Beer war Between Czech Republic and USA over Budweiser

Budweiser beer, American or Czech?

There are actually two entirely separate beers using the name, and they have been locked in one of the world's longest trademark wars for over a century.

American Budweiser is owned by AB InBev (Anheuser-Busch InBev), a Belgian-American multinational brewing giant.

Czech Budweiser (Budweiser Budvar) is state-owned by the government of the Czech Republic.

The History & How the Conflict Began

1. 13th Century: The Bohemian Roots

Brewing in the Bohemian city of České Budějovice (known in German as Budweis) began as early as 1265. Beer produced in this town was generically referred to as "Budweiser"-meaning "from Budweis"- similar to how sparkling wine from Champagne, France is called Champagne, or beer from Pilsen is called Pilsner.

2. 1876: The Birth of American Budweiser

In the 1870s, German immigrant Adolphus Busch toured Europe to study local brewing techniques. He was deeply impressed by the lagers from Budweis. Upon returning to St. Louis, Missouri, he and Eberhard Anheuser created a crisp, light lager inspired by those European recipes. They launched it in 1876 under the name Budweiser and registered the trademark in the U.S. in 1878.

3. 1895: The Official Czech Brewery

While local townspeople had been brewing "Budweiser" beer for centuries, Czech-speaking citizens formally founded Budějovický Budvar in 1895 as a joint-stock brewery in České Budějovice. They exported their lager across Europe using the name Budweiser Bier to denote its geographical origin.

The Global Trademark War

When both breweries started exporting across international borders in the early 20th century, a clash became inevitable. Over 100 court cases have been fought worldwide to settle who owns the name:

Region, American Version (AB InBev) Czech Version (State-Owned)

North America (USA, Canada) | Budweiser Czechvar

Most of Europe (Germany, Italy, etc.) Bud Budweiser /Budvar.

United Kingdom Budweiser (both allowed) Budweiser (both allowed)

Current Ownership

Anheuser-Busch InBev: Formed in 2008 when Belgian-Brazilian group InBev acquired St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch. It is the largest brewing corporation in the world.

Budějovický Budvar:Remained state property through World War II, the Communist era, and the fall of the Eastern Bloc. The Czech government considers it a point of national heritage and pride and has repeatedly refused to sell or privatize it.

Rooney Nshing is a blogger by soul and a hospitality enthusiast by heart. Email me now. 

The W Prague Above Rooftop is a World of Wonders in Prague

W Prague Above Rooftop terrace amateur image by Rooney Nshing.

W Prague ABOVE Rooftop is the premier open-air lounge capping the W Prague Hotel, located on Wenceslas Square. It pairs sweeping, 360-degree views of the Prague skyline with signature cocktails and upscale Mediterranean-inspired bites.

The rooftop terrace at ABOVE Rooftop offers panoramic 360-degree views across Prague's historic skyline, stretching over Wenceslas Square toward Petřín Hill and Old Town.

What You See From the Roof

Prague Castle & Petřín Hill: Sweeping westward vistas give you clear sightlines of the distant hills and glowing city ridgeline during golden hour.

Wenceslas Square: Direct top-down perspectives over the heart of Nové Město (New Town).

The Red Roofs of Old Town: Classic vistas over Prague's iconic terracotta rooftops and spires.

Seating & Sightline Layout

Front Terrace: Best position for direct sunlight, unobstructed views, and golden-hour sunset seating.

Back Terrace: Provides shade while maintaining higher-elevation views across the city center.

Central Area: Surrounds the outdoor bar setup, offering a chic lounge ambient vibe framed by glass railings.

Location: Václavské náměstí 826/25 (W Prague, Top Floor)

Vibe: Chic, lively, and stylish; ideal for sunset drinks and evening gatherings with background music.

 Detail Information

Opening Hours | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Daily) 

Menu Highlights:

Mediterranean sharing plates, gourmet tartares, elevated kebabs, and craft spritzes/cocktails.

Access: Enter W Prague, take the main guest elevators to the 8th floor, and walk up the final flight of stairs to the terrace. |

Tips for Visiting

Sun vs. Shade: If you want early-evening sun, request a table near the front edge of the terrace. The back offers shade, while middle tables drop into the building's shadow by early evening.

Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak summer months and around sunset hours.

Rooney Nshing is a hospitality enthusiast by heart and a blogger by soul Email 

A Deep Honest Review of Fairmont Golden Prague Luxury Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic's Capital

Front view of Fairmont Golden Prague.

Here is a complete, honest review of the Fairmont Golden Prague". It balances praise for its standout design and world-class amenities with real-world quirks that travelers appreciate knowing upfront.

Is the New Fairmont Golden Prague Worth the Splurge?

When the iconic 1970s brutalist InterContinental Prague underwent a massive, multi-million-dollar restoration to reopen as the "Fairmont Golden Prague", luxury travelers took notice.

Positioned where Prague’s high-fashion Pařížská Street meets the Vltava River in the historic Jewish Quarter, this property attempts a tricky balancing act: honoring its bold 20th-century architecture while delivering 5-star, modern indulgence.

Here is our honest breakdown of what it’s really like to stay here-the highlights, the fine dining, and a few quirks you should know before booking.

🏛️ The Vibe & Architecture: Brutalism Meets Bohemian Glass

From the outside, the hotel retains its original 1974 geometric, brutalist concrete facade-a design that can be polarizing if you were expecting a fairytale Czech palace. However, the moment you step inside, the narrative completely shifts.

The interior seamlessly weaves mid-century modern heritage with high-end Czech craftsmanship:

 Artistic Heritage: The hotel preserved original works by famous late-20th-century Czech artists, including stained-glass panels, wood carvings by Čestmír Kafka, and stunning glass installations by Lasvit and René Roubíček.

Lobby: Bright, open, and lively, featuring custom glass light fixtures, a cozy fireplace lounge, and an adjoining gallery space.

Tips: For architecture lovers you will adore the contrast, but traditionalists seeking Baroque gold-leaf trim might prefer other Old Town boutique options.

The Rooms: Tech-Forward Luxury

The guest rooms and suites adopt a soothing palette of warm oak, marble, and soft earth tones.

Feature and Details

Highlights: Lasvit glass room dividers, Dyson hairdryers, electric towel warmers, automatic blinds.

Bathroom: Deep soaking tubs, separate rain showers, and Le Labo toiletries.

Views: Postcard-worthy views overlooking the Vltava River, Letná Park, or the Old Town roofs.

 The Minor Quirks:

Sensitive Nightlights: The under-bed motion-sensor nightlights are convenient for late-night water runs, but they can be overly sensitive if you toss and turn.

Shower Seals: A common quirk in ultra-modern open rain showers is that water can trickle onto the floor if the glass door isn't angled just right.

💧 The Wellness Sanctuary & Spa

The 15,000-square-foot spa facility is arguably the property’s crowning jewel.

Prague’s Only Indoor-Outdoor Heated Pool: A seamless glass channel connects the interior pool to the outdoor garden basin and jacuzzi.

Thermal Circuit: Offers dry saunas, steam rooms, private saunas in the changing areas, and a sunlit fitness centre.

The Honest Reality Check: Because the outdoor pool sits in a sunken garden level below street grade, pedestrians walking on nearby street walkways can occasionally peer down into the pool area. It’s not heavily trafficked, but if privacy is your top priority while sunbathing, it's worth noting.

 🍽️ Food & Drink Breakdown

With six distinct dining spots, you don't need to leave the hotel to eat well:

 1. Zlatá Praha (Rooftop): Modern elevated Czech cuisine paired with panoramic views of Pařížská Street and the city spires.

 2. Golden Eye (9th-Floor Lounge): A retro 1970s-inspired rooftop bar serving craft cocktails (like sandalwood Negronis) and Asian-inspired small plates with live DJ sets.

 3. "Kafka Brasserie: Hosts breakfast under a historic coffered wood ceiling, offering a impressive array of cold cuts, Czech "hemenex" (ham and eggs), and fresh pastries.

 4. Greenhouse: A relaxed spot centered around Josper grill dishes, regional wines, and cold Pilsner Urquell on draft.

⚖️ The Verdict: Pros & Cons

✅ What We Loved

Prime Location: Quiet side of the river end, yet only a 6-minute walk to Old Town Square.

Unmatched Spa Facilities: The heated indoor-outdoor pool is completely unique in central Prague.

Czech Design Spotlight: Celebrates genuine local art and mid-century heritage rather than generic luxury templates.

 Rooftop Social Scene: Golden Eye and Zlatá Praha are destinations in their own right.

❌ Things to Keep in Mind

Brutalist Exterior: Geometric exterior architecture isn't everyone's aesthetic preference.

Sunken Garden Privacy: The outdoor pool area feels slightly exposed to overhead street-level passersby.

Price Point: Positioned at the top of Prague's luxury market, making it an investment stay.

 Final Rating: 4.7 / 5 ⭐

The Fairmont Golden Prague breathes fresh, sophisticated energy into a historic riverfront location. For travelers who value high-tech room comforts, world-class spa facilities, and vibrant rooftop dining, it stands out as one of the finest 5-star stays in the Czech capital.

Rooney Nshing is a blogger by heart and a hospitality enthusiast by Soul 

Reach out to me through Email . Wishing you a wonderful stay in Prague. 

Undisputed Honest Review of Preciosa, a Czech Glassware company

Preciosa shop in Prague, Czech Republic's Capital.

Preciosa is the undisputed heavyweight of Czech glassmaking. Headquartered in North Bohemia’s historic "Crystal Valley" (Jablonec nad Nisou), the brand draws on over 450 years of regional glassblowing and cut-crystal heritage.

Whether you are looking at jewelry components, fine crystal figurines, or massive custom chandeliers, Preciosa is widely regarded as the primary global competitor to Austria’s Swarovski.

The Breakdown by Category

1. Beads & Jewelry Components (Preciosa Ornela)

The Verdict: Exceptional quality, consistent sizing, and incredible value.

Performance: Crafters, bead-weavers, and jewelry designers consistently praise Preciosa’s seed beads (Rocailles) and pressed glass beads. The sizing uniformity is nearly identical to high-end Japanese options (like Miyuki or Toho), but at a noticeably lower price point.

Crystals & Rhinestones: Their MAXIMA lead-free crystal line is engineered to maximize light refraction. While Swarovski holds a slight edge in ultra-niche precision faceting, Preciosa matches it at around 70–80% of the cost.

Crystal Pearls: Highly rated for having a genuine crystal core coated with a durable, lustrous pearl finish that resists flaking and skin oils.

2. Lighting & Architecture (Preciosa Lighting)

 The Verdict:World-class luxury art pieces.

Performance: Preciosa designs and manufactures bespoke chandeliers and grand lighting installations for luxury hotels, royal palaces, private yachts, and opera houses worldwide. They are famous for blending old-world hand-blown Bohemian crystal with modern tech (like dynamic, interactive light response systems) as seen in W Prague, a luxury hotel by Marriott International. 

3. Decorative Glass & Home Accents

The Verdict: Beautiful heritage craftsmanship with high clarity.

Performance: Producing everything from crystal figurines to perfumes flacons, barware, and glass closures (Vinolok wine stoppers), Preciosa’s glass features impressive optical purity, deep color saturation, and sharp hand-cut details.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Heritage & Authenticity:

True "Bohemian Crystal"—crafted using traditional silica and potash recipes refined over centuries.

Color Palette: Offers one of the broadest and most consistent color, coating, and finish catalogs in the glass industry.

Cost-to-Quality Ratio: Delivers near-Swarovski levels of precision cut and sparkle without the extreme brand markup.

Eco-Conscious: Their modern crystal lines are lead-free while maintaining a high refractive index.

Cons

Market Confusion: Because "Czech glass" is a general geographic indicator, cheap knockoffs occasionally use the term; buyers must purchase through authorized distributors to guarantee genuine Preciosa items.

Availability: Some specialized shapes or custom bead sizes can be harder to source in smaller retail quantities compared to mass-market brands.

How Preciosa Compares

| Feature: Preciosa (Czech) Swarovski (Austria) Miyuki / Toho (Japan)

Primary Strength: Sparkle, bead variety, chandeliers Precision faceting & brand name Micro-uniformity in seed beads.

Price Point: Mid-to-High | Premium | Mid-to-High.

Material: Lead-free Bohemian crystal, Advanced Crystal (Lead-free), Glass, 

Best For: Value luxury, beadwork, lighting, High-end retail jewelry,Intricate bead weaving |

Bottom Line:

If you want authentic European crystal craftsmanship, vibrant color options, and high light refraction without paying a luxury-brand premium, Preciosa is one of the best investments on the market.