Awesome vacation for those who want a beautiful Old Florida experience....and don't want to leave their dog(s) at home. If you're looking for an over-the-top, designer-sweater-tied-around-your-shoulders experience, this is not for you. The cottages are charming and equipped with all the necessities (in the Keys, you don't need much to begin with) and immaculately clean (crew visits daily to make sure you have new towels and trash removed). The grounds are gorgeous, the fishing and snorkeling fantastic, and the on-site managers absolutely warm and wonderful. The only drawback...no-see-ums at dawn and dusk who bite like crazy. When I die and go to heaven, I hope it looks like this. Can't wait to go back!

My husband, myself, Zoso (Black Lab), & Tucker (Beagle mix) enjoyed a wonderful weeklong stay at White Gate. Our unit was clean and staff was very accomodating! They supplied human and pet beach towels, so the dogs were able to enjoy the beach with us! With the gas grill at our cottage, and the range top in the unit, we didn't even have to leave the resort! But we did - taking a bike ride on the bikes provided by the resort. The grounds and beach area are great! It was a true "Keys" cottage resort as I remember it from traveling 20 years ago to Islamorada as a child. Deb in the office was super and helped with giving us ideas for dining, etc. If you are looking for a relaxing, laid-back stay with your pets, this is the place! I would highly recommend White Gate to everyone looking for a nice clean pet friendly Florida Keys experience!

After reading a few of the reviews here I was worried about White Gates and I do have to say the reservation process leaves a bit to be desired (more later).

While White Gates is not The Ritz it is comfortable and well kept. Our Villa was clean, bug-less (ants are always a problem in Florida no mater how hard you try), and even came with beds and bottled water for the dogs.

The water area was neat and tidy, it has a nice little sandy area and some steps so the dogs could get in and out of the shallow water easily.

While it is a little pricy it is a nice place to come to vacation with your dogs and I think at the end of the day, when you can see your pups smile it’s all worth it.

Now about reservations: If you are looking for 1 or 2 days, be patient with the owner. It seems that she likes to hold rooms for people who want longer stays. While this is ok, I think it would be beneficial if she could look back at years past to give you a projection of availability.

My husband and I had the most relaxing, beautiful, 4-night stay with Bella, our Yellow Lab. I just read some of the negative reviews and I must say, I think those people weren't really looking for a "Keys experience." The cottages were immaculately clean, simply but tastefully decorated - a perfect Keys place. We were not looking for any Ritz Carlton or even Hilton experience, and we got exactly what we were looking for - a very clean, quiet, relaxing spot where both Bella and we could get into the water. There are not many places in the Keys where you actually can get into the water - it's all around you but good luck getting into it, with all the rocks, grass, etc. This bayside beach bottom did have some rocks, but you could still get into the water and Bella (our Lab) was absolutely waterlogged - loved every minute! Plus there's plenty of open space; she could run around free even though we kept the leash with us in case other dogs were put off by her overly friendly nature. And each evening we sat at one of the tables by the water and watched the sunset; just another day in PARADISE! We were so happy with White Gate that we're going back for another 4 nights in September - just booked it today.