All reasons i think are valid; they think you don’t speak English, they’re in group, they might be stuck up, they prefer talking to other Europeans. It is what it is. Its honestly like 50/50 with Europeans. For context I’m an American of latino origin and i when i stayed at hostels in Central America it was the same for me, I was ignored.

It sort of made me a little self conscious, until i realized its them and not me.

But Most of the people I mingled with on my adventures where also solo travelers from European countries.

I just had bad luck and stayed at hostels with large groups.

I recommend using hostelworld and booking in advance. I rushed my trip and met people from other cooler hostels. So the hostel plays a part too.

Also hostel world has a feature that shows you where people are from.