Upcoming visit in October

Heading back to St. Thomas for our third visit in October. Have stayed both other times at Sapphire Beach in the small villas, but out travel agent said both the small villas and the resort are in bad shape. We picked out the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort instead. Any comments on this place. We wanted something near Red Hook since we always take the the car ferry to St. John's for a day, but can't find anything near there. Spending out second week on St. Martin where we have been close to 15 times.

everything is near Red Hook except Bolongo, must be 4-5 resort properties on East end. Bolongo is closer to town, nice restaurants, small beach, and some water sports

I'm not sure what "small villas" they are referencing, as all the properties at Sapphire are condominium. Sapphire Beach has had trouble with their common property, but the condos are fine. Sapphire Village is a separate condo association. The other condos on the east end include: Crystal Cove, Cowpet East and West, the Elysian, Anchorage, Secret Harbour Beach and Secret Harbour on the hill, now known as Harbour Beach Villas. Bolongo is a classic Caribbean owner-operated hotel, It is on the south side, about half way between town and Red Hook. Welcome back!!

is the Sugar Bay still there stayed about 5 years ago

Sugar Bay is now Dreams- an all-inclusive.

Stay with the Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina condo options, your TA is giving bad info there. Yes the restaurant and pool bar have been closed for several years but the property is nice. The condo building exteriors have been and are being renovated and there are other improvements planned.
We rent through an owner who lives there and rents 3 condos which are gorgeous units. Nothing beats looking out at the water and islands from their 2nd floor balconies and being that close to the water at night. Another owner has a very nice 2-story if you want more room. But the normal studio is very roomy. Always rent through the owner since every condo is different, VRBO is a good option. If you want owner contact info I can give you our contact too.
Sapphire Village is a less expensive option because you're on the hill behind the marina, but some units offer great views and you're close to the beach. Just not waterfront, and it can be a vigorous walk back up for some.
Bolongo Bay Resort is what I would caution you on in regards to the rooms.
Enjoy your visit!

Travel Agents book through the rental agents not directly with owners. If you use a service like VRBO you can see, choose, and book a specific condo. That is a better way to plan a vacation if you know what you want.