Little late to your party here, but I loved Cardiff. I never knew the previous rink (The Big Blue Tent) as I didn't start learn to skate lessons until about 6 months after the current rink had opened. The current one is pretty great - the double pads mean they frequently have public sessions in the smaller rink whilst other things (patch, group classes, hockey games or practice sessions) are on in the main arena.
My knowledge of the patch sessions and private coaching options are limited though - since I was starting from scratch I only did the adult group classes and practiced in public sessions on the weekends. But I skated there regularly for about 7 months and loved it.
And then my visa ran out about 12 months ago, so I had to move home and find a new rink here in Sydney