My first trip to Jambi City, using Lion Air. After arrived at Sultan Thaha small airport then I went to Novotel Hotel, Jl Gatot Subroto #44. Yes, I stayed at that hotel but for you, sure you will have other option: you can stay at Abadi Suite, across Novotel Hotel. Abadi Suite is a relatively new hotel, opened for public since mid 2007. All facilities are still brand new, but fitness facilities are not ready yet. Well, the choice is yours.
Sultan Thaha Airport, as I mentioned before, is a small airport with only 8 flights in a day (no flight at night). And for sure, Garuda Airways doesn't have flight to Jambi City. You can flight with garuda Airways to Palembang or to Padang then use land transportation to Jambi City.
Once I asked the Novotel guy, I asked him what kind of tourism attractions...