Tips and deals of the week: LD Lines from Poole to Santander, Virgin SmartCall app and Malmaison relaunch

The route

LD Lines opens a route from Poole to Santander in northern Spain today. The twice-weekly service takes 26 hours but there are 120 cabins, a bar, restaurant and a cinema. From £399 return for two with a car and cabin (ldlines.com).

The app

Virgin Media customers can download the new SmartCall app to use inclusive minutes on smartphones while abroad. The Wi-Fi enabled app only connects when there’s no extra cost (customer.virginmedia.com/smartcall).

The hotel

Malmaison relaunches its refurbished London hotel in Farringdon after a recent takeover of the chain. It has updated the rooms and introduced a steak restaurant. A new Dundee hotel opens next month (malmaison.com).