The building took its current form in 1891, when a third storey was added, as had been originally planned by the architect, C. J. von Heideken.
During the World War II, the hotel hosted the staff of the German troops, which had an airbase at the Pori Airport.
Artists performing at Otava include names like Bobby Hutcherson, Champion Jack Dupree and Herbie Hancock.
[4] The hotel closed on 28 February 1985, Kalevala Day; it was, at the time, the longest continually open hotel-restaurant in Finland.
In 2000, a six-year long renovation took place at a cost of three million euros, and the building was rebuilt to its original size.