Quasi-government experience - USPS -
Travel was reimbursed separately, as was rental car (if used)
Housing was a separate line item. (different from "regular" government)
Per Diem was based on three periods in the day. Evening time was higher than morning and afternoon.
Per Diem was paid based on a govt. supplied city cost of living table
Any time a meal was offered, the per-diem for that portion of the day was not paid - whether or not one took advantage of the meal.
i.e., If a hotel has breakfast as many do, no per-diem paid for AM hours, even if you grab a coffee on the run - or not.
How that translates to the private sector, I cannot say. Use it as a hip-pocket piece of info in case someone wants an example.
frank