The finishing touches are being applied to the 5-star Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour - the first major luxury hotel to be developed in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics.

It will beat the opening of James Packer's integrated resort at Barangaroo and bookings are under way for 2018 to cater for the events at the adjoining International Convention Centre.

Developed by Lendlease, the hotel is part of the $3.4 billion, 20 hectare transformation of Darling Harbour. It was designed by Sydney architect Richard Francis-Jones, from Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT).

Neil Arckless, project director, Lendlease, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, said it had come in ahead of time with practical completion due in two weeks.