for the personal traveller, it really is only worth it if you make major purchases of items you are bringing back. Of course, you also need to declare those items on your Customs form, for which you technically may have to pay US duty, but often due to the small amount, you likely will not have to.

VAT tax is only refundable on items that are taken out of the country. e.g. leather, jewelry
Hotel, car and transportation costs are not eligible for tax refunds. Hope that helps.