The client should stop listening to others and go to the IRS publications, to learn that the rules changed and many people don't know this, and get it wrong. The IRS still is issuing Meals and Entertainment guidance, for instance. You should also get the publications and subscribe to the e-newsletters, so that you always stay current in your profession on the regulations and how they apply to any of your clients' needs.
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463
That tells you for instance: "There is no optional standard lodging amount similar to the standard meal allowance. Your allowable lodging expense deduction is your actual cost."
If staying at a friends and incurring no cost, then there is nothing incurred and nothing to deduct. Or, as a revered and long-dead community member once pointed out: You cannot write off what you did not write on.
"Reimbursed" is just a Charge to the customer and is part of Gross Revenue. Then your client keeps track of all costs, so this scenario changes nothing.
"The client (in the performing arts), has heard differing opinions from different sources!"
Examples: My spouse is a performing musician and also an "import" artist to Symphony Orchestras, which provide lodging. That means our tax tracking is meals and mileage, since lodging was provided. Or, a recording session out of town, they provide lodging and bring food to the studio sessions. So, we only incurred mileage for tax tracking.
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