They are remunerated handsomely- upwards of 160K including benefits like health insurance. They have always been reimbursed every dime of any travel expense incurred. In the past when our best clients have called in favors and the both the company and I have foregone payment, they were never asked to work for a penny less than normal. Additionally one of the guys is on salary and gets unlimited time off. Last year it was upwards of 60 days. This client is our best and pretty much only. They are amazing to work for and we have a longstanding relationship. They supply us with more work than we can handle sometimes. To refuse and bill the client for lodging could very well blight this relationship- and therefore damage the business irreparably. For my part- if i have to put them up out of my own pocket- i will likely lose my home and my child will have to withdraw from college. I know this sounds dire but its true.